2024 NELA Journal

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

NelaGala.org

Table of Contents

WELCOME

FROM THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION® LEADERSHIP

Michael G. Polo, Chairman | Joseph Sciame, President

Welcome to the 35th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala.

Tonight, we celebrate the Region of Sicily and will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond: Joseph DiTrapani and Family, Joe Mantegna, J . Eustace Wolfington, Deana Martin, Hon . Mark E . Amodei, and our Honorary Co-Chairs, Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, and the Hon . Thomas R . Suozzi .

In addition to these extraordinary honorees, we celebrate the promising future of our Italian-American youth

This year’s Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) scholarship winners were selected for a combination of exemplary academic performance, school leadership, and community service . The SIF and its national scholarship program are proud to contribute to the future of such students as they pursue higher education that will lead them to many impressive accomplishments down the road At last year’s NELA Gala, the SIF presented $125,000 in scholarships . This extraordinary amount, when combined with scholarships awarded at the state and local levels, means that the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) distributes, as a whole, well over $650,000 in scholarships annually .

We come together on this night to recognize the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and raise money for its foundation . To date, members have raised tens of millions of dollars for charities and scholarships . Even through the pandemic, our members raised significant funds for our three National Charities: Cooley’s Anemia Foundation; Alzheimer’s Association; and the Doug Flutie, Jr Foundation for Autism

In addition to our National Charities, the SIF also donates $20,000 each year to Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH)—the SIF’s tenth contribution in ten years . The donation provides a minivan for a veteran injured while on active duty . To all veterans in attendance tonight, we are indebted to you for your service and your sacrifice .

This evening, we are proud of the SIF’s commitment to giving back as well as the many other ways in which our Local Lodges and Grand Lodges have given to those in need on a local, state, national, and international level . It is an evening such as this that allows us to honor these collective efforts and to help raise funds so that the Sons of Italy Foundation may continue its mission

May 23, 2024 • Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center • Washington, D.C.

Welcome Greetings

“Fratelli d’Italia”

Presentation of the Colors

“The Star-Spangled Banner”

Invocation

Introduction

Message from the President

Message from the Delegate Honorary Co-Chair

Message from the Honorary Co-Chair

Joseph Sciame

Maria Fassio Pignati

President, Sons of Italy Foundation

Takoma Park (MD) Police Department Honor Guard

Maria Fassio Pignati

Rev. R. Adam Forno

Adriana Trigiani

Michael G. Polo

2024 SIF Lifetime Brotherhood Award

2024 SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in Media

2024 Public Service Award

2024 SIF Humanitarian Award

2024 SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts

Closing

Final Musical Interlude

National Chaplain

Mistress of Ceremonies

National President, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Italy to the United States

Minister Plenipotentiary Alessandro Gonzales

The Honorable Thomas R. Suozzi U.S. Representative

2024 SIF National Scholarship Presentations

DINNER SERVED with performance by Vanessa Racci

Joseph DiTrapani and Family

Joe Mantegna

Esteemed family, led by cornerstone OSDIA and SIF figure

Award-winning actor, producer, writer and director

The Honorable Mark E. Amodei U.S. Representative

J. Eustace Wolfington

Deana Martin

Adriana Trigiani

Vanessa Racci

Executive Producer

Singer, actress, and performer

Mistress of Ceremonies

The Jazzy Italian

May 23, 2024 • Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center • Washington, D.C.

MENU

Cannoli Napoleon

Amarena Cherries, Sicilian Pistachios, Candied Orange

May 23, 2024 • Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center • Washington, D.C.

Official Sponsors

Platinum

DiTrapani Family

Alzheimer’s Association

Chieco Family

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

DeNunzio Family

Froccaro Family

Gift of Life International , Inc.

The Melikian Group

OSDIA Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

OSDIA Grand Lodge of the Northwest

Joseph and Pauline Russo

Universal Strategies Limited

The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) would like to thank its generous sponsors for supporting the 35th Annual NELA Gala and helping the SIF give back in the spirit of our Italian heritage.

A WORD FROM OUR HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

A WORD FROM OUR HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

May 23, 2024

Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

Sons of Italy Foundation

219 E Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to all gathered for the Sons of Italy Foundation’s 35th National Education and Leadership Awards Gala. I extend special congratulations to this year’s honorees:

Joseph DiTrapani & Family

Joe Mantegna Lifetime Brotherhood Award Lifetime Achievement Award in Media

J. Eustace Wolfington

Deana Martin Humanitarian Award Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts

Hon. Mark E. Amodei Public Service Award

Founded 65 years ago, the Sons of Italy Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to scholarships, medical research, disaster relief efforts, cultural projects, veterans’ causes and other special projects. It has enriched the lives of many people and made the world a better place. This success would not have been possible without the dedicated members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America who generously share their time, talent and resources to support the worthy projects that are supported by the Foundation.

Again, congratulations to this year’s honorees and best wishes for a successful event.

With kindest regards, I am

Sincerely,

Thomas R. Suozzi Member of Congress

TRS:csr

Greetings Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America 35th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala

May 23, 2024

As Mayor of Washington, DC, it is my pleasure to offer greetings to the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Sons of Italy Foundation organizers, and guests as you attend your 35th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala.

