NELA Gala Journal 2017

29 t h A n n u a l N EL A G a l a

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From Adriana

Trigiani

The Sons of Italy Foundation 29 Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala

Beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Shoemaker’s Wife

th

May 25, 2017 – Omni Shoreham Hotel – Washington, D.C.

Table of Contents A Proclamation from President Barack Obama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

An exhilarating epic novel of love, loyalty, and creativity— the story of an Italian-American family on the cusp of change.

Welcome from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The 2017 SIF NELA Gala Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The 2017 SIF NELA Gala Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SIF Honoree Honorable Jessica Garfola Wright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SIF Honoree Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 SIF Honoree Anthony J. Cancelosi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The 2017 Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The 2017 National Leadership Grant Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Master of Ceremonies Joe Mantegna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Help Our Military Heroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Featured Performer: Michael Amante. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

“Trigiani is a comedy writer with a heart of gold.”

National Anthems: Maria Fassio Pignati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Highlights from Past NELA Galas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Sons of Italy Foundation: Making a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

— New York Times

SIF Past Honorees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The Robert A. Messa Memorial Scholarship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The SIF Board and Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Order Sons of Italy in America® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

“Trigiani’s writing is dazzling.”

The Commission for Social Justice® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The SIF Staff and Consultants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The 2017 NELA Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

— USA Today

Follow Adriana Trigiani For tour questions, contact: adrianamailings@gmail.com

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Welcome

Presidential Proclamation - Columbus Day, 2016

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

From The Sons of Italy Foundation Leadership

A Proclamation In October of 1492, Christopher Columbus completed the first of his expeditions that

would land him on the shores of North America. Sponsored by Isabella I and Ferdinand II, Columbus embarked on a 10-week voyage he had hoped would lead to Asia. But when his ships instead landed in the Bahamas, a new story began to unfold. The spirit of exploration

that Columbus embodied was sustained by all who would follow him westward, driving a desire to continue expanding our understanding of the world.

Though Columbus departed from the coast of Spain, his roots traced back to his

birthplace of Genoa, Italy. Blazing a trail for generations of Italian explorers and Italian

Daniel J. Longo, Chairman

Joseph J. DiTrapani, President

Americans to eventually seek the promise of the New World, his voyage churned the gears

of history. The bonds between Italy and the United States could not be closer than they are today -- a reflection

of the extraordinary contributions made by both our peoples in our common efforts to shape a better future.

Across our Nation, Italian Americans continue to enrich our country’s traditions and culture.

Welcome to the 29th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala.

Tonight, we proudly honor three extraordinary Italian Americans: Honorable Jessica Garfola Wright (Major

As we mark this rich history, we must also acknowledge the pain and suffering reflected in the stories of

General, Ret.); Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein; and Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind President

share is marked by too many broken promises, as well as violence, deprivation, and disease. It is a history that

In addition to these extraordinary honorees and courageous veterans, we celebrate the promising future of our

Native Americans who had long resided on this land prior to the arrival of European newcomers. The past we

we must recognize as we seek to build a brighter future -- side by side and with cooperation and mutual respect.

We have made great progress together in recent years, and we will keep striving to maintain strong nation-tonation relationships, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and help all our communities thrive.

and CEO Anthony J. Cancelosi. We are also proud to be hosting several veterans as our guests for tonight’s gala.

Italian-American 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

More than five centuries ago, one journey changed the trajectory of our world -- and today we recognize the

spirit that Christopher Columbus’s legacy inspired. As we reflect on the adventurers throughout history who

charted new courses and sought new heights, let us remember the communities who suffered, and let us pay tribute to our heritage and embrace the multiculturalism that defines the American experience.

many impressive accomplishments down the road.

Finally, we come together on this night to recognize the Sons of Italy and its Foundation. To date, members have

raised more than $165 million for charities and scholarships. This past year, the SIF and members of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) showed, once again, our support for victims of a devastating earthquake in Italy. After the

In commemoration of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage 524 years ago, the Congress, by joint

resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim the second Monday of October of each year as “Columbus Day.”

Central Italy earthquake struck the Marche, Lazio, Umbria, and Abruzzo regions on August 24, donations poured into OSIA headquarters.

