August 31, 2011 ~ More than 3,000 guests from the United States and Italy are expected to attend the National Italian American Foundation's 36th Anniversary Convention and Gala on October 28 and 29, 2011, at the Washington Hilton in the nation's capital.

Maria Bartiromo, Emmy Award-winning journalist and a member of the NIAF Board of Directors, will serve as the gala's mistress of ceremonies. NIAF has also invited President Barack Obama who was unable to attend last year.

According to NIAF, confirmed celebrities include : Frankie Avalon, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Dana Brunetti, Giuliana DePandi-Rancic, Deana Martin, Joe Pantoliano, and Mike Piazza. They will be joined by President of Italy Hon. Giorgio Napolitano and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

This year's gala honorees include: · Hon. Capri Cafaro, Minority Leader of the Ohio Senate · Dion DiMucci, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer · Hon. Frank J. Guarini, Former U.S. Congressman andNIAF Chairman Emeritus · Frank G. Mancuso Sr., Former Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio · Emma Marcegaglia, President of Confindustria · Paolo Scudieri, Managing Director of Adler Plastic S.p.A. · Hon. Santo Versace, President of Gianni Versace S.p.A. and Chairman of the Board of Fondazione Operation Smile Italia Onlus

During NIAF's convention weekend, the Foundation will host Expo Italia, a two-day exhibition showcasing the best of Italy and an Auction Showcase. The convention will also feature conferences and seminars celebrating all things Italian.

Pictured above Carla Gugino at the 2009 NIAF Gala. Photo by Enzo Pantano.

|CiaoAmerica.net|