Established in New York City in 1905 by a small group of Italian immigrants, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) began as a support system for the new community as they navigated becoming U.S. citizens. To offer an even wider range of support, the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) was established in 1959 and is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. The foundation has since become a national resource for the country’s most vulnerable groups. Its rich history is filled with impactful contributions, including establishing orphanages, homes for the elderly, life insurance and mortuary funds, credit unions, scholarship funds, free English language classes for immigrants and more. In 1989, the SIF began hosting the Annual National Education and Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala to help further its cause. Impressively, the distinguished event has since raised tens of millions of dollars to give towards educational programs, disaster relief, cultural advancement, and medical research. I am grateful for each of your efforts, and I am beyond proud that you have chosen Washington, DC to host your 35th Annual NELA Gala.

To SIF leadership, OSDIA national officers, volunteers, members, esteemed guests and honorees, and to each person responsible for making this Gala possible, I wish you the utmost success as you fellowship, inspire, and give back.

To those visiting DC to attend this great event, during your stay in our nation’s capital, please take a moment to enjoy our world class restaurants, culturally diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, shopping and entertainment destinations, theaters, and more. We love to see visitors from all across the globe experience first-hand all the excitement Washington, DC has to offer.

Once again, I join the 700,000 residents of Washington, DC in welcoming members and guests of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America as you celebrate the 35th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala!

Muriel Bowser Mayor,

Washington, DC

Joseph DiTrapani & Family

National Past President & SIF President Emeritus Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

Joseph DiTrapani, following in the footsteps of his beloved father Sam DiTrapani, has been active in the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) for over 48 years Joseph became National President in 2009, during the 51st Biennial National Convention in La Jolla, California In August 2011, he was re-elected by acclamation to serve a second two-year term as National President

Born in Brooklyn, Joseph was one of four children in a family with roots in Sicily and Calabria Soon after receiving his Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the prestigious College of Insurance, he began his professional career at Washington National Life Insurance Company . A year later, he joined Dascit/White & Winston, New York State’s largest life, health and pension brokerage agency and rose to the position of Vice President in 1986 In 1989, Joseph acquired Dascit/White & Winston serving as its President and CEO where he continued his successful career in the insurance industry until his retirement in 2017 .

As OSDIA National President, Joseph brought a new vision to the organization with his ease in leadership and approachability . As President, he helped raise funds for a center for autistic children devastated by the April 2009 L’Aquila (Italy) earthquake . In September of 2010, in coordination with Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) President, Vincent Sarno, Joseph traveled to Italy to bring $235,000 of SIF funds to the center in L’Aquila, Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L’Autismo

After completing his four years as National President, Joseph’s service to the Order did not come to an end In August 2013, he was unanimously voted to serve as the President of the National Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) and worked diligently to secure funding for this charitable organization In 2016, on behalf of the SIF, Jose once again traveled to Mucci, Italy to present a $100,000 donation to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to assist in the reconstruction of the E De Amicis pre-school and elementary school which had been rendered unfit for use by the disastrous earthquake swarm in 2016 . For the 2019-2021 biennium period, Joe served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the National Office during a period of transition in the lead position and absence of an executive director

In December 2005, Joseph DiTrapani was presented with the title of Cavaliere through the Chancellery of the Savoy Orders in Geneva, an honor that is bestowed upon persons of importance in the Italian American community . At the present time, Joseph holds two prestigious titles of Ufficiale in the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the title of Commendatore that he received directly from the President of the Republic of Italy

Joseph and his wife Carol of 51 years are truly blessed with a wonderful family and find joy with their six beautiful grandchildren They are inspired each and every day by their loving children, Scott and Lauren, Matthew and Taylor, Todd and Suzanne, who have all excelled in their professional careers . Whenever called upon, the DiTrapani family have contributed generously to charitable causes of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and take great pride in their role in the Order

A dynamic leader, Joseph DiTrapani united and inspired many to take the next step together, always confident in the future and confident in the ability to make the Order stronger and more productive than it had ever been As someone once said, “Blessed is the leader who seeks the best for those he serves!”

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN MEDIA

Joe Mantegna

Actor

Joe was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Glengarry Glen Ross . Joe’s film and television highlights include: House of Games, Searching for Bobby Fisher, Godfather III, his Emmy and Golden Globe nominated role of Dean Martin in The Ratpack, and his Emmy nominated role of Pipi Delana in The Last Don . For two seasons, Joe stared with Mary Steenburgen in the critically acclaimed CBS drama Joan of Arcadia, winner of the 2004 People’s Choice Award for Best New Drama as well as picking up three Emmy nominations In 2008, Joe reprised his Emmy nominated role of Lou Manahan, opposite Debra Messing in the USA Network series The Starter Wife . Joe has also lent his voice to the Disney/Pixar film, CARS2 and continues his 31-year run as Fat Tony on The Simpsons .

