32nd Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala Journal by ordersonsofitaly

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THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

ANNUAL NATIONAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARDS GALA May 28, 2021 - A Virtual Event

Table of Contents A Proclamation from President Donald J. Trump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Welcome from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The 2021 NELA Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The 2021 NELA Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SIF Honoree The Polo Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SIF Honoree Yolanda Cellucci. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 SIF Honoree Bob and Lisa Tramontano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SIF Honoree Joseph Mele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 NELA Chairman General Peter William Chiarelli, U.S. Army (Retired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The 2021 Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The 2021 National Leadership Grant Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Master of Ceremonies Joe Mantegna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Help Our Military Heroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Featured Performer: Michael Amante. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 National Anthems: Maria Fassio Pignati. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Highlights from Past NELA Galas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Sons of Italy Foundation: Making a Difference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 SIF Contribution Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 SIF Past Honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The SIF Board and Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The SIF Staff and Consultants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Commission for Social Justice® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Gold Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The 2021 NELA Sponsor Listings and Journal Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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, P r e s i d e n t i a l P r o c l a m a t i o n - C o l u m b u s D a y , 2020 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A Proclamation

More than 500 years ago, Christopher Columbus’s intrepid voyage to the New World ushered in a new era of exploration and discovery. His travels led to European contact with the Americas and, a century later, the first settlements on the shores of the modern day United States. Today, we celebrate Columbus Day to commemorate the great Italian who opened a new chapter in world history and to appreciate his enduring significance to the Western Hemisphere. When Christopher Columbus and his crew sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María it marked the beginning of a new era in human history. For Italian Americans, Christopher Columbus represents one of the first of many immeasurable contributions of Italy to American history. As a native of Genoa, Columbus inspired early immigrants to carry forth their rich Italian heritage to the New World. Today, the United States benefits from the warmth and generosity of nearly 17 million Italian Americans, whose love of family and country strengthen the fabric of our Nation. For our beautiful Italian American communities — and Americans of every background –Columbus remains a legendary figure. Sadly, in recent years, radical activists have sought to undermine Christopher Columbus’s legacy. These extremists seek to replace discussion of his vast contributions with talk of failings, his discoveries with atrocities, and his achievements with transgressions. Rather than learn from our history, this radical ideology and its adherents seek to revise it, deprive it of any splendor, and mark it as inherently sinister. They seek to squash any dissent from their orthodoxy. We must not give in to these tactics or consent to such a bleak view of our history. We must teach future generations about our storied heritage, starting with the protection of monuments to our intrepid heroes like Columbus. This June, I signed an Executive Order to ensure that any person or group destroying or vandalizing a Federal monument, memorial, or statue is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I have also taken steps to ensure that we preserve our Nation’s history and promote patriotic education. In July, I signed another Executive Order to build and rebuild monuments to iconic American figures in a National Garden of American Heroes. In September, I announced the creation of the 1776 Commission, which will encourage our educators to teach our children about the miracle of American history and honor our founding. In addition, last month I signed an Executive Order to root out the teaching of racially divisive concepts from the Federal workplace, many of which are grounded in the same type of revisionist history that is trying to erase Christopher Columbus from our national heritage. Together, we must safeguard our history and stop this new wave of iconoclasm by standing against those who spread hate and division. On this Columbus Day, we embrace the same optimism that led Christopher Columbus to discover the New World. We inherit that optimism, along with the legacy of American heroes who blazed the trails, settled a continent, tamed the wilderness, and built the single-greatest nation the world has ever seen. In commemoration of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), has requested the President proclaim the second Monday of October of each year as “Columbus Day.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 12, 2020, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and all who have contributed to shaping this Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, From The Sons

Italy Foundation® Leadership

Welcome

Nancy DiFiore Quinn, Chairman

Joseph Sciame, President

Welcome to the 32nd Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala. Tonight, we proudly honor extraordinary Italian Americans: The Polo Family; Yolanda Cellucci; Bob and Lisa Tramontano; and Joseph Mele. We are also proud to be hosting several veterans as our guests for tonight’s gala, including our NELA Gala Honorary Chairman General Peter W. Chiarelli (United States Army, Ret.). In addition to these extraordinary honorees and courageous veterans, we celebrate the promising future of our ItalianAmerican youth. This year’s Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) scholarship winners were selected for a combination of exemplary academic performance, school leadership, and community service. The SIF and its national scholarship program are proud to contribute to the future of such students as they pursue higher education that will lead them to many impressive accomplishments down the road. Finally, we come together on this night to recognize the Sons and Daughters of Italy and raise money for its Foundation. To date, members have raised more than $165 million for charities and scholarships. Prior to the pandemic, we helped commemorate the opening of a kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia, a town located in the Marche region of Italy that was devastated by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake. The SIF was proud to contribute a total of $200,000 toward the rebuilding of the school, a project that was spearheaded by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. This substantial donation was made possible through the contributions of individual members, Local Lodges, and Grand Lodges of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. In addition to disaster relief, the SIF also donated $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes—the SIF’s seventh contribution in eight years. The donation provided a minivan for United States Coast Guard CPT Lucas ‘Luke’ Jackson (ret.). To all veterans in attendance tonight, we are indebted to you for your service and your sacrifice. Not to be overlooked are the many other donations we have made to several important causes. In 2019, the SIF contributed $5,000 to the placement of a Constantino Brumidi Statue in Annapolis, Maryland, and in 2020, the SIF contributed $15,000 to The V Foundation for Cancer Research and $10,000 to Ronald McDonald House of New York. These are but a few examples of the variety of worthy causes that the SIF has most recently supported. This evening, we are proud of the SIF’s commitment to giving back as well as the many other ways in which our Local Lodges and Grand Lodges have given to those in need on a local, national, and international level. It is an evening such as this that allows us to honor these collective efforts and helps raise funds so that the SIF may continue its mission.

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, THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

Annual

national education

& Leadership

Friday, May 28, 2021 - A Virtual Event - 7

awards

GALA

p.m. program start

Program

Message from the COO Joseph J. DiTrapani, Chief Operating Officer, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Message from the President Nancy DeFiore Quinn, National President, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Message from the Italian Embassy Domenico Bellantone, First Counsellor, The Embassy of Italy

“Fratelli d’Italia”

Maria Fassio Pignati

“The Star Spangled Banner”

Maria Fassio Pignati

Invocation

Rev. R. Adam Forno

Introduction

Joe Mantegna, Master of Ceremonies

Joseph Sciame, President, Sons of Italy Foundation

Greetings

2021 SIF NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS 2021 National Education & Leadership Award The Polo Family Aerospace Manufacturers 2021 Award for Excellence in Business

Yolanda Cellucci Fashion Entrepreneur

Bob and Lisa Tramontano

2021 Humanitarian Award

2021 Lifetime Achievement Award

Joseph Mele Engineer, Professor, Designer, Inventor

Musical Interlude

Michael Amante “Armed Forces Medley”

Military Presentation General Peter W. Chiarelli (United States Army, Ret.), Honorary Chairman

Video Presentation

Closing

Finale: “God Bless America”

Help Our Military Heroes Joe Mantegna Maria Fassio Pignati

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, 2021 N a t i o n a l E d u c a t i o n & L e a d e r s h i p A w a r d s (NELA) G a l a

Official Sponsors PLATINUM

Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Elham Cicippio The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation The Polo Family

GOLD American Maritime Officers Service Grand Lodge of New York L3Harris Joseph Mele The Melikian Group Vivian Cardia Yolanda Cellucci

SILVER ACMT South

Joseph and Carol DiTrapani

Comm. Joseph Sciame, President, Sons of Italy Foundation

Peduzzi Associates, Ltd. Privitera Family Charitable Foundation

Dr. Mark DeNunzio Gift of Sight Grand Lodge of New Jersey

Scott and Lauren DiTrapani The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. The Froccaro Family

BRONZE Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Grand Lodge of Florida Grand Lodge of Maryland Inserra Supermarkets Joseph & Pauline Russo LaRuffa Chiropractic + Sports Rehab Naden/Lean, LLC

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) - AFL–CIO National OSDIA President Nancy Quinn and John Quinn Nicholas Donofrio Peter & Rose Ann Chieco The Sons of Italy Foundation Trustees Vera Ferrara Girolami & Judge Al Girolami

The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) would like to thank its generous sponsors for supporting the 32nd Annual NELA Gala and helping the SIF give back in the spirit of our Italian heritage. 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