At the same time, State Grand Lodges and Local Filial Lodges across the country hosted local fundraising events,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby

helping boost the total funds that SIF and OSIA raised to exceed $150,000. Because of our uniquely close relationship

proclaim October 10, 2016, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day

with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and with Italy’s Ambassador to the U.S., Armando Varricchio, we were able to ensure

public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and all who have contributed to shaping

This evening, we should feel proud of this and the many other ways in which we have given to those in need on a

with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all this Nation.

that the funds will have the greatest impact possible in aiding relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

local, national, and international level. It is an evening such as this that helps us to continue doing so.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of October, in the year of our

Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

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2 9 t h A n n u a l NELA G ALA

2 9 t h A n n u a l N a ti o n a l E d u c a ti o n & L e a d e r s h i p Aw a r d s G a l a

M a y 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 – Om n i S h o r e h a m H o t e l – W a s h i n gt o n , D . C

T h u r s d a y, M a y 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 | Om n i S h o r e h a m H o t e l | W a s h i n gt o n , D . C . | 7 p. m . p r o g r a m st a r t

Menu

“Fratelli d’Italia”

Maria Fassio Pignati

“The Star Spangled Banner”

Maria Fassio Pignati

Presentation of the Colors

Welcome

Hors d’Oeuvres Mini Crab Cakes Pommery Mustard Sauce

Metropolitan Police Department Ceremonial Honor Guard Joe Mantegna, Master of Ceremonies

2017 SIF National Scholarship Presentations (Introduction by Joseph Sciame, SIF Trustee)

Bruschetta Tomato, Capers, Micro Basil

Invocation

Rev. R. Adam Forno DINNER SERVED

Salad

Champagne Summer Salad Red & Green Romaine, Mizuna, Goat Cheese, Almond Brittle, Sun Dried Cherries, Julienne Radish, Champagne Dressing

Greetings

2017 Humanitarian Award

Italian Bread Loaf With Butter

Joseph J. DiTrapani, President, Sons of Italy Foundation Anthony J. Cancelosi President and CEO, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Video Presentation

Award Presenter Fr. Mark Morozowich

Dean at The Catholic University of America School of Theology

and Religious Studies

2017 Award for Courage and Patriotism Honorable Jessica Garfola Wright

Major General (retired)

Entrée Filet & Sea Bass With Risotto Cake, Whole Carrots & Asparagus

Video Presentation

Award Presenters Joseph J. DiTrapani

SIF President

Vegetarian Entrée

Daniel J. Longo

SIF Chairman

Quinoa Cake

With Mixed Vegetables

Musical Interlude Michael Amante

“Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables

“Nessun Dorma” from Turandot

Dessert

2 017 National Education & Leadership Award Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein

Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for Military Professionalism

Taste of Italy

Venetian hour to be served in the Cocktail Reception room across the hall

Video Presentation

Award Presenters Admiral Edmund Giambastiani

Seventh Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Fresh Roasted Coffee and Espressos

Daniel J. Longo

SIF Chairman

This Evening’s Featured Wines

Musical Interlude

Kris Pinot Grigio Mezza Pinot Noir

Van & Video Presentation

Michael Amante “Armed Forces Medley”

Help Our Military Heroes

Results of the Silent Auction

Finale: “God Bless America”

Maria Fassio Pignati

Venetian Hour with music and dancing 4 T h e S o n s

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Honorable Jessica Garfola Wright

Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca "Peg" Klein

THE 2017 SIF AWARD FOR COURAGE AND PATRIOTISM

THE 2017 SIF NATIONAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARD

Major General (retired)

U.S. Navy (Retired)

Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein served as the Senior

Former Secretary Jessica Garfola Wright served as the Under

Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness until her retirement in

Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for Military Professionalism,

distinguished 35-year career of military service culminated with her final

leadership development of service members until her retirement in

a position that was created in 2014 to help the professional and

April 2015. She retired from the Army in 2010 as a Major General. Her

March of this year.

assignment as The Adjutant General of Pennsylvania and commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard. General Wright began her military

A naval flight officer, Rear Adm. Klein has over 4,500 flight

career as an enlistee in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1975,

hours in the Lockheed Martin EC-130 turboprop and Boeing E-6

after graduating from Alderson Broaddus College with a Bachelor

Mercury. Her operational assignments include multiple tours with

of Science Degree in Social Work. She also has a Master’s Degree in

the “Ironmen” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three; forward-

Management from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.

deployed USS Kitty Hawk Battle Group Staff during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Chief of Staff for

General Wright is an alumna of the Women’s Army Corps Officer

the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group.

Orientation/Officer Candidate School at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

Upon graduation from the Officers Rotary Wing Aviator Course at Fort

Rear Adm. Klein’s command and leadership assignments include

Rucker, Alabama, she became the first female Army aviator in the Army

command of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three; Commander,

National Guard. Additionally General Wright, a graduate of the CH-47

Aviator Qualification Course and CH-54 Aviator Qualification Course, was the first female aviator to qualify

in both the CH-47 and CH-54. Mrs. Wright commanded the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, 28th Infantry

Division at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, from June 1997 to November 1998. She was the first female maneuver brigade commander in the Army. She is a graduate of the Army War College Military Fellowship at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, DC.