Joe contributes much of his free time to several philanthropic endeavors, including The U S Army Museum, which opened in 2021, and the Gary Sinise Foundation, a charity that focuses on the needs of our most severely wounded veterans . He has also hosted the National Memorial Day Concert live from Washington D .C . since 2006 . Joe’s other passions include various autism-related organizations, including ETTA, New Horizons, the Miracle Project, Ed Asner Family Center, The Help Group, and Easter Seals Chicago

In April of 2011, Joe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; in 2014, he received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for his dedication to the community and craft of acting .

Joe returned as FBI Special Agent David Rossi for a 2021 reboot of the hit CBS Drama Criminal Minds, now streaming on Paramount Plus .

Joe resides in Los Angeles with his wife of over 45 years, Arlene, and their two daughters, Mia and Gia

J. Eustace Wolfington

Executive Producer, Cabrini

J . Eustace Wolfington is the Executive Producer of the film Cabrini (2024, Angel Studios) . Mother Cabrini’s entrepreneurial spirit, passion, commitment to her vocation, perseverance, creativity, organizational skills, unwavering faith and love for everyone she encountered have guided Eustace throughout his career, even naming one of his companies after her

In 2015, Sister Mary Louise Sullivan of the MSC order asked Eustace to help complete a film about Mother Cabrini Her persistence wore down his initial resistance, and he agreed to make the film on two conditions: they make a film about a great woman who just happened to be a nun; and that a 501(c) (3) was established where all the net revenues earned from the film go to charity . Cabrini, starring Cristiana Dell’Anna in the title role, was released in March of 2024 .

Eustace also was the Executive Producer of Bella, a 2006 American drama film co-written, co-produced and directed by Alejandro Monteverde, starring Eduardo Verastegui and Tammy Blanchard . Bella won the People’s Choice Award at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival . Eustace and his late wife, Marcy, have 10 children, 32 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren

The Honorable Mark E. Amodei

Member of Congress

Mark E . Amodei (R-NV) has served as the U .S . Representative for Nevada’s Second Congressional District since 2011 . He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and he serves on the Financial Services, Legislative Branch, and Interior subcommittees Since 2023, Mark has served as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee

Mark was born in Carson City, Nevada, on June 12, 1958 . He graduated from Carson High School in 1976, where he was Student Class President Mark graduated from the University of Nevada in 1980; he received his law degree from McGeorge Law School, University of the Pacific in 1983 .

Mark served with the U S Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1983 to 1987, and he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal

Mark served in the Nevada Assembly from 1996 to 1998 and in the Nevada State Senate, representing the Capital District, from 1998 to 2010 He served as Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party until May 2011 From 2007 to 2008, Mark was the President of the Nevada Mining Association He was an attorney with law firms Allison MacKenzie in Carson City from 1987 to 2004 and Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw and Ferrario (now Kaempfer Crowell) in Reno from 2004 to 2007 .

In Congress, Mark also serves on the Congressional Western Caucus, Army Caucus, Congressional Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, USO Caucus, Veterans Job Caucus, Italian American Caucus, Conservative Climate Caucus, Travel and Tourism Caucus, Public Broadcasting Caucus, Postal Preservation Caucus, and ALS Caucus .

Mark is close to his family and has two adult daughters, Erin and Ryanne He enjoys working on his old trucks, do-ityourself projects, and exploring Nevada history .

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN THE ARTS

Deana Martin

Entertainer

Deana Martin is an influential American singer, actor and performer . She is also the proud daughter of iconic entertainer, Dean Martin . Deana achieved success early in her career in films, theater and television, then quickly added to her repertoire: recording artist, best-selling author, nationally syndicated radio host, licensed pilot, and entrepreneur As an internationally acclaimed entertainer, hit recording artist and an in-demand performer, Deana Martin has become an instantly recognizable voice and figure in the pantheon of The Great American Songbook .

Deana’s 2006 debut recording, Memories Are Made Of This, stayed in the Billboard Top 10 for 40 consecutive weeks . She has since released four critically acclaimed and commercially successful recordings of various genres .

A celebrated author, Deana found herself on The New York Times coveted Best Seller list with her 2004 memoir, Memories Are Made of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughter’s Eyes . In it, Deana delights in sharing wonderful, never-before-told stories about her father and his “Pallies,” known to her as Uncle Frank (Sinatra) and Uncle Sammy (Davis, Jr) and known to the world as the Rat Pack With 210 episodes and counting, Deana has been entertaining her fans with Deana Martin LIVE! on Fridays at 4:00pm ET on Facebook, YouTube, Roku, Twitter/X and DeanaMartin com, where she has been recognized since 2020 by Pollstar as a Top 10 Streamer Worldwide, twice hitting #1 in the world . In 2021, as Executive Producers, Deana and her husband, John Griffeth, released their award-winning documentary, Dean Martin: King Of Cool, directed by Tom Donahue and premiering on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) . Also in 2021, Deana returned to her hometown of New York City to host “Dean & Deana Martin’s NIGHTCAP” on WABC radio

Deana and John divide their time between Beverly Hills, CA, and Branson, MO .