The Polo Family AEROSPACE MANUFACTURERS

THE 2021 SIF NATIONAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Polo family story started in 1940 when Sebastian Marco Polo married Mary DeAngelis. Sebastian, commonly known as “Subby,” and Mary had two sons; Paul S. Polo was born in 1942, and Michael S. Polo was born in 1945. Subby worked primarily as a barber and Mary as a seamstress. The couple also owned a pizza restaurant, and Subby served for one term as a state legislator in the Connecticut House of Representatives in the mid-1970s. In 1941, soon after their wedding, Subby and Mary joined the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s (OSDIA) Hartford Lodge #333. This began the Polo family’s dedication to our beloved Order, which is now in its third generation of service. Soon after Subby joined the Order, he took on leadership positions, proceeding quickly through the Local Chairs and becoming the Hartford Lodge President for two terms. Subby was then elected to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, and he proceeded through the State Chairs to become Grand Lodge of Connecticut State President for two terms. Soon after, Subby was elected National Trustee of the Supreme Lodge, and he also served for many years as Foundation Trustee. In 2001, Sebastian received one of the highest awards that OSDIA bestows on a member—the Dr. Vincenzo Salerno Award—at the 47th National Convention. Subby was a proud member of OSDIA for 68 years until his death in 2009. In 1960, Subby and Mary’s older son, Paul, also joined the same Hartford Lodge #333 and became the youngest Lodge President at the age of 21. Paul was elected Delegate to the National Convention in 1985 and, like his father before him, he proceeded through Chairs until he served as National President in 1995-1997. Paul also served in the Marine Corps before becoming a Master Tube Bender in the aerospace industry and took a part-time job to help pay for his parents’ 25th wedding anniversary. Thirteen years later, Paul owned the aerospace manufacturing business until he sold it in 2004. Being too young to retire, Paul partnered with his youngest son, Michael, who also owns a successful aerospace business, which has continued Paul’s 56 years in the aerospace industry. Paul also served as Sons of Italy Foundation President for eight years. Paul was the Vice Chairman for Italian Americans for U.S. President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. President Clinton appointed Paul as an alternate delegate to the U.S. Small Business Administration. President George H. W. Bush placed Paul on the Presidential Roundtable and on the Christopher Columbus Foundation for six years. In 2007, Paul was awarded the Guglielmo Marconi Award, OSDIA’s highest honor bestowed on any individual. The Order has been very important to Paul, and it holds a very special place in his life. After 62 years of service, Paul remains an active member today. Paul is married to his wife, Nami. Paul has three sons. Paul’s oldest son, Dr. Paul S. Polo Jr., DDS, is married to Angela Polo, and they have two children and two grandchildren. Paul’s middle son, Daniel, has three children and five grandchildren. Subby and Mary’s younger son, Michael S. Polo, joined the Order in 1965 as a member of the same Hartford Lodge #333 as his parents. Michael served in many roles at the local lodge. He was then appointed National Deputy to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, serving in several leadership roles under three state presidents. In 1995, as a delegate to the National Convention, he was elected National Trustee. After his term, he returned to his lodge in Connecticut, and in 2001, Michael was elected Grand Lodge of Connecticut State President, the first time in Connecticut Grand Lodge history that a father and son held that position. Michael then served as Trustee for the Sons of Italy Foundation. Michael also worked as the Head of Facilities and Maintenance at Hartford Hospital, spending more than 30 years in the healthcare industry. Michael has one son, Thomas Polo, who is married to Kara Polo and has two daughters. Of Subby and Mary’s four grandsons, Michael G. Polo, the youngest son of Paul and his partner at ACMT, Inc. & ACMT South LLC, joined the Order in 1980 at the age of 16. Michael founded the Shoreline Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge, the first nationally approved Sons and Daughters of Italy named lodge. Michael served in several state roles and currently serves as the National Third Vice President, continuing his 40 years with the Order. The Polo Family has shared three generations and 80 years with the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Every meeting, phone call, and trip feels as though they are visiting relatives because the Order is family to them. The Polo Family looks forward to many more years ahead of serving the Order and visiting with this beloved extended family 6

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Yolanda Cellucci FASHION ENTREPRENEUR

THE 2021 SIF EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD

Yolanda Cellucci is a successful, self-made businesswoman, fashion visionary, and stylist, noted philanthropist, and celebrated personality of the Massachusetts community. Known as “Fashion’s First Lady,” Yolanda’s legendary career in the world of fashion spanned over fifty years. She both set and defied fashion trends, while also blazing a trail for women in the retail and fashion industries. In 1968, she opened her first store in Belmont, Massachusetts, with only seven dresses and a handful of wigs. Within five years, she expanded her business and opened her iconic salon in Waltham. This multimillion dollar empire included a bridal boutique, full service beauty salon, and a health spa, incorporating the Total Woman concept. For many decades, she provided top notch service and exquisite bridal and couture designs by many of the top names in the world of fashion. She was known for producing fantastic over-the-top fashion shows which made her a favorite guest on local and national television shows. Vogue described Yolanda’s Salon as a place “Where Beautiful Lifestyles Begin,” which became the slogan for the business. After 50 years in business, Yolanda’s Salon finally closed its doors. Residing in Watertown, Massachusetts, she currently hosts her own show, Yolanda Style & Glamor, on WCAC-TV and works as a personal shopper, speaker, and fashion consultant. She has published a memoir based on her life and career in the world of fashion, and has begun a series of children’s books dedicated to the memory of her daughter Linda. Yolanda is the mother of Linda and Sondra, devoted wife to Dan, and a proud member of the Italian-American community. Yolanda serves on numerous boards and is a tireless advocate and active supporter of charitable and organizations. She has received countless awards and recognitions for her philanthropic contributions and leadership over the years, and her commitment to humanitarian causes has been commended by many Italian-American organizations.

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Bob & Lisa Tramontano

THE 2021 SIF HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Bob and Lisa Tramontano are grateful for their family, friends, and the countless blessings they have received over the years. They have chosen to give back to and through the church and by helping women in difficult situations take control of their lives while creating a home for their children. Bob’s grandfather, Giuseppe Tramontano, emigrated from Sorrento, Italy, to New York City in 1920 at the age of eight. Once settled, he lived in the Italian section of New York City, where faith, family, and food were intertwined, creating a strong backbone and moral compass. Anthony, Bob’s father, was a bit of a maverick and created a stir by marrying a red-headed Irish woman named Barbara Tobin, who also believed in faith, family, and food! Bob met Lisa in college. Five years later, they were married with two children, Lauren and Matthew, soon in tow. Lisa was a manager of brokers at Fidelity, and Bob was in sales at NCR before they made the decision to follow Bob’s career with NCR to Scotland and then London. Over Bob’s 37-year career with NCR, they moved seven times! Lisa and the kids were professionals at making friends and integrating into the local communities. Like the Tramontanos, Lisa believed in faith, family, and food. However, she also believed in a fourth “F.” Fundraising. Bob and Lisa’s family and friends are actively involved in charitable giving. Many people want to give back but do not know how. Lisa is the drum major for the charities she cares about. We have been honored to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity, a new Catholic Church in Seattle, renovate an old church in England, support the Visual Arts, and feed the needy. Lisa is not afraid of the “ask.” She will approach anyone for anything in support of a good cause and teach those looking to serve how to get involved. Lisa has a special interest in service that is personal and grass roots. Over the last ten years, Seton Home and Guadalupe Home have been an area of focus. Seton Home is a residential community that helps young girls, age 12-18, that are pregnant due to abuse and neglect. Our goal is to teach these young women how to care for their children while proving the opportunity to complete their education. We strive for a 100% High School graduation rate. The mothers receive counseling and resources to help them prepare for the next stage of life with their children. Guadalupe Home is a transitional shelter for adult women who are living on the streets, are pregnant or parenting, and need shelter. We provide support services and personal growth opportunities in a home-like environment designed to nurture the family unit. It is a continual challenge to give these mothers hope, especially when so many feel they have been left behind or abandoned. This passage is poignant for us: “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked, ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But…the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’” - Martin Luther King, Jr. We are honored to be recognized for the service accomplishments of our family and friends. Our Italian heritage created an environment in which everyone looks out for each other and all are welcome. It took everyone in the family to make the Sunday “sauce.” It takes everybody to make a difference, starting with us.

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Joseph Mele

ENGINEER, PROFESSOR, DESIGNER, INVENTOR

THE 2021 SIF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Joseph Mele is a designer, inventor, and entrepreneur with three engineering degrees. His experience and enthusiasm for creative design has developed a revolutionary concept in the forging industry. This concept resulted in the development of the Meleform process, which can be applied to many industries including aviation, automotive, shipbuilding, and civil structures. At the age of 16, Mele was accepted to the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute where he studied to be an Aeronautical Engineer. After graduation, he continued on at Brooklyn Polytechnic and received Masters Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. For two years as an instructor at Brooklyn Polytechnic, he taught Strength of Materials and was also the lead Wind Tunnel Operator in the Aeronautical Laboratory. While studying for his degree in Applied Mechanics, he authored an NACA report entitled, The Instability of Aluminum Monocoque Structures. His first commercial job was with Grumman Aerospace Corporation. He started as a tooling engineer and eventually became Director of Manufacturing Research. While employed at Grumman, Mele was an adjunct instructor for seven years at Farmingdale State College, State University of New York, teaching two plastic technology courses. Upon completing his career at Grumman, he assumed a full-time position as Professor of Manufacturing Technology at the New York State College at Farmingdale. Upon his retirement, he worked on a project to reduce the cost and waste of machining forgings to final shape. The effort resulted in obtaining a patent for the Meleform Process. This development makes it possible to fabricate parts to final shape without any machining required. For his next project, he worked on a system using Isogrid Panels to capture the wind more efficiently than conventional Fiberglass Turbines for creating electrical power. He also holds a patent for this process. He developed a new concept in bridge technology for a bridge without any rivets, gusset plates, catenary, or hanging cables. It is a system of creating bridge modules of Monolithic Isogrid Aluminum or Titanium Monocoque Structures built on the ground and lifted up to bridge assembly. He is currently developing his design for the Flo-Forge machinery, which would revolutionize the process for building aircraft parts. Mele spent most of his life in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and he currently resides in New Bern, North Carolina. A long-time devoted member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Mele was honored for his achievements by the Grand Lodge of New York in 2013.

