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From the dais looking out into the audience of about 1,200 at the NIAF 38th Anniversary Gala in the Washington Hilton Hotel’s International Ballroom, masters of ceremonies Maria Bartiromo and Joe Piscopo told guests how “incredibly delighted” they were to be at the event where so many people were celebrating the heritage, legacy and rich culture of Italian Americans. Bartiromo, the Emmy Award-winning journalist and CNBC Anchor, told a brief story of her family starting with her grandfather coming to America in 1919, then added, “So that is my history and why I’m so proud to be with you because …

The National Italian American Foundation is pleased to announce today a $500,000 grant from the late Ernest L. Pellegri, one of the Foundation’s donors, to the University of Maryland’s Department of Classics. Their project entitled, “Between Washington and Ancient Rome: The NIAF Pellegri Program on Roman Antiquity and Its Legacy in America,” was selected to receive the NIAF Ernest Pellegri Grant to support the study of Latin, ancient Roman archeology, and ancient Roman civilization; and to offer opportunities for students to study abroad, conduct research, and pursue fellowships in the United States and Italy. “NIAF Chairman Joseph V. Del Raso, …

by Kelly O’Mara On Saturday, April 21, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame celebrated its 2012 Awards Gala honoring Jim Corno, president of Comcast SportsNet, as the Sportsman of the Year and Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds first baseman, as the Athlete of the Year. The Sportsman of the Year Award is presented to a business leader who is continually giving back to the community in never-ending support of charities and humanitarian causes. With more than 30 years in the regional sports television business in Chicago, Corno has undoubtedly made his mark in the industry. More important to him …

On Saturday, November 2, 2013, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) officially inducted its Class of 2013 at a celebratory dinner dance. Welcoming guests from throughout the United States were NIASHF National Spokesman and New York Mets Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. Piazza was joined by Chicago radio and television sports broadcaster Wayne Randazzo as a co-host for the evening. The event was Co-Chaired by Tom Fioretti and Tony Iannessa. More than 250 guests attended the star-studded celebration that also included a silent auction of important and rare sports memorabilia, and dancing to the HiLine Band. The …

The 87th annual Columbus Banquet hosted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America, was held on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. Stephen Martini, chairman for the event, welcomed the guests, and the emcee for the evening, the Honorable Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park, introduced the Grand Lodge officers, guests and dignitaries. Receiving OSIA’s 2011 Leadership Award was the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii as “Pillar of the Italian American Community for a Century.” In presenting the award, Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli stated: “The Shrine has …

The Grand Lodge of IL & WI, Order Sons of Italy in America, hosted their 11th Annual Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence Gala on May 6, 2012, at BeauJolie by Victoria in Schiller Park. Chairperson for the event, Anna DeLuca, welcomed the honorees and guests and introduced Richard Della Croce, who sang the American National Anthem and the Italian National Anthem. Mr. Della Croce, Grand Lodge Immediate Past President and National Historian, served as emcee for the day. In presenting the awards to 14 distinguished Italian Americans, Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli stated, “Our recipients walk among giants in …

The Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America, hosted its 88th annual Columbus Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Villa Brunetti. Richard and Christine Della Croce, chairpersons for the event, welcomed the guests and the master of ceremonies for the evening, the Honorable Anthony Calderone, mayor of Forest Park, who introduced the Grand Lodge Officers, guests and dignitaries. Receiving the award for Humanitarian of 2012 was Frank Amaro, Illinois state commander of the Italian American War Veterans. In presenting the award, Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli said, “Frank is truly deserving of this award …

Twelve worthy Italian Americans were honored with a Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence at the 12th Annual Gala held on May 5 at BeauJolie by Victoria in Schiller Park. The event is hosted annually by the Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America. Chairperson for the event Anna DeLuca welcomed honorees and guests, and introduced Richard Della Croce, who sang the American National Anthem and Italian National Anthem. Mr. Della Croce, Grand Lodge Immediate Past President and National Historian, served as emcee for the day. In the spirit of da Vinci, the order recognized …

by Dona De Sanctis The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) celebrated the 25th anniversary of its National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala May 23 in the nation’s capital. SIF is the philanthropic arm of the Sons of Italy, the nation’s oldest and largest organization for people of Italian heritage. During the gala evening, held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., four leaders in business, government and entertainment received SIF awards: Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne; General Colin L. Powell, USA (ret.); actor Gary Sinise and Sky TV’s Robert Corrao. The honorees Sergio Marchionne, chairman & CEO of Chrysler …

by Dona De Sanctis The Order Sons of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin, will honor Senatore Renato Turano as Humanitarian of the Year at its 89th annual Columbus Banquet. Sons of Italy Foundation scholarships also will be bestowed at the event. The event will take place on Oct. 12 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. (708-403-7822) One of the true luminaries of the Chicago-area Italian-American community, business and community leader Renato Turano does triple duty as the senatore representing North and Central America in the Italian Parliament. Best known locally as the President of the Turano …