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The <strong>National</strong> <strong>Italian</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong> 2011 : A Year of Milestones Please join NIAF tonight in welcoming our special guests who courageously served their country and humanity on that fateful day we will never forget. September 11, 2001 New York Police Department (NYPD) Columbia Association New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Columbia Association Rev. Raymond Nobiletti, M.M., Pastor, Church of the Transfiguration Anthony Correia / Shutterstock.com 30 The 2011 NIAF Gala
The <strong>National</strong> <strong>Italian</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong> COAst to COAst COAst to COAst A Look Back at 2011 — START SPREADING THE NEWS Popular <strong>Italian</strong> singer and songwriter Gigi D’Alessio turned up the bright lights at Radio City Music Hall, in New York City, on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, for a large NIAF contingent who gave him one standing ovation after another. During the concert, Michael A. Zampardi, former <strong>National</strong> <strong>Italian</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong> Regional Vice President for Greater New York, presented D’Alessio with a NIAF United States-Italy Friendship Award. Joining the ceremony and show were members of NIAF’s leadership, Linda R. Carlozzi, Robert E. Carlucci, Rocco Commisso, Arthur J. Furia and Salvatore M. Salibello. The concert, “Tu vuo’ fa’ l’<strong>American</strong>o” (“You pretend to be <strong>American</strong>”), was a special tribute to D’Alessio’s friend, Maestro Renato Carosone—one of the great figures in the 20th century <strong>Italian</strong> music. Accompanying D’Alessio at his piano was his band and a 50-piece <strong>American</strong> orchestra, conducted by Maurizio Pica. With a 3D techno light show ablaze, D’Alessio shared the stage with other acclaimed entertainers, including Liza Minnelli, Manhattan Transfer, <strong>Italian</strong> crooner Mario Biondi and Christian de Sica, son of the legendary <strong>Italian</strong> actor and director Vittorio de Sica. Other special guests included former Middleweight Champions, <strong>Italian</strong> boxing great Nino Michael A. Zampardi presenting a NIAF United States-Italy Friendship Award to Gigi D’Alessio. Gigi D’Alessio and Paul Anka Gigi D’Alessio and NIAF Board Member Linda R. Carlozzi. Benvenuti and Emile Griffith—the two boxed for the championship in three classic matches in the mid ‘60s. A highlight was when D’Alessio sang “It’s Now or Never” with legend Paul Anka and, for comic relief, he arm-wrestled across his piano with “Rocky” star Sylvester Stallone. Photos by Eugenio Blasio Photos by Eugenio Blasio The 2011 NIAF Gala 31
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