THE 2024 SIF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANT DONORS

The Sons of Italy Foundation Deeply Thanks the SIF Perpetual Scholarship Donors

The Giulia Besozzi Scholarship*

The Boncore Family Scholarship

The Cappellotti Family Scholarship

The Carlone Family Scholarship

The Lou Carnesecca Scholarship

The Franzone Family Scholarship*

The DeNunzio Family Scholarship*

The DiTrapani Family Scholarship

The Esposito Family Scholarship

The Charles Evans Scholarship*

The Simone & Bruno Giuffrida Memorial Scholarship

The Giovanni & Emilia Glessi Memorial Scholarship*

The George L. Graziadio & SIF Scholarship

The Barbara Lupo Scholarship*

The Polo Family Scholarship

The Frank D. Privitera Scholarship*

Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship

The Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship*

The Vincenzo Sellaro Scholarship*

George J. Spatuzza Memorial Scholarship*

Angelo Tomasso Sr. Scholarship*

The Silvio and Gina Vettori Scholarship*

The SIF thanks the donors of this year’s additional scholarships:

The George Bellino Scholarship

The Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship

The Lucia & Antonio DeVico Scholarship

The Italian American Baseball Foundation Scholarship

The John Cabot University Pietro Secchia Scholarship

The Lido Club of Washington, DC Scholarship

The National Italian American Bar Association & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language

The Sons of Italy Foundation’s American University of Rome Scholarship

The Joseph Sciame Scholarship

The Yazzetti Family Scholarship

Charles Evans (1926-2007)

The Charles Evans Scholarship

For the 14th year, the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) is proud to award The Charles Evans Scholarship, a perpetual scholarship funded by an endowment from the Charles Evans Foundation.

A successful businessman, U.S. veteran, and philanthropist, Charles Evans co-founded the fashion house Evan-Picone and was Executive Producer of the Academy Award-winning film Tootsie.

Mr. Evans crusaded for causes close to his heart, namely fire detection safety and Alzheimer’s disease research, and served as National Director of the Alzheimer’s Association. The SIF is grateful to the Charles Evans Foundation and Linda Munson Rothkopf for having made this perpetual scholarship possible.

*Perpetual Scholarships awarded at the 2024 NELA Gala

2024 SIF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS

Philip Morrone

The National Italian American Bar Association and Privitera Family Scholarship

Hometown: Terryville, CT

School: Pending

• Cavalry Scout Platoon Leader, U S Army - Commanded and maneuvered a platoon consisting of 36 soldiers and six Bradley Fighting Vehicles

• Volunteer Aid Worker, Father’s House - Traveled to Ukraine to provide humanitarian aid and logistics assistance to a charitable religious organization operating in Kyiv

• Volunteer Admissions Ambassador, Service to School - Mentored soldiers transitioning off active duty by guiding them through the undergraduate admissions process

Giavanna Palazzolo

The Franzone Family Scholarship

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

School: Texas Christian University

• Participated in three medical shadow opportunities, including scribing, scrubbing into surgery, and viewing all aspects of the medical field to solidify aspirations for a career in healthcare

• Competed in various theater competitions, receiving top superior scores and invitations to the International Thespian Festival

• Graduated as a Co-Valedictorian with a Scholar’s Diploma and earned Principals’ List all eight semesters of high school

Marisa Benasutti

The American University of Rome & Sons of Italy Foundation

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

School: American University of Rome

• Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Moshky Farm - Grow & maintain our saved seed collection in an effort to connect people to unique flavors, including varieties of Italian crops

• Director of Food Initiatives at Augsburg University - Direct staff and students in food security operations, including on-campus food shelf, community garden, cooking workshops, and food distributions with an emphasis on providing culturally-connected food

• Chair of Farmers Advisory Committee for Emerging Farmers Conference - Advocate for emerging farmers and biodiversity

Giovanna Parnoff

The Bellino Scholarship

Hometown: Old Lyme, CT School: Bowdoin College

• Awarded Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award for completing 125 hours of service over the past year

• Teacher, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library - Developing and teaching an Italian language and culture class

• Awarded first place in the Connecticut Council of Language Teachers (CT COLT) poetry contest for the poem “Il Trionfo di Bacco e di Arianna.”

Miranda Mazzella

The Columbus Citizens Foundation and Anthony J & Eldora B Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language

Hometown: Clarksville, MD

School: Seton Hall University

• Member of the Buccino Leadership Institute and Scholar of the Year Nominee at Seton Hall University - Focus on Marketing and Entrepreneurship, as well as Italian Studies

• Studied at Rome’s Academia Studio Italia in summer 2023 while living with a host family and exploring new cities

• Captain of Seton Hall’s Dance Team, including performances at Madison Square Garden and the 2024 NIT NCAA Championship Game in Indiana

John Matteo Papola

The Pietro Secchia Scholarship at John Cabot University and Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

Hometown: Sunset Valley, TX

School: John Cabot University

• Servant Leadership Award - Spent over 300 hours serving school community, including mentoring younger students and volunteering as an assistant P E coach

• Competitive Varsity Athlete - Texas State Finalist for high-jump; broke four school records in track and field; starter on accomplished varsity basketball team

• Real world work experience - Internships with the City of Sunset Valley, Dell Children’s Hospital, and Amy’s EDU business training

2024 SIF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS

Isabella D’Agostino

The Charles Evans Foundation Scholarship

Hometown: Linwood, NJ

School: Rutgers University

• Italian Club President (4-year President—first in the school’s history) Organized meetings, created agenda, arranged fundraisers/joint projects with other language departments .

• Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute (4 year member— flautist and piccolo player) - Played on stages of Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center; section leader in 2021

• Loops of Love, LLC (Founder) - Offering hope and support to the homeless community. Recipient of: Giving Tree Family Citizenship Award (2023), Philadelphia Union League Good Citizen Award (2023); featured in a Philadelphia ABC News story

Matthew Noto

The Franzone Family Scholarship Hometown: San Diego, CA School: Stanford

• International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2022 Grand Award Winner, Third Award in Biochemistry 2022 American Association for Clinical Chemistry Award (AACC) Biochemistry/Molecular Biology 2022 (CASEF), Regeneron Biomedical Award 2022

• Stem Research Methods Club President, Chemistry Club President Science Olympiad (SO) Regional and State Medalist Elementary and high school Science Olympiad coach

• American Taekwondo Association 2012-2023: 3rd Degree Blackbelt, 12-time World Champion, 7-time Pan-American Champion, 16-time District Champion, 35-time California State Champion .

Sabrina Sciortino

The Barbara Lupo and Vincenzo Sellaro Scholarship

Hometown: Victor, NY

School: University of Georgia

• DECA Executive Officer Director of Hospitality and Tourism - Twoyear consecutive advancement to international competition, placing in top 10% and receiving DECA Award of Excellence

• Cares Club Co-Chair of Concessions - Organized and directed annual carnival to fundraise for local, underprivileged students and families; assisted in assembly and preparation of food for distribution

• UGA Miracle Ignite Committee member - Fundraising and volunteering in events benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, providing medical services for children battling cancer .

Victoria Tully

The Franzone Family Scholarship

Hometown: Marietta, GA

School: Boston University

• Public Health Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 2019 – Formerly stationed in New Orleans for HIV activities and currently works in Atlanta for global tuberculosis; recipient of the Civilian Service Medal for public health response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic .

• Inducted into University of Maryland’s Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society

• Travels for global public health include India, Haiti, Uganda, and Zimbabwe

Luca Ratra

The Giulia Besozzi and DeVico Family Scholarship

Hometown: San Rafael, CA School: UC Berkeley

• Academic Achievements: Awarded National Merit Commended Student; AP Scholar with Distinction; California State Seal of Biliteracy (English/Italian)

• Community Service: Actively contributed to community betterment through service at Italian Community Services; San Rafael Public Library Teen Advisory Board; Terra Linda High School; MarinTV/ Community Media Center of Marin

• Athletic Leadership: Served as co-captain and #1 seed in varsity tennis, earning a four-year letterman distinction; named to the NCAL President’s List for outstanding athletic and academic performance .

Gerardo Carino, Jr.

The Joseph Sciame and George J Spatuzza’s Scholarship

Hometown: Pawtucket, RI

School: Yale University

• Captain of the Lasalle Academy Varsity Swim Team - Lettered all four years of high school and utilized skills as a lifeguard at a camp for children and adults with autism

• Selected as Youth of the Year at the local Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket, honoring 13 years of membership and community service

• Intends on studying English, History, and Italian at Yale University

2024 SIF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS

Francesca Frkonja

The DeNunzio Family and Lido Civic Club Scholarship

Hometown: Portland, OR School: UC Berkeley Law

• Member of Phi Beta Kappa and recipient of Latin honors in Economics

• Director of Operations and member of executive board, Sigma Iota Rho (Global Studies Honor Society), Washington University ChapterOrganized several public panels with expert guests; served as a mentor for undergraduate students in the Global Studies program; created professional relationships between Sigma Iota Rho and organizations in the St Louis community, such as the International Institute, LifeWise STL, St Louis International Film Festival, and the Gephardt Institute

• Volunteer, Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR) Immigration Legal Services - Met with clients and aided attorneys and staff with citizenship, asylum, and refugee applications

Eva Spak

The Silvio and Gina Vettori & Angelo Tomasso Scholarship

Hometown: Dallas, TX

School: Cornell University

• Owner, Founder, and CEO, Eva’s Cookies (online cookie business founded at age 13) - Manages packaging, marketing, cooking, and finances; generates sales of $200+/week at school bookstore

• Captain, Cistercian Prep School Mock Trial – Joined Mock Trial team at neighboring all-boys school as inaugural female member; competed as lead attorney

• Founder and President, Hockaday Baking club – Founded philanthropic baking club; recruited 60+ volunteers to provide 1000+ baked goods; collaborates with non-profits to distribute donations

Tessa Trocchi

The Glessi and Anthony Yazzetti Scholarship

Hometown: Cheshire, CT

School: University of Connecticut

• Co-Founder of a science program implemented in four elementary schools with 100 student participants, designed to give students impacted by COVID hands-on experience .