Her maternal grandmother (Teresa Covolo Castagnari) was born in Venice, and her maternal grandfather

(Mario Castagnari) was born in the United States and returned to Italy as a young boy. Her paternal greatgrandparents (Giovanni and Madeline Garfola) were born in Calabria and emigrated in the late 1800s.

Strategic Communications Wing One; and 82nd Commandant of

Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. She commanded forward-deployed Expeditionary Strike Group

Five as well as Task Force 64, providing strike assets during Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya in 2011. For her leadership and valor, her decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Rear Adm. Klein was commissioned in May 1981 upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy. She

earned her Master of Education from the University of Southern Maine in 1999. She is a native of Weymouth, Massachusetts. Her grandfather, Peter DeLuca, immigrated to Boston from Messina, Sicily. Her grandmother, Anna Ferroli DeLuca, was born in the United States, but returned to Italy to live with her family until she was seventeen.

“My father, John Garfola, was raised by his grandmother and only spoke Italian when he started school.

My mother, Emma Castagnari Garfola, was raised in a strong Italian home. I was given the gift of being

“Nana was the only grandparent I had for most of my childhood, and she was the most giving and generous

of Italian decent. My parents drew from their Italian heritage of hard work and honesty as they raised

person I know. She was such an inspiration. She raised a large family almost singlehandedly and did so with

me. They supported and encouraged me throughout my career .They taught me that I could accomplish

much grace. I remember going to her house for dinner every Sunday growing up, with all my Italian aunts,

the impossible if I worked hard and took advantage of the opportunities. I am forever grateful for my

uncles, and cousins. By her example, I came to understand the importance of family and service to others.

parents, my Italian heritage, our food, culture and traditions—all of which made me who I am today.”

Growing up in Boston, I had a lot of exposure to my Italian heritage going to the North End of Boston for weekend festas in the summer. As an adult who moved away from home to join the Navy, my heritage has also been a bridge to build relationships with others of Italian heritage. It was wonderful to serve on an aircraft carrier when we pulled into the port of Naples!”

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Anthony J. Cancelosi

The 2017 SIF National Leadership Grant Donors

President & Chief Executive Officer Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

The Sons of Italy Foundation Deeply Thanks the SIF Perpetual Scholarship Donors

The 2017 SIF Humanitarian Award

For twelve years, Mr. Cancelosi has served as President and Chief

Executive Officer for Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB), a non-profit organization founded in 1900 that provides services in the greater Washington region to people of all ages who are blind or

visually impaired—regardless of ability to pay—that help improve their economic independence and quality of life.

Prior to CLB, Mr. Cancelosi was President of ICL, an international

Giulia Besozzi Scholarship

Giovanni & Emilia Glessi Memorial Scholarship

Cappellotti Family Scholarship

Polo Family Scholarship

Lou Carnesecca Scholarship

Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship

The Charles Evans Scholarship

George J. Spatuzza Scholarship

Boncore Family Scholarship Carlone Family Scholarship

experience includes involvement with the International Center for Disabled, National Kidney Foundation, and the Special Olympics.

Pietro Secchia Scholarship

Simone & Bruno Giuffrida Memorial Scholarship

Angelo Tomasso Sr. Scholarship

The SIF thanks the donors of this year’s additional scholarships: The OSIA Grand Lodge of Ohio/Abbagail (Abbey) Rutledge Memorial Scholarship The National Italian American Bar Association & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship The American University in Rome & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

In addition to serving on CLB’s Board of Directors, Mr. Cancelosi

The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship

is on the board of directors of the D.C. Police Foundation, serves as

Secretary of the Providence Health Foundation, and is Co-Chair of

The Columbus Citizen’s Foundation Scholarship

the Capitol Network Veterans Engagement Board. In 2013, he was the he became a Knight of Malta.

Frank D. Privitera Scholarship

Esposito Family Scholarship

software company, and CEO of several for-profit technology companies

including iBrite, Inc.; eStara; and Source Digital. His previous nonprofit

George L. Graziadio/SIF Scholarship

and

Lido Civic Club of Washington, D.C. Man of the Year, and recently

The SIF also acknowledges the generous contribution of

Mr. Cancelosi grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business

The OSIA Grand Lodge of New York in Sponsoring

Administration at St. Joseph’s University. He then completed the Executive Finance Program at University of

the

Penn’s Wharton School of Business. His paternal grandparents immigrated to the United States in the early

2017 National Education & Leadership Award

1900s—his grandfather (Antonio Cancelosi) from Palermo, his grandmother (Filomena Lerro) from Sorrento.

