The elegance and pizzazz of the 48th National Italian American Foundation anniversary gala
Christopher Tremoglie
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The 48th National Italian American Foundation’s gala was held last month in Washington. It’s a tradition held every October to celebrate and honor Italian American Heritage and Culture Month. It’s an unmatched cultural event with an enchantment and aura felt as soon as one steps foot in the gala’s lobby. It’s a joyous occasion that brings people together for a night of glitz, glamour, and history of Italian Americans in the country.
But this year’s celebration was different, as it included a special visit from someone with an unexpected VIP as her plus one. Shortly before the gala, attendees were notified that first lady Jill Biden would be there in person. It was quite a surprise.
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“We are honored to host first lady Jill Biden at our marquee event celebrating Italian culture,” NIAF President Robert Allegrini said in a press release. “Her participation highlights the important contributions Italian Americans have made to the fabric of America.”
Jill Biden is the first Italian American first lady and greeted attendees to last year’s gala with a recorded message. Earlier in the week, Jill Biden hosted a delegation of Italian American leaders at the White House as part of an Italian American heritage event. Jill Biden greeted the crowd and spoke about her Italian heritage and the importance of the culture.
She then introduced her special guest: President Joe Biden.
The president’s appearance was not a scheduled visit and was unknown to most attendees. During his speech, Joe Biden highlighted the contributions of Italian Americans and what they have “done for this country” and “their entire history.”
“But all kidding aside, thank you very much. The embodiment of a sense of imagination. You know, Michelangelo famously remarked that he saw the angel in the marble, and ‘I carved until I set it free,’” Joe Biden said. “To me, that is the essence of what Italian Americans have done for this country and done for art and literature for their entire history.”
“They just carve until they set it free. And you have a whole hell of a lot of angels, starting with this one right here,” Joe Biden said about his wife.
As for the event itself, the ballroom was decorated with such elaborate elegance that it looked like guests had stepped out of Washington and into the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy — NIAF’s “region of honor” for 2023. As part of the festivities, Stefano Bonaccini, president of the Emilia-Romagna region, joined Nicola Bertinelli, president of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, to partake in a “ceremonial opening of an 80-pound wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.”
Several awards were given to Italians and Italian Americans for their cultural contributions and for improving society. Perhaps the most well-known recipient was Veronica Berti Bocelli, who was awarded the foundation’s Leonardo da Vinci Award for humanitarianism. Bocelli is the wife of the famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Additionally, the gala honored the Italian air force. The military branch was celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. NIAF recognized the achievement with a speech from Lt. Gen. Luca Goretti, who spoke on behalf of the military unit.
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It was a memorable night altogether. From the entertaining masters of ceremonies, Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, and comedian and radio talk show host Joe Piscopo, to the exquisite food, fantastic wine, and delicious desserts, to the celebrity appearances, such as legendary race car driver Mario Andretti, the National Italian American Foundation’s gala is arguably the preeminent cultural soiree of the nation’s capital. I may be biased, given my Italian roots, but none of that makes my statement any less true.
It’s hard to imagine any other event with the ambiance and jaw-dropping charm and “air of sophistication.” NIAF’s annual tradition is an iconic affair. It’s not just a gala. It’s an unforgettable experience.