NIAF’s 41st Gala Honors Pols, Entertainers, Businessmen

The National Italian American Foundation capped off its annual weekend of cultural events, featuring the best in Italian food, beverage and immersive experiences with an awards gala at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on Oct. 15 that honored film directors Joseph and Anthony Russo (“Arrested Development” and “Captain America”), NFL great Franco Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers) and many others.

Gala attendees included actor Sebastian Stan (“Captain America”), Ambassador of Italy to the United States Armando Varricchio, Rep. Tom Marino, former Rep. Connie Morella of Maryland, Patricia de Stacy Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, comedian Joe Piscopo, singer Deana Martin, daughter of the late Dean Martin and Italian pop opera star Alma Manera. The awardees were directors Joe and Anthony Russo, Stefano Pessina CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., pro football Hall of Famer Franco Harris, Dr. Aileen R. Sirey, singer-songwriter Tony Renis and Luigi Lavazza S.p.A, Vice Chairman, Giuseppe Lavazza.