“Growing up Italian is a very special thing in my life. Having parents who understood love taught me to be

THE CHARLES EVANS SCHOLARSHIP

humble and giving. It was a special experience to have parents and relatives who always got together for

For the eighth year, the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) is proud to award The Charles

Sunday dinner and shared love among each other through food—especially my mother’s meatballs and

Evans Scholarship, a perpetual scholarship funded by an endowment from the Charles Evans

spaghetti, which we all loved. In the environment of an Italian community, there was always a reaching out to

Foundation.

others. We all thought that we were equal and there was a very strong faith among us. Being raised Italian

A successful businessman, U.S. veteran, and philanthropist, Charles Evans co-founded the

was a joy and a love that I still experience today with my own family as we bring that tradition forward.”

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.

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The

2017 SIF National

Leadership Grant Recipients

ANDREW VALENTI

The Robert A. Messa Memorial Scholarship Hometown: Tampa, FL School: Fordham University – New York, NY

• Served on the Key Club International Board, which is responsible for defining the organization’s administrative policies, interpreting the bylaws, and deciding on future initiatives impacting over 275,000 Key Club members in 5,000 clubs in 38 countries • Chaired a six-person committee charged with managing a 501 (c)(3) endowment fund to provide college scholarships and develop a strategic plan to reach a fundraising goal of $1 million over the next five years • Interned at a Charity Navigator Perfect 100% and Four-Star non-profit that provides legislatively authorized K-12 scholarships to low-income families

CRISTINA DICKOS

The National Italian American Bar Association & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Hometown: Akron, OH School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law – Columbus, OH

• Graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from The Ohio State University • Serves as Chief Managing Editor of the Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law • Serves as a senator on the Inter-Professional Council, the student government of Ohio State’s six professional colleges

Hometown: Washington, DC School: Harvard University – Cambridge, MA

• Fluent in Italian with roots in Sardinia, Italy • Graduated as salutatorian from Woodrow Wilson High School, the largest public high school in Washington, DC • Spent a gap year working as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill; volunteering with a marine conservation program in South Africa; and studying Mandarin while working for a human rights nongovernmental organization and an agricultural social enterprise in China.

JOHN CALVELLI

The Columbus Citizen’s Foundation Scholarship Hometown: Pelham, NY School: Brown University – Providence, RI

• Selected by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to represent youth in a globally telecast program (“Grandparents and Grandchildren in Italian America”) discussing the transmission of cultural identity between generations (aired on WNYC in Spring 2016) • Participated in the Paideia Institute’s Living Latin in Rome High School Program in Summer 2016, an intensive Latin immersion program which included speaking Latin and reading ancient texts (including Medieval and Renaissance) at historical sites • Selected as a National Merit Scholar Finalist and granted the distinction of AP Scholar with Honors

RYAN CIMMINO

Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Memorial Scholarship Hometown: Fairfield, CT School: Harvard University – Cambridge, MA

• Became an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America • Selected as a National Merit Scholar Finalist and AP Scholar with Distinction • Served as President of nationally-ranked Extemporaneous Speech Team and Medical Science Club

VINCENT DI NARDO

The Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship

Hometown: Chalfont, PA School: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — Blacksburg, VA

• Honors College Horton Fellow who will travel to Tokyo, Japan, to study the ocarina (an ancient wind instrument), study Japanese language and calligraphy, engage in volunteer work, record soundscapes for future music technology works, and intern in the video game industry • Explorer Intern at Microsoft in Seattle, Washington, for software development and program management during Summer 2017 • Current Director of Programming and upcoming 2017-2018 Director of Academic Enrichment for the Honors Residential Commons at Virginia Tech

GREGORY CASO

The Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship

TIMOTHY GENOVESE

The Charles Evans Scholarship

Hometown: Providence, RI School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University – Providence, RI

• Supervised student Emergency Medical Technicians at ambulance service for two years • Conducted study of demographic and diagnostic predictors of anger and aggression in 3,800 psychiatric patients that resulted in a first-author publication in Comprehensive Psychiatry • Redesigned Brown’s anatomy curriculum for medical students and physiology lab for undergraduates

ALI LIBRIZZI

Hometown: Long Island, NY School: Bucknell University – Lewisburg PA

American University of Rome/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

• Started the Bison Running Club; founding, certifying, and funding the club sport within the first month as a college freshman • Pursuing a completed novel as an honors thesis for honors distinction in Creative Writing degree • Member of the Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor Society and the National Mortar Board Honor Society; recipient of multiple academic awards and scholarships, including being on Dean’s List every semester

STEPHANIE SAISI

The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language Hometown: Burlingame, CA School: University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA

