The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) hosted its annual New York Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on Thursday, April 20, 2023 and it was a joyous celebration of Italian culture! Over 700 members of the Italian American community celebrated Italian heritage and culture in New York City. During the event, NIAF honored impactful members of the Italian community. This year, Silvio Petriello, Vice Chairman at CBRE, Angelo Vivolo, President of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, Beth T. Mazzeo, former Chief Administrative Officer of Bloomberg LP, and actor Tony LoBianco were among the honorees.
As guests and honorees arrived, they were interviewed by the press from Italy and New York. NIAF was proud to have Italian state broadcasting network, RAI, attend the event to film for Casa Italia, a program on the broadcaster’s international RAI Italy service. As the program continued, there were speeches from honorees and guests including Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in NY, NIAF Chairman of the Board Robert Carlucci, Eugenio Giani, President of the Region of Tuscany, and NIAF New York Gala Chairman Gerard LaRocca. Each guest left with gift bags from DeCecco and Nero Lifestyle. Here is a recap of some of the special moments at this spectacular annual event:
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
The 2023 NIAF New York Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
Guests of the 2023 NIAF New York Gala enjoying the dinner ceremony.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
This year’s master of ceremonies, NIAF Celebrity Ambassador, entertainer and radio host Joe Piscopo and honoree Angelo Vivolo, President of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, who received the National Italian American Foundation Special Achievement Award in Philanthropy.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
This year’s master of ceremonies, NIAF Celebrity Ambassador, entertainer and radio host Joe Piscopo and honoree Beth T. Mazzeo, special advisor and the former Chief Administrative Officer of Bloomberg LP, who received The National Italian American Foundation Special Achievement Award in Business.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
This year’s master of ceremonies, NIAF Celebrity Ambassador, entertainer and radio host Joe Piscopo and honoree Silvio Petriello, Vice Chairman at CBRE, who received The National Italian American Foundation Special Achievement Award in Real Estate.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
A table part of NIAF’s silent-auction collection of sports and film memorabilia, exclusive designer accessories, and one-of-a-kind travel experiences.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
New York Gala Dinner Chairman Gerard S. LaRocca is a member of NIAF’s Board of Directors and NIAF President Robert Allegrini.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
New York Gala Dinner Chairman Gerard S. LaRocca and honoree actor Tony Lo Bianco.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
Actor, international recording artist, and one of the three New York Tenors, Christopher Macchio performing to the sold-out gala.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
NIAF Chairman Robert Carlucci welcoming guests to the 2023 NIAF New York Gala.
(Photo Credit: Jason Isolini)
Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, giving remarks.
(Photo Credit: Jeff Miller)
Honoree Tony Lo Bianco, who received the National Italian American Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment, poses with gala host Joe Piscopo.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.