ANNIVERSARY GALA - National Italian American Foundation

A Message from the 2011 NIAF Gala Dinner Chairman
Gabriel A. BATTista
I am honored to welcome you to this special evening.
Tonight, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
celebrates its 36th Anniversary. In more than three-anda-half
decades of service, NIAF has matured into a vital
and integral part of the Italian American community while
serving as a voice in our nation’s capital for all Americans of
Italian descent. While we are gathered here specifically to
honor a select group of accomplished individuals, everyone
present should feel part of this evening’s celebration.
Tonight’s honorees—Minority Leader of the Ohio
Senate Capri Cafaro, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dion
DiMucci, Former U.s. Congressman and NIAF Chairman
Emeritus Frank J. Guarini, Former Chairman and CEO
of Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio
Frank G. Mancuso Sr., President of Confindustria Emma
Marcegaglia, CEO of Adler Plastic S.p.A. Paolo Scudieri,
President of Gianni Versace S.p.A. and Chairman of the
Board of Fondazione Operation Smile Italia Onlus Santo
Versace, President of Mediterranean Shipping Company
(USA) Inc. Claudio Bozzo—all exemplify the dedication,
commitment to excellence and work ethic that are hallmarks
of the Italian American spirit. In additional, we are honored
to have award-winning journalist and NIAF Board Member
Maria Bartiromo lend her stage presence and charm to the
festivities as tonight’s Mistress of Ceremonies.
Each of these men and women illustrate the capacity of
Italians and Italian Americans to excel in their different
fields through innate talent, hard work and high standards.
By recognizing their achievements, we celebrate the best of
our heritage and culture. They, like you, have helped make
America and Italy the great nations that they are today.
Tonight also gives us a chance to celebrate NIAF’s more
than 36 years of service to the Italian American community.
NIAF’s success would never have been possible without
our many supporters in the United States and abroad—
many of whom are here with us in the Washington Hilton
ballroom tonight.
As an active member of our nation’s Italian American
community, I am proud to host what has become one
of our nation’s premier annual events. Thank you to
everyone who has made this dinner and NIAF’s 36th year
magnificent successes.
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The 2011 NIAF Gala