Hometown: Machiasport, ME School: American University in Rome

• Archaeological intern on a dig that redefined the dates of French settlement in North America and the scope of Native American seafaring • Dean’s Fellow in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at the American University in Rome to help pilot a new interdisciplinary program combining liberal arts with enterprise • Active volunteer who helped build a school for Guatemalan children, assisted small biodynamic farmers, and served as member of Project Rome to feed the homeless

NICHOLAS SEAMAN

The 2017 National Education & Leadership Award

• Competitive swimmer for over 12 years, including non-wetsuit open water; has swum Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, other races such as Lake Berryessa, and fundraisers such as Keller Cove Swim for Kids’ Sake • Selected to be a student in the Leventhal Honors Research Seminar; will continue with the program in Fall 2017 to conduct research on earnings management, test hypotheses by coding in SAS, and complete a thesis • USC Global Fellow working as a Marketing Intern at GZM Cosmo in Hong Kong during Summer 2017 10 T h e S o n s

BENJAMIN TOPA

The Grand Lodge of Ohio/Abbagail Rutledge Memorial Scholarship

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• Lived in Grado, Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia region) for five years and is fluent in Italian • Founded the high school Debate and Ethics Bowl teams, leading the latter to a second-place finish in the state of Indiana • Founded the high school Robotics Club and raised $4,500 in grants to purchase equipment and start outreach programs to local middle and elementary schools 29 t h A n n u a l N EL A G a l a

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Joe Mantegna

Michael Amante

Master of Ceremonies

Featured Performer

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, 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 15th consecutive year as host of the National Memorial Day Concert and the SIF NELA Gala.

The Sons of Italy Foundation is pleased to welcome tenor Michael Amante in what

is his tenth 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.”

Help Our Military Heroes

Maria Fassio Pignati

“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

Featured Performer

to our country’s most severely wounded, injured, and ill service men and women who sustained their injuries while on active duty

since the start of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. 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 and Ted Hollander and Marybeth Vandergrift.

In 2017, the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) made a $20,000 donation to HOMH. This is the third $20,000 donation in four

years that the SIF has made to HOMH.

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 the former state president of the Sons of Italy’s Grand Lodge of California,

which consists of fifty-two 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 of Italy.

Earlier this year, CPT Michael Trost, USArmy receives his modified minivan. Behind him are (L to R) Tetro, Ted Hollander, Marybeth Vandergrift, Randy, and Stephanie Trost (Michael’s wife). Tetro and Randy are his mobility consultants.

Thanks in part to the SIF’s 2016 donation, CPT James Howard, USArmy receives his modified minivan.

In 2014, CPL Josh Himan, USMC sits behind the wheel of his modified minivan for the first time. SIF Trustee Frank Panessa looks through the passenger side.

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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.”

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NELA Highlights Honorees & Special Guests

(L. to R.) SIF President Joseph DiTrapani, Capt. Anthony Odierno (U.S. Army, Ret.), Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, and SIF President Emeritus Paul S. Polo.

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

Emcee Joe Mantegna and Special Guest Gary Sinise with a veteran at the 2016 NELA The 2016 NELA scholarship winners

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

The SIF proudly hosts many veterans at the 2016 NELA

Dr. Condoleezza Rice receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 NELA 14 T h e S o n s

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President George W. Bush addresses the 2004 NELA 29 t h A n n u a l N EL A G a l a

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Five women trailblazers at the 2007 NELA

(L. to R.) Madeleine Albright, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Nancy Pelosi and Mary Landrieu

Vice President Joe Biden entertains the crowd at the 2009 NELA

(L. to R.) SIF President Joseph J. DiTrapani, FIAT/ Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, and OSIA Past President Vincent Sarno at the 2013 NELA

SRT CEO Ralph Gillies (L.) with Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), at the 2013 NELA

Tony Bennett performing at the 2003 NELA

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

(L. to R.) Dr. Anthony Fauci with Colin and Alma Powell at the 2013 NELA

Music Producer Quincy Jones introduces Honoree President Bill Clinton at the 2010 NELA 16 T h e S o n s

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CULTURAL PRESERVATION & IMMIGRATION HISTORY

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Making a Difference

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.

The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA). 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 OSIA 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.

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.

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 Mark Fischer

Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Hiebert

SPECIAL PROJECTS DISASTER RELIEF The SIF donates generously to disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad. Last year, with the help of State Grand Lodges and Local Filial Lodges, a $150,000 contribution was made to help relief efforts for the Central Italy earthquake that struck the Marche, Lazio, Umbria, and Abruzzo regions in August 2016.

Photo Courtesy of Leggi il Firenzepost

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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

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The Sons of Italy Foundation

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Contribution Highlights

The SIFAward Recipients 1989-2016

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

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

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

2016

Joseph M. Mattone, Sr.