• Volunteer coach for 25 5th-6th grade cheerleaders (four years), while also serving as captain of the high school varsity team

• Vice President for the Distressed Children and Infants Club (four years), with a focus on raising funds for health and education for women and children in impoverished areas

Jacopo Tamburini

The Italian American Baseball Foundation and Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship School: Beloit College

• Beloit College (first year) student - Included in the Dean’s List during first semester, majoring in Engineering Physics and minoring in Computer Science and Finance

• Inducted in National Honor Society while a Junior at Life Center Academy in Burlington, New Jersey

• Baseball player - NCAA athlete for Beloit College, named player of the week; player in the top Italian league; included in Italy’s Future Stars event with Mike Piazza and the National Team

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Adriana Trigiani

Author, Producer & Filmmaker

Beloved by millions of readers around the world as one of the “reigning queens of women’s fiction”, (USA Today), Adriana Trigiani is The New York Times bestselling author of 20 books in fiction and nonfiction, including The Shoemaker’s Wife, The Good Left Undone, Don’t Sing at the Table, and Lucia, Lucia Published in 38 languages, The New York Times calls her “a comedy writer with a heart of gold”, and her books “tiramisu for the soul” She is host of the hit podcast, You Are What You Read, in conversation with the luminaries of our time about the books that built their souls

Adriana is an award-winning playwright, television writer/producer and filmmaker She wrote and directed the major motion picture adaptation of her debut novel Big Stone Gap, adapted her novel Very Valentine for television and directed Then Came You . She wrote and directed the documentary film, Queens of the Big Time, winner of the Audience Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival and Audience award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival The film was also featured at the London and Hong Kong International Film festivals .

Trigiani grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she co-founded The Origin Project, an in-school writing program serving over 2,700 students in Appalachia . In 2023, she was knighted with the Ordine della Stella d’Italia by President Sergio Mattarella of Italy She is proud to serve on the New York State Council on the Arts and lives in New York City with her family

NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMER

Maria Fassio Pignati

Performing the American and Italian national anthems for us this evening is soprano Maria Fassio Pignati of San Francisco . She earned a B A . in Music with a minor in Italian prior to studying voice and piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Ms Fassio Pignati is a well-known soprano soloist who performs in various venues and is a member of the “Trio Amore” opera ensemble, which has recorded a collection of classic Italian love songs entitled La Vita Bella She has also performed the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, Golden State Warriors, and at many other venues

Active in the Italian-American community for more than 40 years, Ms Fassio Pignati is a past State President of the Sons and Daughters of Italy’s Grand Lodge of California, which consists of lodges in California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada She also serves on the board of several organizations, including the San Francisco Italian Heritage Celebration, Italian Community Services, and is a past co-opted member of COM IT ES San Francisco, representing the Sons and Daughters of Italy

For her long-standing service to the Bay Area’s Italian community, Maria Fassio Pignati was recently made a Commander of the Italian Republic with the title “Commendatore dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia ” Maria has been performing at the NELA Gala since 2010

Vanessa Racci

Recording Artist & Producer

Vanessa Racci is a recording artist, producer and voice teacher of Italian descent with a passion for retro jazz and music made famous by Italian Americans . She has recorded two albums (Italiana Fresca and Jazzy Italian) and produces and stars in several shows celebrating Italian contributions to music in the US where she educates through song

Her second album, Jazzy Italian, (released on Zoho jazz label) made the top 10 traditional jazz albums of 2022 and has been programmed on Siriusly Sinatra in addition to 150+ radio stations globally Vanessa performs 50+ engagements around the country annually and her music recently got picked up by major television networks . On the production end, she recently launched two shows celebrating Italian American heritage such as “Forbidden Love: The Love Story of Bobby Darin and Connie Francis” (which she aims to take to Off-Broadway) and a tribute to Harry Warren Some notable appearances include the NIAF Gala in NYC and D C ., San Gennaro NYC, Birdland Jazz Club NYC, The Columbus Day Parade on ABC7, Opener for Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti at the Paramount and invited to sing for Connie Francis’ 86th birthday at the Wick Theater in Boca Raton

Proud accolades include winner of ISDA’s Donna Distinta Award and the NOIAW “Three Wise Women” Award She is honored to add the OSDIA NELA Gala to her list of notable performances To learn more or subscribe to her mailing list, go to www .vanessaracci .com or follow @VanessaRacci on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok or Spotify

NELA HIGHLIGHTS HONOREES

& SPECIAL GUESTS

Five women trailblazers at the 2007 NELA

The

The

(L. to R.) Madeleine Albright, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Nancy Pelosi and Mary Landrieu.

President George W. Bush addresses the 2004 NELA.

Singer of the United States and Italian Anthems, Maria Fassio Pignati, with the Takoma Park Police Department Honor Guard.

2023 NELA scholarship winners and OSDIA Leadership.

SIF proudly hosts veterans at every NELA Gala.

NELA HIGHLIGHTS HONOREES

& SPECIAL GUESTS

Then-SIF President Joseph J. DiTrapani, FIAT/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, and OSDIA National Past President Vincent Sarno at the 2013 NELA.

President Joe Biden, with First Lady Jill Biden and granddaughter Naomi, speaks about his Italian-American wife at the 2009 NELA.