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General Peter William Chiarelli U N I T E D ST A TE S A R M Y ( RE T I RE D )

THE 2021 NELA GALA HONORARY CHAIRMAN

General Peter William Chiarelli, U.S. Army (Retired) dedicated nearly 40 years of service to the United States. As Commander of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq in 2006, Chiarelli coordinated the actions of all four military services and was responsible for the day-to-day combat operations of more than 147,000 U.S. and Coalition troops. From March 2007 to August 2008, Chiarelli was the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. During this time, Chiarelli pioneered efforts to restore government and economic stability as well as essential services during two tours in Iraq; exercised command and control of combat operations; and trained, prepared, and mobilized reserve forces for critical response operations. While serving as the 32nd Vice Chief of Staff from 2008-2012, Chiarelli led the daily operations of the Army and its 1.1 million soldiers both active and reserve. It was during this time that General Chiarelli advanced the efforts of the Department of Defense on post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and suicide prevention. He retired from the Army in 2012. In 2013, Chiarelli received the Patriot Award, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s highest honor, for his work to aid service men and women as well as their families suffering from the invisible wounds of war. In March 2012, General Chiarelli continued his advocacy on brain health and became the first CEO of One Mind, a not-for-profit organization advocating for and facilitating scientific and medical advancement to accelerate effective, lasting treatment for brain disease and injury as well as reducing stigma. Along with leading the organization’s strategic initiatives, he worked expeditiously with members in the government, corporate, scientific, and philanthropic communities to significantly accelerate large-scale research for brain illnesses and injuries through Open Science data sharing and collaboration. His recent achievements include leading One Mind’s support of the TRACK-TBI research collaboration by aiding TRACK-TBI in its progress towards obtaining FDA approval of biologically based biomarkers for TBI. Although General Chiarelli retired as CEO in 2018, he continues to advocate for this critical work. As a native of Washington State, Chiarelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Seattle University, a Master of Public Administration from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategy from Salve Regina University. He is also a graduate of the College of Naval Command and Staff and the National War College. Other Board of Director and Advisory positions:

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L3Harris Technologies – Director

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. – Director

BAE Systems Aerospace Company – Consultant

Booz Allen Hamilton – Consultant

Airbus Aerospace Company – Advisor

Raydon Corporation – Consultant

NFL Scientific Advisory Board – Chairman

UCLA Operation Mend – Board of Advisors

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, THE 2021 SIF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANT DONORS

The Sons of Italy Foundation Deeply Thanks SIF P e r p e t u a l S c h o l a r s h i p D o n o r s

the

Giulia Besozzi Scholarship

Simone & Bruno Giuffrida Memorial Scholarship

Boncore Family Scholarship

Giovanni & Emilia Glessi Memorial Scholarship

Cappellotti Family Scholarship

George L. Graziadio/SIF Scholarship

Carlone Family Scholarship

Polo Family Scholarship

Lou Carnesecca Scholarship

Frank D. Privitera Scholarship

DeNunzio Family Scholarship*

Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship*

Lucia & Antonio De Vico Family Scholarship*

Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship*

Esposito Family Scholarship

George J. Spatuzza Memorial Scholarship

The Charles Evans Scholarship*

Angelo Tomasso Sr. Scholarship*

Franzone Family Scholarship*

T h e SIF

thanks the donors of this year’s additional scholarships:

American University of Rome/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship Peter & Jeri DeJana Foundation Law Scholarship DeSantis/Giuffrida Scholarship The Lido Club of Washington, DC Scholarship The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language Joseph Sciame Scholarship *Perpetual Scholarship was awarded at the 2021 NELA Gala.

THE CHARLES EVANS SCHOLARSHIP For the 12th year, the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) is proud to award The Charles Evans Scholarship, a perpetual scholarship funded by an endowment from the Charles Evans Foundation. A successful businessman, U.S. veteran, and philanthropist, Charles Evans cofounded the fashion house Evan-Picone and was Executive Producer of the Academy Award-winning film, “Tootsie.” Mr. Evans crusaded for causes close to his heart, namely fire detection safety and Alzheimer’s disease research, and served as National Director of the Alzheimer’s Association. The SIF is grateful to the Charles Evans Foundation and Linda Munson Rothkopf for having made this perpetual scholarship possible.

Charles Evans (1926-2007) 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

, THE 2021 SIF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS ALESSIA WELCH The Charles Evans Scholarship

Hometown: Dallas, TX School: University of California San Diego – La Jolla, California

• Earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT and an unweighted 4.0 at Ursuline Academy of Dallas * Completed over 650 hours of community service volunteering for the Dallas Zoo as a Zoo Crew Volunteer, Global Elementary Model United Nations as Secretary General, and the Dallas Mavericks as a Ball Kid • Competes as a figure skater for the Dallas Figure Skating Club

ALEXANDER DENNIS Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship

Hometown: Franklin, MI School: University of Michigan Medical School – Ann Arbor, MI

• Received a Fulbright Student Award to teach English in Campobasso (Molise region), where he taught in classrooms with curricula focusing on economics, marketing, and international relations • Joined a local theater school in Campobasso, where he taught improvisational acting courses in Italian • Spent the 2020 summer translating his grandfather’s

memoirs into English from the Barese dialect of Italian

AMANDA COCCIA The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language Hometown: Medford, NY School: Middlebury College – Middlebury, VT

• Presented at the Middlebury College

Spring Student Symposium on the History of Italian American Food (in Photos) • Awarded scholarships from the National Organization for Italian American Women (NOIAW) and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) to continue her Italian language studies • Awarded a scholarship through the Italian American Committee on Education (IACE) to participate in their Summer Program studying Italian and experiencing Italian culture in Narni, Italy (Umbria region), for two weeks in collaboration with the Narnia Arts Festival

ANTHONY ZITO The Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship

Hometown: San Jose, CA School: California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, CA

• Earned Principal’s Honor Roll eight

times and is a National Honor Society

1 2

and California Scholarship Federation member

• Served as FIRST Robotics Team 1351 Vice President and

was FIRST Dean’s List Semi-Finalist

• Served as Staff Writer for The Monarch, Archbishop Mitty

High School’s student newspaper

BENNETT DiDENTE COMERFORD The Lucia & Antonio De Vico Family Scholarship Hometown: Bend, OR School: Harvard University/Harvard Divinity School – Cambridge, MA

• Received the Italian Book Award,

Boston College Romance Languages and Literatures Department • Awarded the U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship • Received the Harvard University Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning Certificate of Distinction for Teaching

CATHERINE CAVANAUGH The Franzone Family Scholarship Hometown: Lansdale, PA

School: University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA

• Named 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar

and received National Honor Society Scholarship

• Performed at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in the

Nashville Fields of Gold Honors Orchestra

• Founded the Spanish Translation Project, helping hundreds

of student learn biology, health, and chemistry in five countries and 13 states

COLE MCCUBBINS The DeSantis/Giuffrida Scholarship Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT School: University of Cambridge – Cambridge, United Kingdom

• Graduated magna cum laude from the

University of Utah

• Recognized for his novel economic

research on food insecurity and disruptive technologies

• Became the first in his family to acquire Italian citizenship

by jure sanguinis

ESTER LUNA The Lido Club of Washington, DC Scholarship Hometown: Washington, DC School: Yale University – New Haven, CT

• Speaks three native languages (Italian,

English, and French) and is fluent in Chinese and Spanish

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, THE 2021 SIF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS • Works as a freelance translator from/into Italian, French,

and English for the nonprofits conSLAncio and American Friends of Chartres • Published poems, short stories, and theatre reviews, and illustrates for teen journals

FELICIA RAGUCCI The Franzone Family Scholarship

Hometown: Tewksbury, MA School: Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH

• Interned at the Centers for Disease

Control (CDC) Headquarters from January to March 2020, during which she explored science communications and helped the Quarantine Branch respond to the rapidly emerging COVID-19 pandemic • Interned at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters from September 2020 to May 2021 and completed a space history research project for an upcoming e-book • Won the Albert I. Dickerson 1930 Freshman Writing Prize at Dartmouth in 2019, which is awarded to a first-year student who writes “an outstanding expository essay”