Harry Lombardo

Mary Ann Pessolano Mattone, RN/MPH

Lt. Gen. Flora D. Darpino

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

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

Philanthropist & Community Leader National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Dr. Condoleezza Rice

1985 Contributes to restoration of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

66th Secretary of State Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

1987 $30,000 to earthquake victims in Mexico 1989 Holds first National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) event in Washington, DC

Nicholas E. Calio

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.

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

Paul Rinaldi

President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association Humanitarian Award

2004 $100,000 to establish a World War II memorial in Washington, DC

2015

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

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

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno

2006 $35,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief

Terry O’Sullivan

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

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

2007 $100,000 to Coaches vs. Cancer

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

2008 $100,000 over past four years to the Rienzi Foundation to cure deafness through cochlear implants 2009 Collects an estimated $300,000 in relief funds to aid victims of the L’Aquila earthquake in the Abruzzi region 2010 The Charles Evans Foundation, formed by Evan-Picone fashion house co-founder Charles Evans, selects the SIF to receive a quarter-million-dollar endowment to establish the perpetual Charles Evans Scholarship.

2010 $100,000 to build the World Trade Center Museum & Memorial in New York City 2010 $10,000 scholarship to Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta 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.

2011 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. 2016 $150,000 to relief efforts for the Central Italy earthquake in the Umbria, Lazio, Abruzzo, and Marche regions

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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 2012

Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH Hillary Rodham Clinton U.S. Secretary of State Special Recognition Award for Science & Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Alfred Grasso

President & CEO, The MITRE Corporation Humanitarian Award

Armand Sabitoni

Geno Auriemma

General Secretary, Laborers International Union of North America Humanitarian Award

2014

President, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Inc. Award for Excellence in Business

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

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

2017 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes 20 T h e S o n s

International President, Transport Workers Union Humanitarian Award

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Claudio Bozzo

Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps. (Ret.) 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for Courage & Patriotism 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 for Public Service 21

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

Frank Giordano

Richard L. Trumka

President, Union League of Philadelphia Humanitarian Award

Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO Humanitarian Award

The Rienzi Foundation

Making A Difference Award

2002

2006

Michael Rienzi

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

Franco Nuschese

General President, United Association Humanitarian Award

Robert E. Juliano

Actor Excellence in Media Award

Robert Gallo, M.D.

President & Founder, Rienzi & Sons National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) President, Georgetown Entertainment Group, LLC Excellence in Business Chairman, Robert E. Juliano Associates Humanitarian Award

Martin J. Maddaloni Joe Mantegna

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

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

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

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

Federal Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals Lifetime Achievement Award in Jurisprudence

Robert A. Scardelletti

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

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

Geraldine Ferraro

Former Congresswoman from New York Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Joseph Battipaglia CIO, Ryan Beck & Co. Business Award

Robert A. Georgine

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

Joseph G. Procacci

CEO, Procacci Brothers Sales Corp.

OSIA Centennial Award

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

Mario Andretti

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

1999

Andrew A. Giancamilli

Prime Minister of Italy International Leadership Award President, Georgetown University Excellence in Academia Award

Legendary Entertainer Humanitarian Award

John De Gioia

Tony Bennett

Frances Visco

1998

2003

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

President, National Breast Cancer Coalition Humanitarian Award

Charles Gargano

Chairman, Empire State Development Corp.

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Andy Granatelli

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Alfred A. Checchi

Joseph E. Antonini

President, JEA Enterprises, Inc. 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)

Phil Guarascio

1990

Frank Sinatra

1989

Legendary Entertainer, Producer & Philanthropist Humanitarian Award

Automotive designer, driver & engineer Lifetime Achievement Award

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

2000

Former President & General Merchandise Manager, Kmart Corporation National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Silvio Berlusconi

Joe Paterno

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

Actress & Businesswoman Humanitarian Award

Joseph Grano

1996

1994

Connie Stevens

2004

Vice President/Former Manager, LA Dodgers Humanitarian Award

Regis Philbin

Television Host Lifetime Achievement Award

Karen Ignagni

Tommy Lasorda

1995

2005

Arthur J. Gajarsa

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

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

John F. Mariani

Dana Gioia

Peter F. Secchi

2001

2009

Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

1997

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The Honorable Silvio O. Conte

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

Lou Carnesecca

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

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The Sons of Italy Foundation

The Robert A. Messa Memorial Scholarship OSIA Past National President (2001 – 2003)

Board and Committees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Resource Persons

Daniel J. Longo Chairman

Mac Comparetto Lynn Lawrence-Murphy Carolyn Reres Antonio Sestito

Vera Girolami Vice President

2017 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE

Joseph J. DiTrapani President

Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio Recording Secretary

Michele Ment, Chair Joseph Facciolo Robert Amante

Frank J. Panessa Treasurer

2017 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION CONSULTANTS

Thom A. Lupo Financial Secretary

President Emeritus Paul S. Polo Robert A. Messa devoted much of his life to the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA). He became a

member of OSIA in 1967 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Grand Delegate in 1969 and then

