NIAF News Monthly
A monthly bulletin for Italian American organizations and media outlets, dedicated to promoting the language, culture and traditions of Italians and Italian Americans.
May/June 2011 The NIAF West Coast Gala will recognize Hollywood greats, a Dodgers legend, a former public affairs icon and one of the nation’s top trial lawyers. The black-tie cocktail reception under the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, will be followed by dinner and an awards presentation in the Starlight Ballroom. Film and TV star, producer and director Joe Mantegna will be this year’s master of ceremonies. The NIAF West Coast Gala Honorees: • Dana Brunetti, Oscar nominated film producer, whose credits include “The Social Network,” will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business and Entertainment.
NIAF SALUTES LOS ANGELES PUBLIC AFFAIRS ICON JOSEPH CERRELL One of the highlights of the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) West Coast Gala is a special tribute honoring the late Joseph R. Cerrell, a former NIAF vice chairman and a legendary Los Angeles public affairs consultant. The gala will be held on May 19, 2011, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, Calif. As one of the Foundation’s leaders, president and a member of the Board of Directors for more than 16 years, Cerrell was admired and respected by Italian American and international leaders and all ethnic groups. During the more than 50 years he was involved in public affairs, he was referred to as political kingmaker, opinion leader, professor, mentor, role model and power broker.
WEST COAST GALA
• Kara DioGuardi, Grammy nominated songwriter and former American Idol judge, will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Music. • Jon Favreau, actor, screenwriter and director, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment. • Thomas V. Girardi, prominent California trial lawyer, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Law. • Tommy Lasorda, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Dodgers great, will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Management. • Gary Sinise, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment. repertoire of songs.
HOLLYWOOD STARS TO SHINE AT NIAF GALA IN SANTA MONICA Hollywood’s notables, including Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine; champion Olympic figure skater and Food Network TV chef Brian Boitano; actor, screenwriter and producer Marco Bonini; actor Robert Davi; TV and film star of “The Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno; one of the famed Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas; actor Francesco Quinn; twelve-time MLB All-Star Mike Piazza; E! News anchor and managing editor and member of the NIAF Board of Directors Giuliana DePandi Rancic; actor and model Antonio Sabato, Jr.; TV and film star Brenda Vaccaro will attend the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) West Coast Gala on May 19, 2011.
Look for NIAF on Facebook & Twitter for later events!
News Monthly Coordinator Natasha Borato 1860 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Contributing Writer Gina Ghilardi and Ginan Nakshbendi, Research Carlo Piccolo, Director of Communications Elissa Ruffino, Director of Pubilcations M. Soladay Please send your group or city’s news of Italian-American exhibits, cultural events, scholarships and special events to Elissa Ruffino at the above address or e-mail elissa@niaf.org. Events/programs noted are not necessarily endorsed or sponsored by NIAF.
6 / Summer 2011