FRANCESCA MARINI The Joseph Sciame Scholarship

Hometown: Sagamore Beach, MA School: University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA

• Graduated summa cum laude in May 2021 from the University of Pennsylvania and will graduate from there in 2022 with a Master of Science in Engineering in Computer & Information Science • Worked in Natural Language Processing research (a branch of machine learning) and co-authored two research publications • Is a United States Figure Skating Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field and was a member of the founding board of the UPenn Figure Skating Club, serving as Treasurer and Show Director

GABRIELLA WHITED The Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship

Hometown: San Francisco, CA School: John Cabot University – Rome, Italy

• Invited to speak at the “Stronger Than You Think” program

to address mental wellness for teens in 2020 • Wrote, published, and learned how to digitally distribute her first song called “I keep on falling” when she was 16 • Started a small online e-commerce store called Diavoline when she was 17 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

JOHN VANETTI The Angelo Tomasso Sr. Scholarship Hometown: Louisville, KY School: Purdue University – West LaFayette, IN

• Graduated from Kentucky Governor’s

Scholars Program

• Graduated from Trinity High School as a Top Ten Honor

Graduate

• Worked as a Seeds of Change Biological Researcher in

Costa Rica

JULIANNA BIBBO The Cappellotti Family Scholarship Hometown: Pasadena, MD College: Villanova University – Villanova, PA

• Was the only student in her high school

to receive all three honors awarded for service/scholarship, outstanding school spirit, and personal character • Founded the organization “Cards2Care4Teens,” which designs and distributes support cards for teens facing health and/or economic hardships • Received both the United States President’s Gold Level Volunteer Service Award and Maryland Governor’s Volunteer Service Commendation

SAMANTHA PIROZZOLO The American University of Rome/ Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Hometown: Staten Island, NY School: The American University of Rome – Rome, Italy

• Worked in four foreign countries,

including Zimbabwe as a stable manager, China as an Au pair, South Korea as a farm hand, and Italy as a resident advisor for the university • Learned how to ride horses in the African bush in Zimbabwe • Took Mandarin lessons at the Beijing Foreign Studies University and scored a 100 on the HSK1 exam (first of the standardized language proficiency tests)

SERGIO VALENTE The Peter & Jeri DeJana Foundation Law Scholarship Hometown: Palo Alto, CA School: Stanford Law School – Stanford, CA

• Serves as a leader of the Clean Slate Pro

Bono Project at Stanford Law School, which helps former convicts expunge their criminal records and reintegrate into society • Won debate tournaments at Carnegie Mellon University, George Washington University, and Johns Hopkins University • Studied abroad in Rome, Italy, when he was 14 and took all classes in Italian despite not speaking the language at the time 13

Joe Mantegna MASTER OF CEREMONIES

A Tony and Emmy award-winning American actor, producer, writer, and director, Joe Mantegna has more than 40 years of performance experience, earning him a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. He is best known for roles in box-office hits such as David Mamet’s highly acclaimed House of Games, as well as Forget Paris, and CARS 2. He currently stars in the CBS television series Criminal Minds. As father of an autistic daughter, Mr. Mantegna has spent many years helping autistic children and families through ACT for Military Families, Easter Seals, and Autism Speaks. He has received numerous awards for his work with various veterans’ and military organizations and the USO. In 2012, he was named the National Spokesperson for the campaign to build the United States Army Museum in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. This year marks his 18th consecutive year as host of the National Memorial Day Concert and the SIF NELA Gala.

Help Our Military Heroes

“IMPROVING THE LIVES OF OUR WOUNDED MILITARY HEROES THROUGH MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE”

Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fully equipped, adaptive minivans to our country’s most severely wounded, injured, and ill service men and women who sustained their injuries while on active duty. HOMH works with each individual to provide a minivan with modifications specific to his or her needs. It was co-founded in 2009 by Laurie (née Serricchio) and Ted Hollander and Marybeth Vandergrift. Since then, they have awarded 165 adaptive minivans to deserving veterans. This year, the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) presented a donation of $20,000 to HOMH. This year’s donation marks the seventh time in eight years that the Sons of Italy Foundation has donated at least $20,000 to HOMH. The donation provided a minivan grant for United States Coast Guard CPT Lucas ‘Luke’ Jackson (ret.), who was injured while on active duty and is now paralyzed. United States Coast Guard CPT Lucas ‘Luke’ Jackson (ret.) with his wife, Ellen

Last year’s donation provided a minivan grant for USArmy Col Philip Lee Swinford (ret.), who is an Incomplete Quadriplegic suffering from Traumatic Brain

Injury (TBI) due to IEDs on multiple deployments. Prior to COVID-19, he was using the van for things like traveling to Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital and going out to dinner with his wife. “If I didn’t have a modified van,” Col Swinford said, “I would be stuck at home, relying on a taxi service to get around.” “They don’t have to give, but they do give,” Col. Swinford said, referring to the members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. “And that is a huge benefit for me and, more importantly, other veterans like me.” 14

USArmy Col Philip Lee Swinford (ret.) with Help Our Military Heroes Co-Founder Ted Hollander. T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Michael Amante FEATURED PERFORMER

The Sons of Italy Foundation is pleased to welcome tenor Michael Amante in what is his 13th performance at the annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala. Mr. Amante is affectionately known as “the Prince of High C’s” for his ability to hit and hold one of the highest notes of a tenor’s voice. Apart from his high C’s, his repertoire showcases his vocal versatility. It includes pieces from The Phantom of the Opera; Puccini’s La Boheme; rock and gospel songs; and classic Neapolitan ballads. A classically trained opera performer, Mr. Amante has had leading roles in Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, and La Boheme. He has also performed in staged versions of Grease, West Side Story, and Jesus Christ, Superstar. Michael Amante’s singing has drawn praise from the late great tenors Luciano Pavarotti and Franco Corelli as well as Tony Bennett, President Bill Clinton, and Regis Philbin. He has appeared on national and international television, receiving an Emmy nomination. The New York Times writes, “The swashbuckling Italian tenor exhibits both the voice and the charisma of a crossover star.”

Maria Fassio Pignati FEATURED PERFORMER

Performing the American and Italian national anthems for us this evening is soprano Maria Fassio Pignati of San Francisco. She earned a B.A. in Music with a minor in Italian prior to studying voice and piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Ms. Fassio Pignati is a well-known soprano soloist who performs in various venues and is a member of the “Trio Amore” opera ensemble, which has recorded a collection of classic Italian love songs entitled La Vita Bella. She has also performed the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, and Golden State Warriors. Active in the Italian-American community for more than forty years, Ms. Fassio Pignati is a past state president of the Sons and Daughters of Italy’s Grand Lodge of California, which consists of lodges in California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada. She also serves on the boards of several organizations, including the San Francisco Columbus Day Celebration, Italian Community Services, and is a co-opted member of COM.IT.ES San Francisco, representing the Sons and Daughters of Italy. For her long-standing service to the Bay Area’s Italian community, Maria Fassio Pignati was recently made a Commander of the Italian Republic with the title “Commendatore dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia.” Maria has been performing at the NELA Gala since 2010.

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Honorees &Special Guests NELA HIGHLIGHTS

The 2018 NELA scholarship winners

President George W. Bush addresses the 2004 NELA

Dr. Michael J. Sofia, who discovered the cure for Hepatitis C, accepts the Humanitarian Award at the 2018 NELA

1 6

NIAID (NIH) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci accepts the Special Recognition Award for Science and Medicine at the 2015 NELA

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Five women trailblazers at the 2007 NELA

(L. to R.) Then-SIF President Joseph J. DiTrapani, FIAT/ Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, and OSDIA National Past President Vincent Sarno at the 2013 NELA (L. to R.) Madeleine Albright, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Nancy Pelosi and Mary Landrieu

The SIF proudly hosts many veterans at the 2018 NELA

President Joe Biden, with First Lady Jill Biden and granddaughter Naomi, speaks about his ItalianAmerican wife at the 2009 NELA.

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

AIDS & Cancer Researcher Dr. Robert Gallo accepts the 2002 NELA Award 17

SIF Trustee Joseph Cicippio (right) and his wife Elham with then-SIF President Joseph DiTrapani (middle), Matthew McCarville (left), and Karen McCarville at the 2017 NELA SIF President Joseph Sciame with Italy’s Ambassador to the U.S. Armando Varricchio at the 2016 NELA.

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia talks with scholarship recipient Candice Aitken at the 1991 NELA

Singer of the United States and Italian Anthems, Maria Fassio Pignati, with the Takoma Park Police Department Honor Guard at the NELA ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. About 400 guests attend annually

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T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Tony Bennett performs at the 2003 NELA

Music Producer Quincy Jones introduces Honoree President Bill Clinton at the 2010 NELA

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

(L. to R.) New York State Representative Susan Molinari, Glen Funicello, OSDIA National Past President Joanne Strollo, Annette Funicello, and OSDIA National Past President Peter Zuzolo at the 1993 NELA

(L. to R.) Justice Samuel Alito, Secretary Leon Panetta, and retired OSDIA Executive Director Philip Piccigallo at the 2014 NELA

, THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

Making a Difference

The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA). Established in 1959, the SIF has given nearly $165 million to scholarships, philanthropy, medical research, cultural projects, disaster relief efforts, veterans’ causes and other special projects.

SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & SUPPORT

Every year, the SIF and OSDIA lodges give scholarships to promising ItalianAmerican students. Since 1959, the SIF has given nearly $65 million in scholarships at the local, state and national levels.

DISASTER RELIEF

(Photo Courtesy of Giacomo Moresi)

The SIF donates generously to disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad. With the help of State Grand Lodges, Local Filial Lodges, and individual donors, the SIF raised $200,000 to aid relief efforts for the Central Italy earthquake that struck in August 2016. Last year, the SIF donated those funds to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, who headed a project to rebuild a kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia, a town located in the Marche region. On behalf of the SIF, OSDIA COO Joseph DiTrapani spoke at the inauguration of the school on June 26, 2019.

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, MEDICAL RESEARCH The SIF supports research to help national charities find cures for the most devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and Cooley’s anemia.

Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Hiebert

CULTURAL PRESERVATION & IMMIGRATION HISTORY The SIF’s Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is a center of Italian culture on Staten Island, NY. The SIF also contributes to preserving Italian immigrant documents at the Immigration History Research Center in Minnesota and now has partnered with Ancestry.com to broaden its impact. Find the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum on Facebook @ GaribaldiMeucciMuseum!

HONORING AND ASSISTING THOSE WHO PROTECT AND SERVE The SIF helped fund the creation of the World War II Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. In recent years, the SIF has given tens of thousands of dollars to various groups that support veterans’ causes, including the Wounded Warrior Project, the Gary Sinise Foundation, Help Our Military Heroes, and Luke’s Wing’s, among others. Photo Courtesy of Mark Fischer

SPECIAL PROJECTS The SIF supports the establishment and restoration of U.S. monuments, including the Statue of Liberty, the World War II Memorial, and National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

Photo Courtesy of Amy Dreher 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

, THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

Contribution Highlights

1959 Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) established as the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the nation’s oldest and biggest organization for people of Italian heritage.

2010 The Charles Evans Foundation, formed by EvanPicone fashion house co-founder Charles Evans, selects the SIF to receive a quarter-million-dollar endowment to establish the perpetual Charles Evans Scholarship.

1964 $25,000 for flood victims in Belluno, Italy

$100,000 to build the World Trade Center Museum & Memorial in New York City

$10,000 scholarship to Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta

1966 $200,000 for flood victims in Florence and Venice 1967 Designates March of Dimes as one of its official charities and donates more than $14 million over the next two decades 1968 $127,000 for earthquake victims in Sicily 1974 Names Cooley’s Anemia Foundation as an official charity. To date, donated nearly $3 million. 1976 $217,000 for earthquake victims in Friuli, Italy 1981 $3 million in funds plus medicine and clothing to victims of the 1980 Irpinia earthquake in southern Italy 1985 Contributes to restoration of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty 1987 $30,000 to earthquake victims in Mexico 1989 Holds first National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) event in Washington, DC 1990 $50,000 to establish the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC 1993 Names the Alzheimer’s Association one of its official charities and donates $1 million over the next 10 years. 1998 $50,000 to Barbara Sinatra Hospital for Abused Children 2003 $66,000 to establish an Advanced Placement program in Italian; Gave additional $50,000 in 2010 to re-instate the program. 2004 $100,000 to establish a World War II memorial in Washington, DC

2011 $235,000 to help rebuild the Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L’Autismo, a center for autistic children, destroyed by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake.

Pledges a second $1 million contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association

2013 $25,000 to Super Storm Sandy Relief; $15,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; and $50,000 since 2008 to the Columbus Citizens Foundation 2014 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes 2015 SIF/OSIA gives more than $300,000 to Alzheimer’s Association; Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.; and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. 2016 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $10,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; $10,000 to K9 Partners for Patriots, Inc. 2017 Raised disaster relief funds for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma; $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes 2018 $25,000 to Help Our Military Heroes

$100,000 to rebuild kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia (Marche region), destroyed by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake

2019 A second $100,000 to rebuild kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia (Marche region), destroyed by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake

$20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes

2005 $15,000 to the Tsunami Emergency Relieve effort in Asia

$5,000 to Constantino Brumidi Statue in Annapolis, Maryland

2006 $35,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief

2020 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $15,000 to The V Foundation for Cancer Research $10,000 to Ronald McDonald House of New York

2007 $100,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in NYC

$100,000 to Coaches vs. Cancer

2021 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes

2008 $100,000 over past four years to the Rienzi Foundation to cure deafness through cochlear implants 22

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

THE SIF AWARD RECIPIENTS 1989-2019 The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) Awards are given annually at the SIF’s NELA Gala held every May in Washington, D.C. 2019

2016

Benefactor & Supporter, Italian American Causes National Education & Leadership Award

Chairman & CEO, The Mattone Group National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Vivian Cardia

Bruno Ciacciarelli

President, Roadtex Transportation Excellence in Business Award

The Frank & Angela Donio Famly Humanitarian Award

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Raymond Palumbo

Partner and Co-Founder, Venturi Solutions Award for Courage & Patriotism

Joseph M. Mattone, Sr.

Mary Ann Pessolano Mattone, RN/MPH Philanthropist & Community Leader National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Dr. Condoleezza Rice

66th Secretary of State Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Nicholas E. Calio

2018

President & CEO, Airlines for America Award for Excellence in Business

Owners & Founders, DelGrosso Foods National Education & Leadership Award

Paul Rinaldi

The DelGrosso Family

Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi

President & Founder, Peduzzi Associates Ltd. Excellence in Business Award

Dr. Michael J. Sofia

President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association Humanitarian Award

2015

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno

Chief Scientific Officer, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc. Humanitarian Award

Chief of Staff, United States Army National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

2017

Terry O’Sullivan

The Hon. Jessica Garfola Wright Major General (Ret.) Award for Courage and Patriotism

Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein U.S. Navy (Retired) National Education & Leadership Award

Anthony J. Cancelosi

President & CEO, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind Humanitarian Award

General President, Laborers’ International Union of North America Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH Special Recognition Award for Science & Medicine

Alfred Grasso

2014

The Hon. Leon Panetta Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Former Director, CIA Former White House Chief of Staff National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Motion Picture Association of America Former United States Senator (CT) Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Harry Lombardo

International President, Transport Workers Union Humanitarian Award

Lt. Gen. Flora D. Darpino

39th Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army Special Award for Military Justice

2013

Robert F. Corrao

Chairman & CEO, Ski TV Network National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Sergio Marchionne

Chairman & CEO, Chrysler Group LLC, CEO, FIAT S.p.A Award for Excellence in Global Business

Gen. Colin L. Powell (USA Ret.)

65th U.S. Secretary of State & 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Gary Sinise

Actor, Activist, & Founder, the Gary Sinise Foundation Award for Courage & Patriotism

President & CEO, The MITRE Corporation Humanitarian Award

Geno Auriemma

Head Coach, University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball Special Award for Excellence in Sports Leadership

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, 2012

2009

2006

U.S. Secretary of State Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Vice President of the United States Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

President & Founder, Rienzi & Sons National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Armand Sabitoni

Arthur J. Gajarsa

Claudio Bozzo

Robert A. Scardelletti

General Secretary, Laborers International Union of North America Humanitarian Award President, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Inc. Award for Excellence in Business

Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps. (Ret.)

16 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for Courage & Patriotism th

2011

Carmen Policy

Founder & Proprietor, Casa Piena Vineyard Former Owner & CEO, San Francisco 49ers National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Jack Reed

U.S. Senator from Rhode Island Veteran, U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Lifetime Achievement Award f or Public Service

Pier F. Guarguaglini

Chairman & CEO, Finmeccanica SpA Award for Excellence in Global Business

Steven Nardizzi, Esq.

Executive Director, Wounded Warrior Project Special Award for Courage & Patriotism

2010

Lewis C. Merletti

Former Director, United States Secret Service National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

President Bill Clinton

Founder, William J. Clinton Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Capt. Anthony Odierno (U.S. Army, Ret.)