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia talks with scholarship recipient Candice Aitken at the 1991 NELA.

2023 NELA Gala Honorary Chair, Italy’s Ambassador to the United States of America, H.E. Mariangela Zappia and Sons of Italy Foundation President Joseph Sciame.

Tony Bennett performs at the 2003 NELA.

THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Sons of Italy Foundation® is the philanthropic force empowering culture, fostering brilliance, transforming lives. Through charitable giving and visionary projects, we uplift communities and shape a future of opportunity, unity, and enduring impact.

SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & SUPPORT

Every year, the SIF and OSDIA lodges give scholarships to promising Italian-American students. Since 1959, the SIF has given tens of millions of dollars in scholarships at the local, state and national levels.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH LANGUAGE

The SIF supports the promotion of Italian language by collaborating with Italian institutions and Italian affiliated academic centers in the US and abroad. Accessible language learning for all, especially those of Italian descent, deepens connections to their roots, enhances cultural understanding, and cultivates a more informed and connected global community.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

MEDICAL RESEARCH

The SIF supports research to help national charities find cures for the most devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and Cooley’s anemia.

CULTURAL PRESERVATION & IMMIGRATION HISTORY

The SIF’s Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is a center of Italian culture on Staten Island, NY. The SIF also contributes to preserving Italian immigrant documents at the Immigration History Research Center in Minnesota and now has partnered with Ancestry.com to broaden its impact.

(Photo Courtesy of Mark Fischer)

HONORING AND ASSISTING THOSE WHO PROTECT AND SERVE

The SIF helped fund the creation of the World War II Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. In recent years, the SIF has given tens of thousands of dollars to various groups that support veterans’ causes, including the Wounded Warrior Project, the Gary Sinise Foundation, Help Our Military Heroes, and Luke’s Wing’s, among others.

(Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Hiebert

1959 Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) established as the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the nation’s oldest and biggest organization for people of Italian heritage .

1964 $25,000 for flood victims in Belluno, Italy

1966 $200,000 for flood victims in Florence and Venice

1967 Designates March of Dimes as one of its official charities and donates more than $14 million over the next two decades .

1968 $127,000 for earthquake victims in Sicily .

1974 Names Cooley’s Anemia Foundation as an official charity with nearly $3 million donated to date .

1976 $217,000 for earthquake victims in Friuli, Italy

1981 $3 million in funds, plus medicine and clothing to victims of the 1980 Irpinia earthquake in southern Italy .

1985 Contributes to restoration of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty .

1987 $30,000 to earthquake victims in Mexico .

1989 Holds first National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) event in Washington, DC

1990 $50,000 to establish the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC

1993 Names the Alzheimer’s Association one of its official charities and donates $1 million over the next 10 years .

1998 $50,000 to Barbara Sinatra Hospital for Abused Children .

2003 $66,000 to establish an Advanced Placement program in Italian, with an additional $50,000 in 2010 to re-instate the program

2004 $100,000 to establish a World War II memorial in Washington, DC

2005 $15,000 to the Tsunami Emergency Relieve effort in Asia .

2006 $35,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief .

2007 $100,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in NYC; $100,000 to Coaches vs Cancer

2008 $100,000 over past four years to the Rienzi Foundation to cure deafness through cochlear implants .

2010 The Charles Evans Foundation, formed by Evan-Picone fashion house co-founder Charles Evans, selects the SIF to receive a quarter-million-dollar endowment to establish the perpetual Charles Evans Scholarship; $100,000 to build the World Trade Center Museum & Memorial in New York City; $10,000 scholarship to Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta .

2011 $235,000 to help rebuild the Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L’Autismo, a center for autistic children destroyed by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake; pledges a second $1 million contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association .

2013 $25,000 to Super Storm Sandy Relief; $15,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; and $50,000 since 2008 to the Columbus Citizens Foundation .

2014 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes

2015 SIF/OSDIA gives more than $300,000 to Alzheimer’s Association, the Doug Flutie, Jr Foundation for Autism, Inc , and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation

2016 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $10,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; $10,000 to K9 Partners for Patriots, Inc .

2017 Raised disaster relief funds for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma; $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes

2018 $25,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $100,000 to rebuild kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia (Marche region) destroyed by the 2016 central Italy earthquake

2019 A second $100,000 to rebuild kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia (Marche region) destroyed by the 2016 central Italy earthquake; $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $5,000 to Constantino Brumidi Statue in Annapolis, Maryland .

2020 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $15,000 to The V Foundation for Cancer Research; $10,000 to Ronald McDonald House of New York

2021 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $45,000 to Cooley’s Anemia Foundation; $30,000 to the Doug Flutie, Jr . Foundation for Autism, Inc .; $42,000 to Alzheimer’s Association .

2022 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $21,000 to Cooley’s Anemia Foundation; $12,000 to Doug Flutie, Jr . Foundation for Autism, Inc .; $22,000 to Alzheimer’s Association .