State President of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1991. During his state presidency, Mr. Messa organized

eleven new lodges (with a cumulative membership exceeding 1,500) and helped raise more than $420,000 for

Cooley’s Anemia and $100,000 for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. He also revamped the Grand Lodge of

Pennsylvania’s Charitable and Education Trust, a 501(c)(3) Public Charity that raised over $500,000 for various

charities and annual college and high school scholarships. On August 5, 2001, Mr. Messa was elected OSIA National President. He then served two terms as Sons of Italy Foundation President from 2005 to 2009.

Mr. Messa, whose ancestors were from Naples, was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor

of Science Degree in Finance and Real Estate Law from Temple University. He then earned a Master’s Degree

in Savings and Loan Management from Indiana University. He also attended the School of Mortgage Banking at Notre Dame University and worked over forty-five years in the banking industry.

In his lifetime, Mr. Messa was the recipient of several honors and awards, including Man of the Year,

Distinguished Service Award, and Governor and Senatorial Citations. In 1995, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court

Trustees Angelo R. Bianchi, Esq. Al DeNapoli, Esq. Joseph LaBanca Salvatore Lanzilotta Michael S. Polo Marianne Principe-O’Neil Philip J. Privitera, Esq. Joseph Sciame Joanne L. Strollo

Lynn, Robert Messa’s daughter

“C” denotes Charter Member

“Throughout his life, Robert was a true family man. He enjoyed spending time with his two brothers and their families and was instrumental in organizing family events, especially on the holidays. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and had a passion for maintaining family values and traditions. That was

Lucio D’Andrea President Emeritus, The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society Washington, D.C. Edvige D’Andrea The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society Washington, D.C.

Joseph Sena, Jr. President, National Italian American Bar Association

The following is a listing of the current active OSIA Gold Membership Program participants:

his life and he lived it to the fullest.”

Discipline, a position he held for four years.

Gene Logan American University, Washington, D.C.

Trustee Emeritus Valentino Ciullo Vincent Sarno

Bob Amante Tony Anderson-C Phil Boncore Dianna Britting Tony Cianciotta Frances Cipriotti-C Michael Creedon Mark DeNunzio-C Verne Foss-C Louis Gallo

made him one of only two non-lawyer electors to be appointed as Judge of the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial

Mark Lindenmeyer Loyola University, Maryland

Al Girolami-C Vera Girolami-C Eleanor Jobbagy Joe LaBanca-C Sal Lanzilotta Marie Marsalli Lynn Lawrence-Murphy-C Tom LiPuma Anita Lombardi-Riley-C Nicholas Mauro-C

Michele Ment Bill Murphy-C Arlene Nunziati-C Frank Panessa -C Maria Fasio Pignati-C Paul S. Polo-C Michael G. Polo-C Thoma Pruse-C Dominic Pucci-C Nancy Quinn-C

Joseph Rube Patricia Russo Frank Sammartano Joseph Sciame Luigi Squillante Sadie Tamburine Steven Trent Joseph Vallone Kurt Weis, Jr Keith Wilson Paul Zanobelli

If you are interested in becoming a participant of the Gold Membership Program please e-mail Dr. Mark DeNunzio at denunziodds@yahoo.com 24 T h e S o n s

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The Order Sons of Italy in America®

The Sons of Italy Foundation Staff & Consultants

Founded in 1905

The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the oldest and largest national organization

NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. Established to help the early Italian

immigrants, today OSIA is the nation’s leading Italian-American service and advocacy organization.

Andrea K. Beach Office Manager

It has a network of hundreds of thousands of family members in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and has lodges extending across the country and into Canada.

Miles Ryan Fisher Editor, Italian America Magazine Editor, NELA Gala Journal

Its programs include: • ITALIAN AMERICA MAGAZINE, the most widely read magazine in the U.S. for people ®

of Italian heritage

• PASSPORT TO ITALY, low-cost group tours to Italy and its cultural patrimony arranged by OSIA’s travel bureau • SCHOLARSHIPS, financial support for young Italian Americans attending college and graduate school • STUDY ABROAD PARTNERSHIPS OPPORTUNITIES, a program for students and adults to study or work while living in Italy

Carly Jerome Social Media & Communications Consultant Katie Vivian Project Coordinator

• THE SONS OF ITALY NATIONAL BOOK CLUB, a committee that promotes fiction and non-fiction works by and

CONSULTANTS Dan Ashwell Printing Solutions, Inc. Printing

Lisa Marie Latino Long Shot Productions Video

Maria Covell Capital City Events Event Planners

Omni Shoreham Hotel Catering

Erik Duran Duran Floral Design, LLC Flowers Donna Introcaso Event Coordinator

Reflections Photography Diane Vincent Graphic Design

about Italian Americans

• INTERNSHIPS/MENTORING PROGRAM, National Office in Washington, D.C.