Manager, Stadium Operations, NY Yankees Special Award for Courage & Patriotism

Federal Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals Lifetime Achievement Award in Jurisprudence International President, Transportation Communications Union/IAM Humanitarian Award

Mary Ann Esposito

Host/Creator, “Ciao Italia” PBS TV Lifetime Achievement Award in the Culinary Arts

2008

Joseph Plumeri

Chairman & CEO, Willis Group National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Steve Wynn

Chairman & CEO, Wynn Resorts Award for Global Vision & Philanthropy

Michael Petruzzello

Founder & Managing Partner, Qorvis Communications Award Excellence in Business

Alfred Rotondaro, PhD

Sr. Fellow, Center for American Progress Humanitarian Award

2007

Nicholas Donofrio

Michael Rienzi

Franco Nuschese

President, Georgetown Entertainment Group, LLC Excellence in Business

Robert E. Juliano

Chairman, Robert E. Juliano Associates Humanitarian Award

2005

Dana Gioia

Chairman, National Endowment For the Arts National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Joseph Battipaglia CIO, Ryan Beck & Co. Business Award

Karen Ignagni

President & CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans Lifetime Achievement in Management

Joseph G. Procacci

CEO, Procacci Brothers Sales Corp. OSIA Centennial Award

2004

Joseph Grano

Chairman, UBS Financial Services National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Silvio Berlusconi

Prime Minister of Italy International Leadership Award

John De Gioia

Executive VP, IBM National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

President, Georgetown University Excellence in Academia Award

Geraldine Ferraro

President, National Breast Cancer Coalition Humanitarian Award

Former Congresswoman from New York Lifetime Achievement Award f or Public Service

Frances Visco

Frank Giordano

President, Union League of Philadelphia Humanitarian Award

The Rienzi Foundation

Making A Difference Award

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, 2003

1999

1994

Chairman, Empire State Development Corp. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Former President & General Merchandise Manager, Kmart Corporation

Senior Vice Chairman of Administrative & Legal Affairs, MBNA America, Inc. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Charles Gargano

Andy Granatelli

Automotive designer, driver & engineer Lifetime Achievement Award

Richard L. Trumka Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO Humanitarian Award

2002

Robert Gallo, M.D.

AIDS & Cancer researcher National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Martin J. Maddaloni

General President, United Association Humanitarian Award

Joe Mantegna

Actor Excellence in Media Award

2001

John F. Mariani

Chairman, Banfi Vintners National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Robert A. Georgine

Chairman, President & CEO, ULLICO, Inc. Humanitarian Award

Regis Philbin

Television Host Lifetime Achievement Award

2000

Mario Andretti

Racing Legend & Business Entrepreneur National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Connie Stevens

Actress & Businesswoman Humanitarian Award

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Andrew A. Giancamilli

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Tony Bennett

Legendary Entertainer Humanitarian Award

1998

Phil Guarascio

Former Vice President & General Manager of North American Marketing & Advertising, General Motors Corporation National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Frank Sinatra

Legendary Entertainer, Producer & Philanthropist Humanitarian Award

1997

Peter F. Secchi

Chairman, Universal Forest Products, Inc. & Former U.S. Ambassador to Italy National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

The Honorable Louis J. Freeh

1993

Annette Funicello

Entertainer National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1992

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci

Director, the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases at the NIH National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1991

The Honorable Antonin Scalia U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1990

The Honorable Silvio O. Conte

Tommy Lasorda

Vice President/Former Manager, LA Dodgers Humanitarian Award

U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1996

1989

Head Football Coach, Pennsylvania State University National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

St. John’s University Head Basketball Coach (Ret.) National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Joe Paterno

Lou Carnesecca

Alfred A. Checchi

Former Co-Chairman, Northwest Airlines Corporation National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1995

Joseph E. Antonini

President, JEA Enterprises, Inc. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

, THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

Board and Committees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Resource Persons

Nancy DiFiore Quinn Chairman

John J. Costa Denise Furnari Thom Lupo Anthony Naccarato

Joseph Sciame President Robert Bianchi, Esq. Vice President Tony Bisceglia Anderson Financial Secretary Joseph Rondinelli Treasurer Philip J. Privitera, Esq. Recording Secretary President Emeritus Paul S. Polo Vincent Sarno Trustees

2021 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE Michele Ment, Chair Robert Amante Catena Spiritosanto

2021 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION CONSULTANTS Stephanie Haines Bowdoin College, Maine

Gene Logan American University, Washington, D.C.

Joseph Cicippio Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio James DiStefano Carlo Matteucci Nicholas M. Mauro Maria Fassio Pignati Marianne Principe-O’Neil Louis R. Santoro Trustee Emeritus Angelo R. Bianchi, Esq. Salvatore Lanzilotta Frank J. Panessa

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

Staff &Consultants

NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

CONSULTANTS

Joseph J. DiTrapani Chief Operating Officer

Dan Ashwell Printing Solutions, Inc. Printing

Miles Ryan Fisher Editor-in-Chief, Italian America Magazine Editor, NELA Gala Journal

Doc. Events Event Planners

Adam Jacobs Director of Finance

Eidolon Films Video Production

Emily Knoche Program Director

Diane Vincent Graphic Design

Justin Smith Managing Director Eleonora Coco Intern

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The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® FOUNDED IN 1905

The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) is the oldest and largest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. Established to help the early Italian immigrants, today OSDIA is the nation’s leading Italian-American service and advocacy organization. It has a network of thousands of family members in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and has lodges extending across the country and into Canada. Its programs and benefits include: • ITALIAN AMERICA® MAGAZINE The most widely read magazine in the U.S. for people of Italian heritage, Italian America is distributed quarterly to OSDIA members and includes feature stories, profiles, recipes, book reviews, stories in Italian, and much more. • MEMBER PROFILES OSDIA members across the country can connect with each other by logging into their Member Accounts on www.osia.org and viewing Member Profiles. This allows members to network and share pertinent information, such as travel advice, genealogy, and book/movie/recipe recommendations. Filling out a Member Profile is completely voluntary, and the profiles can be viewed only by other OSDIA Members. • EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS OSDIA partners with over 25 companies to offer discounts and special offers for a variety of industries from Italian genealogy and dual citizenship to car rental and life insurance. • THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ITALY IN AMERICA BOOK CLUB OSDIA promotes the published work of its members through The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Book Club on www.osia.org. • THE GARIBALDI-MEUCCI MUSEUM Once the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the man who unified Italy, the museum now promotes Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic, and educational programs and classes. • ARCHIVES OSDIA supports historical records on our Order and on Italian immigration history through a grant to the University of Minnesota as well as a partnership with Ancestry.com.

The Commission for Social Justice® FOUNDED IN 1979

The CSJ’s mission is to fight the stereotyping and defamation of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising, and news industries. It collaborates with other groups to ensure that people of all races, religions, and cultures are treated fairly. • The CSJ monitors the entertainment, advertising, and news industries. It contacts the offending parties by letter and email and initiates a “Call to Action” that encourages other Italian-American organizations, OSDIA Grand and Local Lodges, and concerned individuals to take action as well. • Through its Positive Image Program, the CSJ regularly informs the media and general public about the achievements, contributions, history, and culture in Italian-American community. • As part of its Positive Image Program, the CSJ conducts research and produces studies, teaching tools, pamphlets, exhibits, and other materials on the achievements and contributions of the Italian Americans. • The CSJ is actively engaged in the unification of all Italian-American organization throughout the country and leads the Italian-American community by action. • The CSJ believes in diversity not by Substitution or Subtraction, but by Addition. 28

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

, of Italy in America® Order Sons & Daughters Gold Membership Program

National President Nancy DiFiore Quinn and the Supreme Council thanks you for your commitment to our beloved Order Robert U. Amante

Paul R. Loparco

Nancy A. DiFiore Quinn (C)

Linda Anderson (C)

Thom A. Lupo (C)

Anita Lombardi Riley (C)

Tony Bisceglia Anderson (C) Ken MacLean

Julio Rodio

Stan H. Balducci

Ernest Magliato

Dominic A. Rossi

Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. (C)

Joseph Marino

Joseph A. Rubé

John J. Bonaventura

Carlo Matteucci (C)

Joseph A. Russo (C)

Robert Bongo

Saverio Mastandrea

Patricia Russo

Nick Burzichelli

Michele Ment

Pauline Russo

Frances A. Cipriotti (C)

Anthony J. Montcalmo

Frank Sammartano

Mark S. DeNunzio, DDS (C) William (Bill) Murphy

Joseph Sciame (C)

Joseph DiTrapani (C)

Arlene M. Nunziati (C)

Angelo A. Sedacca

Paul J. Fiorini

Emilio A. Nunziati

Joanne L. Strollo (C)

R. Adam Forno (C)

Lorenzo J. Nunziati

Sadie Koehler Tamburine

Verne Foss (C)

Dan Onofrio

Pauline F. Terrusa Richmond

Gloria Garibaldi

Frank J. Panessa (C)

Amelia Jean Varni

Al Girolami (C)

Robert Paniccia

Eva Catherine Varni

Vera Girolami (C)

Maria Fassio Pignati (C)

Nella Bianca Varni

Biagio Isgro (C)

Michael S. Polo (C)

Matthew Gavin Westover

Anthony M. Lacon

Paul S. Polo (C)

Robert Foster Westover

Salvatore Lanzilotta

Marianne Principe-O’Neil (C)

Keith Wilson

Lynn Lawrence-Murphy (C)

Philip J. Privitera, Esq.

