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[Party Pix] Inside Last Week’s National Italian American Foundation Gala

October 20, 2016 admin

The National Italian American Foundation capped off their annual weekend of cultural events featuring highlights of Italian food, beverage and immersive experiences with a Black Tie Gala Awards Dinner last week at The Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

Over 1,500 guests were in attendance, including actor Sebastian Stan (Captain America), Ambassador of Italy to the United States Armando Varricchio, Congressman Tom Marino, Former Congresswoman Connie Morella (Maryland), The Hon. Patricia de Stacy Harrison (President and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting), Host of ‘At Will Radio’ Will Malnati, Comedian Joe Piscopo, singer Deana Martin, The Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride, and Italian Pop Opera Star Alma Manera – along with honorees, directors Joe and Anthony Russo (Arrested Development, Captain America), businessman Stefano Pessina (CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.), Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris, Dr. Aileen R. Sirey, singer/songwriter Tony Renis , and Giuseppe Lavazza (Luigi Lavazza S.p.A Vice Chairman).

All enjoyed exciting entertainment, Italian specialty fare, wine from this year’s NIAF Region of Honor, Piemonte, and feting those who have made a cultural and social impact to strengthen the Italian American identity and heritage as music legend Tony Renis sand for the first time in public in 20 years… and bidding heated over a live auction that featured a walk on role in the next Avengers film!