The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Gala black tie reception was held on October 23 in Washington, D.C. It is the nation’s premier Italian American reception gathering dignitary parties from all over the world and the public to celebrate NIAF’s 46th anniversary in recognizing Italian and Italian-American achievements in business, art, science, finance, music and medicine.
The NIAF Gala co-hosts this year were American actress and singer Deana Martin and American comedian Joe Piscopo. The notable honorees included American retired singer Tony Bennett, American actor Stanley Tucci, Pixtar Italian storyboard Enrico Casarosa, Fincantieri Spa Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe Bono, and Jefferson Health Vice Chairman John Silvestri. Their pride and gratitude for their Italian origin was the main focus of the delivered speeches. Mr. Silvestri thanked his mom and her teaching of Italian culture and Mr. Bono said that his success was the result of his culture and background. Among the speakers (some of them virtually), First Lady Jill Biden, the Ambassador of Italy, Honorable Mariangela Zappia, actor Al Pacino, and tenor Andrea Bocelli and his spouse.
Entertainment for the evening included: Italian Tenor Marco Fiorante, award-winning Italian singer-songwriter Chiara Izzi; and entertainer, Deana Martin.
The reception in the Abruzzo themed ballroom was preceded by an exquisite cocktail houvr. National and International journalists including Rai and Mediaset were busy interviewing the guests of honor. Among the special guests from Florida, the General Consul of Miami Hon.Cristiano Musillo, and the Vice General Consul Eva Albino. Attorney Antonietta Brancaccio Balzano attended the event as a representative of the Italian Consulate, The National Italian American Bar Association (NIABA), and Il Circolo, to establish solid relationships aimed to benefit the Italian-American community.
On the left NIAF President Robert Allegrini, on the right attorney Antonietta Brancaccio Balzano
Attorney Antonietta Brancaccio Balzano, Consul General Cristiano Musillo, Vice Consul General Eva Albino
Attorney Antonietta Brancaccio Balzano & Ambassador of Italy Mariagrazia Zappia
Attorney Antonietta Brancaccio Balzano & Fincantieri Executive Giuseppe Bono
Attorney Antonietta Brancaccio Balzano, Jefferson Health vice Chairman John Silvestri and his spouse