Vincent Anthony Zaccaria, Sr.

Tom LiPuma

Thomas S. Pruse (C)

Paul Zanobelli

As of May 15, 2021

If you are interested in becoming a Gold Member, 3please 2 Annual contact NELA G al a the National Office at (202) 547-2900 or noffice@osia.org 29 nd

Congratulations to the 2021 Award Honorees, and those who inspired their success.

3 0

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

The Polo Family would like to congratulate all the worthy honorees on their well-deserved recognition.

We are humbled to receive the Sons of Italy Foundation National Education and Leadership Award.

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

GOLD

We extend warmest congratulations to our Distinguished Honorees of the

32 nd Annual

National Education & Leadership Awards Gala We thank you all for your outstanding service and dedication to the Italian American community & the community at large. Our very best wishes on this special evening!

Joseph DiTrapani

National Past President Supreme Lodge, Chief Operating Officer

3 2

Carol DiTrapani National Past First Lady

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

GOLD

Congratulations &

Sincere Best Wishes We are proud to support the National Sons of Italy Foundation at their

32 Annual nd

National Education & Leadership Awards Gala New York State Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. Order Sons of Italy in America

2101 Bellmore Avenue • Bellmore, New York 11710-5605 www.nysosia.org

Anthony Naccarato Foundation President

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THE U.S.-FLAG CARRIERS OF AMOS JOIN THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION IN HONORING

The Polo Family ★★★★★

Yolanda Cellucci ★★★★★

Bob and Lisa Tramontano ★★★★★

Joseph Mele ★★★★★

General Peter W. Chiarelli F. ANTHONY NACCARATO PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN DAVID SCHULTZE Timothy Callahan DIRECTOR

TODD JOHNSON SECRETARY/TREASURER

EDWARD HANLEY VICE PRESIDENT/VICE CHAIRMAN BRENDA OTTERSON LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT

★ ★ ★ 490 L’ENFANT PLAZA EAST SW SUITE 7204 WASHINGTON, DC 20024 (202) 479-1133 www.amos-maritime.com

3 4

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY At L3Harris, we are committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work. Through financial support and the dedicated volunteerism of L3Harris employees, we are ensuring our corporation and our communities stay vibrant and growing. L3HARRIS.COM

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

GOLD

Thank you Sons & Daughters of Italy for being honored in 2019.

Congratulations to this year's Honorees and Scholarship Winners.

Cav. Vivian Cardia 2019 Honoree

3 6

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

GOLD

Best wishes

to this year's Honorees and Scholarship Winners.

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

3 8

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Thank you to the Sons of Italy Foundation for this great honor, and congratulations to all my fellow honorees and scholarship recipients. Yolanda & Dan Cellucci & Family 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

GOLD SILVER

We extend warmest congratulations to our Distinguished Honorees of the

32 Annual nd

Joseph DiTrapani

National Past President Supreme Lodge, Chief Operating Officer

Carol DiTrapani National Past First Lady

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

SILVER

C O NGRATU L AT I O N S & BE ST W I SH ES T O OU R 2 0 21 GR E AT H O N O R E E S ALL!

{

A SPECIAL AND PERSONAL THANK YOU TO HONOREE

PAUL S. POLO National Past President And Past President of The Sons Of Italy Foundation

{

FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND PERSISTENCE OVER THE MANY YEARS. AN HONOR WELL DESERVED! COMM. JOSEPH SCIAME PRESIDENT SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

SILVER

Congratulations to all the Honorees and Scholarship Awardees. The DeNunzio Family proudly supports OSDIA and the Sons of Italy Foundation.

The DeNunzio Family 42

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Everyone at ACMT congratulates the

Polo Family on being recognized by the Sons of Italy Foundation with the National Education and Leadership Award. We are very proud of your accomplishments and know this honor is well deserved. We would also like to congratulate all the exceptional honorees.

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

GOLD SILVER

Best Wishes to the

Sons of Italy Foundation

on its 32nd Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala

to the outstanding honorees!

Scott & Lauren DiTrapani 44

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

32nd ANNUAL NELA GALA Congratulations 2021 Honorees & Scholarship Students Best Wishes & Continued Success OSIA Grand Lodge of New Jersey Diane Santoro, State President Stephen Camiscioli, 1st Vice President Anthony Cipriano, 2nd Vice President Louis Santoro, SIF Trustee 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Advising companies doing business with the Department of Defense and the United States Government since 1995

www.PeduzziAssociates.com

to the

2021 Ho n o r ee s an d Sc ho lar ship W inne r s Mary Naccarato, OTR/L Gift of Sight Chairperson

SILVER

New York State Grand Lodge Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America 46

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

GOLD BRONZE

Peter and Rose Ann Chieco

Congratulate

THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION on Another Successful NELA Gala We Also Wish to Recognize This Year’s Deserving Honorees The Polo Family Yolanda Cellucci Bob and Lisa Tramontano Joseph Mele General Peter William Chiarelli

And to Give a Special Salute to Paul Polo A Long-Time and Dedicated Friend of the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

GOLD BRONZE

Congratulates This Year’s NELA Honorees The Polo Family Yolanda Cellucci Bob and Lisa Tramontano Joseph Mele General Peter William Chiarelli

And Wishes

The Sons of Italy Foundation

A Very Successful 2021 NELA Gala

Thank You to SIF and OSDIA for all you have done for the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and for the patients and families living with Cooley’s anemia. Your support and commitment have made a world of difference to those with this genetic blood disorder.

www.thalassemia.org info@thalassemia.org

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Congratulations to our dearest friend, Paul Polo

TO ALL HONOREES AND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Vera Ferrara Girolami

Immediate National Past President, OSDIA

& Judge Al Girolami

Immediate National Past First Gent

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Nicholas Donofrio BRONZE

Owned & Operated by The Inserra Family

New Jersey ShopRites Bayonne

Columbia Park

Emerson

Fair Lawn

Hackensack

Hillsdale

Hoboken

Lodi

Lyndhurst

Metro Plaza

New Milford

Northvale

Palisades Park

Ramsey

Wallington

Wayne

West Milford

Wyckoff

New York ShopRites Garnerville

New City

Stony Point

Tallman

West Nyack

Your Neighborhood Supermarket Proudly Caring For and Serving Our Communities for Over 75 Years

for a Successful NELA Gala

to all Honorees and Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations

2021 HONOREES

YEARS

PRO U D S U PPO RT E RS O F T H E S O N S O F I T A L Y F O U N DA T I O N Contact:

Jeff Drake, CPA (T) 410-453-4500 ; (E) jdrake@nlgoup.com

1 0 6 2 6 Y O R K R D , S T. H H U N T VA L L E Y M D 2 1 0 3 0 BRONZE

5 0

W W W. N L G R O U P. C O M BRONZE

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

CONGRATULATES THE 2021 HONOREES AND WISHES ALL OF THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS A BRIGHT AND BOLD FUTURE.

BRONZE

IT HAS BEEN OUR DISTINCT from

PLEASURE AND HONOR TO LEAD OUR BELOVED ORGANIZATION THE ORDER SONS & DAUGHTERS OF ITALY IN AMERICA.

to all the worthy honorees and thank you for being with us tonight.

Nancy DiFiore Quinn National President, OSDIA BRONZE

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

John Quinn First Gent, OSDIA

BRONZE

CONGRATULATIONS!

To Chairperson of the OSDIA Foundation, Nancy Difiore Quinn (also our National President), and Foundation President Joseph Sciame (also a frm National President), for another amazing NELA. And, to our amazing and talented staff led by our COO Joseph DiTrapani (frm National and Foundation President), all of whom work tirelessly for OSDIA and our causes. And, to our awesome honorees. Wow!!! We could not be prouder of what you have accomplished, and for your being a part of the OSDIA family! With love and respect, Bob Bianchi OSDIA National 1st Vice President Dave Bruno, Esq. Partner, The Bianchi Law Group, LLC

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Gail

Carmen Policy

We wish the best to this year’s Honorees and Scholarship Recipients.

