An evening of great elegance and national pride lit up the walls of Cipriani 42nd Street in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. On Thursday, April 10, the National Italian American Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary with the New York Gala, honoring exceptional Italian and Italian-American women and men.
With over 500 guests in attendance, the evening opened with the powerful notes of the Italian anthem followed by the American anthem, a perfect symbol of the deep connection between these two cultures. Welcoming those in attendance were Robert Allegrini, chairman of the National Italian American Foundation, chairman Robert Carlucci and his deputy John Calvelli. The leaders expressed gratitude and pride in carrying out a mission that celebrates Italian and Italian-American roots, a commitment made possible through the support of great leaders. John Calvelli, in touching words, shared his admiration for Robert Carlucci, NIAF chairman. “During the pandemic, a tough time when talking about the future seemed almost impossible, Bob was able to find hope and point the way forward for everyone. It will be difficult for me to match his greatness.”
Next, the NIAF Dea Roma award made by Dante Mortet’s workshop was presented to personalities who, through their talent and dedication, have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in their respective fields: Claudio DeVellis, partner at PwC, was honored for his outstanding contributions in the financial services sector; Sal Paolantonio, renowned ESPN correspondent, was recognized for excellence in broadcast journalism; Carlo E. Petrillo, president of Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. received the NIAF award for his achievements in civil construction; Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, was honored with the NIAF Special Award for his contributions in infrastructure and economic growth.
A special moment was the awarding of the Mario Cuomo Prize to Lorraine Grillo, CEO of Bradford Construction Corp. of New York, an award presented to her by surprise guest Andrew Cuomo. “Good evening,” exclaimed the newly minted New York City mayoral candidate, “we are grateful to NIAF because it continues to tell the success stories of Italian Americans who have made this country great.” He went on to recall his father’s modesty and values. “My father would have been angry if he had known about the existence of this award,” the former governor said. “He would have considered it too great an honor.”
No less significant was the tribute to the ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, whose term is drawing to a close. With great grace, the ambassador expressed the nation’s pride in the achievements of Italians in America, the result of patience and hard work. In her speech, she also anticipated the upcoming Italian State visit to the White House, “These days you will have heard about tariffs” – she said with a tone of irony – “in fact on April 17 our Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will come to Washington to meet President Trump. Now we can still enjoy great Italian food and wine. Then we will see, but we are counting on the future.”
To crown the evening, the celebration of the representative region: for 2025, the honors went to Lazio. President Francesco Rocca said he was honored to serve as a bridge between the two countries and spoke of his region as the cradle of an unparalleled cultural and historical heritage that well embodies the union of tradition and modernity.
It was an evening where history, personal achievements and a vision of hope were woven together.