Use your mobile device to scan the QR code to join our e-mail list! Receive our monthly newsletter, event information, news, exciting announcements and special offers! Or text OSIA to 22828 to join!

The Sons of Italy Commission for Social Justice® Founded in 1979

• The CSJ’s mission is to fight the stereotyping 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; contacts offending parties by letter and/or telephone; and encourages other Italian-

American organizations, e-mail networks, and concerned individuals to take action as well.

• Through its Positive Image Program, the CSJ regularly informs the media and

The Sons of Italy Foundation’s National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

general public about Italian-American achievements, contributions, history, and culture.

• 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 Italian Americans.

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2017 NELA

Silver

Gala Sponsors

Air Methods Corporation Airlines for America – airlines.org

Platinum

American Maritime Officers Service – amos-maritime.com Comcast NBCUniversal DiSorb Systems, Inc Enterprise Holdings, Inc. International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers – goiam.org

Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil – colavita.com facebook.com/colavitaoliveoil

Intro, Incorporated

OSIA New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. nysosia.org

Laborers’ International Union of North America – liuna.org Lido Civic Club of Washington, DC

The Charles Evans Foundation Scholarship Presented by Linda Munson Rothkopf

Michael G. Polo, National 5th Vice President of OSIA My Italian Family, The No. 1 Source for your Family Roots and Italian Dual Citizenship Support – mytalianfamily.com National Air Traffic Controllers Association – natca.org National Italian American Foundation – www.niaf.org NYS OSIA Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. – Marianne Principe-O’Neil – “Gift of Sight”

Gold

Peduzzi Associates, LTD Privitera Family Charitable Foundation Seafarers International Union – Michael Sacco, President – seafarers.org Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of New Jersey Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Ohio The Allison Family The Chesser Family Foundation in Memory of Susan Chesser Transport Workers Union of America – www.twu.org

Columbus Citizens Foundation – columbuscitizensfd.org

Transportation Communications Union/IAM – Robert A. Scardelletti, National President – www.TCUnion.org Venturi Solutions, LLC

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Bronze

Sponsor

Daniel J. Longo, National President of the Order Sons of Italy in America

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, OSIA – www.osiama.org

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Inserra Shop-Rite Supermarkets

Mark S. DeNunzio, DDS

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) – iatse.net

Harry & Kathy Melikian

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers – www.bacweb.org

Naden/Lean, LLC, Jeff Drake, CPA

John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - President Sandi Nunziata – www.marinolodge.org

OSIA Grand Lodge of Florida – Florida Foundation for Scholarships

Order Sons of Italy in America dba Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America – osia.org

Recology, Inc. – www.recology.com

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Virginia

Sons of Italy Foundation Trustees: Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio; Joseph LaBanca; Salvatore Lanzilotta; Joseph Sciame

Sons of Italy National Vice Presidents: Vera Girolami; Nancy Di Fiore Quinn; Robert A. Bianchi, Esq.; Joseph A. Boncore, Esq.; Michael G. Polo

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Delaware

United Mine Workers America – umwa.org

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Maryland Sons of Italy National Past Presidents: Joseph J. DiTrapani; Paul S. Polo, Sr.; Vincent Sarno; Joseph Sciame; Peter R. Zuzolo Sons of Italy National Trustees: Michael P. Creedon, Esq. (PA); Carlo Matteucci (NY); Maria Fassio Pignati (CA)

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Sponsor Thank you to the following individuals and organizations that have sponsored active members of the armed service, veterans, and wounded warriors at this year’s NELA Gala.

Annapolis Lodge #2225 – OSIA Arlene M. Nunziati, California State 1st Vice President Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – Kristy Paolazzi, Global Director of the Americas SIF Trustee Joseph LaBanca & Mary LaBanca Nicholas M. Donofrio OSIA New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. – nysosia.org OSIA State President of Pennsylvania – John S. Oliano Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Arizona Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of California Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Maryland Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Nebraska Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Ohio Vera and Al Girolami

Booster The Buona Fortuna Lodge #2835 Florida - Joyce Russo Bollenbacher, President - soibuonafortuna.org The Messa Family

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When you learn that you are losing your eyesight, where do you turn?

Independence is Our Vision Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind provides services, employment and training resources in the Washington, DC Region to people who are blind or visually-impaired at any stage of life and socio-economic background. www.clb.org

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