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

The Commission for soCial JusTiCe® NatioNal CSJ PreSideNt robert M. Ferrito

the CSJ board oF direCtorS, VotiNg MeMberS, aNd State ChairS

CoNgratulateS the SoNS oF italy FouNdatioN’S 2021 NatioNal eduCatioN & leaderShiP awardS gala hoNoreeS

The Polo Family

National Education & Leadership Award

Yolanda Cellucci

Excellence in Business Award

Bob & Lisa Tramontano Humanitarian Award

Joseph Mele

Lifetime Achievement Award The Commission for Social Justice is the anti-defamation branch of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the world’s largest and longest-established organization representing Italian American men and women. 5 4

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

2021 NELA

THE FLORIDA FOUNDATION

GRAND LODGE OF FLORIDA CONGRATULATES THE

2021

HONOREES THE POLO FAMILY – NAT’L EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARD YOLANDA CELLUCCI – EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD BOB & LISA TRAMONTANO – HUMANITARIAN AWARD JOSEPH MELE – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Foundation President. Joseph Dente Anthony Cianciotta, State President 5 6

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Congratulations 2021 NELA Honorees & 2021 SIF Scholarship Winners

GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS Executive Council Denise Furnari, State President Rodolfo Viscomi, State First Vice President Marisa Ranalli, State Second Vice President Antonio Sestito, State Immediate Past President Kathi Young, State Orator Margaret Olivieri, State Recording Secretary Michele Goss, State Financial Secretary Loreto Pellegrini, State Treasurer

State Trustees

Jaquelyn Bonarrigo ~ Jeannine Camarda ~ Deborah Deputat Matthew Ezekiel ~ Maria Stella Fiore ~ Pio Frittitta Francis Mazzaglia ~ Jennifer Sabino ~ Lilia Viscomi

State Past Presidents

Charles H. Perenick ~ Philip R. Boncore Esq. ~ Joseph A. Russo Kevin A. Caira ~ Florence Ferullo Guidara ~ James DiStefano ~ Carmelita Bello

CHARITABLE & EDUCATIONAL TRUST Kevin A. Caira, Chairman John A. Saladino, Treasurer Elizabeth Sandquist, Secretary

John DePinto ~ Richard Farina ~ Doreen Federico ~ James Ficco Denise Furnari ~ John Romano ~ Rodolfo Viscomi

BENEFIT INSURANCE COMMISSION Brian McNamara, President Paula Sasso, Treasurer Richard Vitali, Secretary

Commissioners

Marjorie Cahn ~ Paul DiBona ~ Ross Zagami 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Congratulates:

The OSIA National Education & Leadership Award Recipients and Honorees:

5 8

Yolanda Cellucci Fashion Entrepreneur Excellence in Business

The Polo Family Aerospace Manufacturers National Education & Leadership Award

Bob & Lisa Tramontano Humanitarian Award

Joseph Mele Engineer, Professor, Designer, Inventor Lifetime Achievement Award

Linda Carlozzi Chairwoman

Joan Prezioso President

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

ON THE OCCASION OF OSDIA'S 32ND NELA GALA

Congratulations to the Honorees! THE POLO FAMILY YOLANDA CELLUCCI JOSEPH MELE BOB & LISA TRAMONTANO

WITH BEST WISHES FROM

THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ITALIAN AMERICAN WOMEN

INSPIRE | EMPOWER | CONNECT NOIAW.ORG

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Congratulations Sons of Italy Foundation 32nd Annual

National Education & Leadership Awards Gala

Sincere Appreciation & Best Wishes Honoree Paul S. Polo Past President SIF Foundation

and to the

Polo Family

A Legacy of Dedication, Commitment and Leadership

Congratulations & Thank You Nela Gala Honorees

The Sons of Italy Foundation New York Trustees Carlo Matteucci Marianne Principe O’Neil Nick Mauro

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

Congratulations! A Special Salute to

The Polo Family, National Education & Leadership Award Yolanda Cellucci, Excellence in Business Award Bob & Lisa Tramontano, Humanitarian Award Joseph Mele, Lifetime Achievement Award

Sons of Italy Foundation’s National Scholarship & Education Fund’s 32nd Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala

Robert LoPinto, President & Managing Partner

Robert J. LoPinto, Director & Senior Financial Advisor

~ 100 Eagle Rock Ave. ~ Suite 225 ~ East Hanover, NJ 07936 ~ 973.434.9130 ~ Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Silver Spring Capital is a separate entity from WFAFN. 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Congratulations to all of the

2021 Honorees And

Scholarship Winners Richard R. Della Croce 4th National Vice President Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin President................................................................................Paul R. Loparco Vice President ...........................................................................Frank Schiro Immediate Past President.................................................. Marie Marsalli Orator.......................................................................................James LasCola Recording Secretary.............................................................Anna DeLuca Financial Secretary...............................................................Maria Mancini Treasurer......................................................................................Carl Busateri Historian................................................................................Joseph Dentice Chaplain......................................................................Rev. David Simonetti Linda Loparco Giacomo Mancini Margurite Rowley

Trustees

Gino Montalbano Carol Hatley Joseph Santoro *Elia R. Kress

*In Loving Memory of Elia R. Kress

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

It Is With Great Pleasure That We Congratulate

JOSEPH MELE In Receiving The Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award A Well Deserved Honor

Frank & Louise Ruggiero and Family

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Joseph Mele Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award. Your Flow Forge Press has guaranteed net shape forming on all non-metallic materials, saving millions of dollars in scrap year after year. So proud of your achievements and may God bless you.

FLOSSIE

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

In Honor of Joseph J. Mele Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient May 28, 2021 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America®

You are and always have been impressive! Congratulations to the inventor, professor, engineer, all-around thinker, innovator, and problem solver, who happens to be my dad, on this prestigious award! Love, Your daughter and son-in-law, Joan Mele-McCarthy & Kevin McCarthy

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

In Honor of Joseph J. Mele Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient May 28, 2021

Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America®

My grandfather and mentor

More and more, when I single out the person who inspired me the most, I go back to my grandfather. - James Earl Jones

Love, Jeff Mele McCarthy & Suzanne McCarthy

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

In Honor of Joseph J. Mele Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient May 2021

Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America®

We love you great grandpa! You put the "great" and "grand" in great grandpa! Love, Mia and Joanna

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

T h e Ma ura B roth ers Co n gratu late the 2 0 2 1 Honorees and S cholarsh ip W inn e r s

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

Edward Jones celebrates Yolanda Cellucci. Timothy Braceland Financial Advisor

130 Rumford Avenue Suite 101 Newton, MA 02466 617-527-4505

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

MKT-5894K-A

RY Management Co., Inc. Congratulates all Honorees Best of Luck and Continued Success 1619 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10128 (212) 534-7771/(212 534-6140 fax www.rymanagement.com 3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Congratulations to my Wonderful Friends Paul Polo and the Polo Family!

Congratulations to the Polo Family as they are honored for a lifetime of dedication to the Order with the Sons of Italy Foundation 2021 National Education and Leadership Award!

With warmest fraternal wishes to our friends,

From Arlene Marcucci Nunziati & Family

The Grand Lodge of California Wishes to Congratulate The Polo Family NELA Award

Yolanda Cellucci

TO THE ORDER SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ITALY FOR THEIR NATIONAL EDUCATION

Excellence in Business Award

AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Bob and Lisa Tramontano

AT THE NELA GALA.

Humanitarian Award

THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS.

Joseph Mele Lifetime Achievement Award

7 0

Maria Fassio Pignati and Ugo Pignati

Sal Lanzilotta

National Foundation Trustee Emeritus

Rae Lanzilotta NYS Deputy

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America ® Online Business Directory Advertise on www.osia.org today! Gold

Silver

Bronze

$500 Billed Annually

$250 Billed Annually

$100 Billed Annually

Included in a gold listing: - Business name - Business email address (hyperlinked) - Business address (hyperlinked to map) - Business website (hyperlinked) - Business phone number - Business logo - Short description (100 words or less) of business - Member name associated with business - Listing in chosen category

Included in a silver listing: - Business name - Business email address (hyperlinked) - Business phone number - Member name associated with business - Listing in chosen category

Included in a bronze listing: - Business name - Business phone number - Member name associated with business - Listing in chosen category

Business Directory Categories • • • • • • • • •

Advertising & Media Media & Communications Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry Arts, Culture & Entertainment Automotive & Marine Business & Professional Services Computers & Telecommunications Construction Equipment & Contractors Family, Community & Civic Organizations

• • • • • • • •

Finance & Insurance Government & Education Health Care & Medicine Home & Garden Individuals Lodging & Travel Non-Profit Personal Services & Care

• Professional Services - Accounting - Law - Medical - Engineering - Expert • Real Estate, Moving & Storage • Restaurants, Food & Beverages • Shopping & Specialty Retail • Sports & Recreation

Call the OSDIA National Office at (202) 547-2900 or visit www.osia.org/business-directory for more information about how you can advertise your business online 7 2

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

A FAMILY. A BRAND. A LIFESTYLE.

3 2 n d Annual NELA G al a

facebook.com/ColavitaUSA ColavitaUSA youtube.com/ColavitaUSA @ColavitaUSA ColavitaUSA

It Starts with Colavita. Find recipes and more at www.colavita.com 73

T h e S o n s o f I ta ly Fo undati o n

32nd Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala Journal

Articles inside

The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Gold Members

Highlights from Past NELA Galas

SIF Contribution Highlights

The 2021 National Leadership Grant Recipients

SIF Past Honorees

The 2021 Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Sponsors

SIF Honoree The Polo Family

The 2021 NELA Sponsors

Welcome from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF

NELA Chairman General Peter William Chiarelli, U.S. Army (Retired

SIF Honoree Bob and Lisa Tramontano

SIF Honoree Joseph Mele

SIF Honoree Yolanda Cellucci

A Proclamation from President Donald J. Trump