2023 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $60,000 to Cooley’s Anemia Foundation; $23,000 to Doug Flutie, Jr Foundation for Autism, Inc ; $62,000 to Alzheimer’s Association

THE SIF AWARD RECIPIENTS 1989-2023

The Sons Of Italy (SIF) Awards are given annually at the SIF’s NELA Gala held every May in Washington, D.C.

2023

The Hon. William Pascrell, Jr. U.S. Representatives

Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service

Tony Lo Bianco Award Winning Actor Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts

F. Anthony Naccarato

President & Chairman, American Maritime Officers Service

National Education & Leadership Award

Augustin “Augie” Tellez

Executive Vice President, Seafarers International Union Humanitarian Award

Jill M. Albertelli

President, Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney Excellence In Business Award

2022

The Hon. Rosa DeLauro Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives Lifetime Achievement Award

Lidia Matticchio Bastianich Chef, Author, Television Host, Restaurateur

Lifetime Achievement Award in the International Culinary Arts

Angelo Vivolo

Philanthropist & Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award in Italian American Leadership

Laurie Serricchio Hollander President & Co-Founder, Help our Military Heroes Award for Courage and Patriotism

2021

The Polo Family Aerospace Manufacturers

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Yolanda Cellucci Fashion Entrepreneur Excellence In Business Award

Bob & Lisa Tramontano Humanitarian Award

Joseph Mele

Engineer, Professor, Designer, Inventor Lifetime Achievement Award 2019

Vivian Cardia

Benefactor & Supporter, Italian American Causes

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Bruno Ciacciarelli

President, Roadtex Transportation Excellence In Business Award

The Frank & Angela Donio Family Humanitarian Award

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Raymond Palumbo

Partner & Co-Founder, Venturi Solutions Award For Courage & Patriotism 2018

The DelGrosso Family

Owners & Founders, Delgrosso Foods National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi

President & Founder, Peduzzi Associates Ltd. Excellence In Business Award

Dr. Michael J. Sofia

Chief Scientific Officer, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc. Humanitarian Award

2017

The Hon. Jessica Garfola Wright

Major General (Ret.) Award For Courage And Patriotism

Rear Admiral Margaret Deluca “Peg” Klein U.S. Navy (Retired) National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Anthony J. Cancelosi

President & CEO, Columbia Lighthouse For The Blind Humanitarian Award

2016

Joseph M. Mattone, Sr. Chairman & CEO, The Mattone Group National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Mary Ann Pessolano Mattone, Rn/Mph Philanthropist & Community Leader

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Dr. Condoleezza Rice

66th Secretary Of State Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Nicholas E. Calio

President & CEO, Airlines For America Award For Excellence In Business

Paul Rinaldi

President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association

Humanitarian Award

2015

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno

Chief Of Staff, United States Army

National Education & Leadership Award

Terry O’Sullivan

General President, Laborers’ International Union Of North America

Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

Director, National Institute Of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH Special Recognition Award For Science & Medicine

Alfred Grasso

President & CEO, The MITRE Corporation

Humanitarian Award

Geno Auriemma

Head Coach, University Of Connecticut Women’s Basketball

Special Award For Excellence In Sports Leadership

2014

The Hon. Leon Panetta Former U.S. Secretary Of Defense

Former Director, CIA

Former White House Chief Of Staff

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Motion Picture Association Of America

Former United States Senator (CT) Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Harry Lombardo

International President, Transport Workers Union Humanitarian Award

Lt. Gen. Flora D. Darpino

39th Judge Advocate General Of The U.S. Army Special Award For Military Justice

2013

Robert F. Corrao

Chairman & CEO, Ski TV Network National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Sergio Marchionne

Chairman & CEO, Chrysler Group LLC, CEO, FIAT S.P.A

Award For Excellence In Global Business

Gen. Colin L. Powell (USA Ret.)

65th U.S. Secretary Of State & 12th Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Gary Sinise

Actor, Activist, & Founder, The Gary Sinise Foundation Award For Courage & Patriotism

2012

Hillary Rodham Clinton

U.S. Secretary Of State Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Armand Sabitoni

General Secretary, Laborers International Union Of North America Humanitarian Award

Claudio Bozzo

President, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Inc. Award For Excellence In Business

Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps. (Ret.)

16th Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff Award For Courage & Patriotism

2011

Carmen Policy

Founder & Proprietor, Casa Piena

Vineyard Former Owner & CEO, San Francisco 49ers

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Jack Reed

U.S. Senator From Rhode Island

Veteran, U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Pier F. Guarguaglini

Chairman & CEO, Finmeccanica Spa Award For Excellence In Global Business

Steven Nardizzi, Esq.

Executive Director, Wounded Warrior Project Special Award For Courage & Patriotism

2010

Lewis C. Merletti

Former Director, United States Secret Service

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

President Bill Clinton

Founder, William J. Clinton Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Capt. Anthony Odierno (U.S. Army, Ret.)

Manager, Stadium Operations, NY Yankees

Special Award For Courage & Patriotism

2009

Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Vice President Of The United States Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Arthur J. Gajarsa

Federal Judge, U.S. Court Of Appeals Lifetime Achievement Award In Jurisprudence

Robert A. Scardelletti

International President, Transportation Communications Union/IAM Humanitarian Award

Mary Ann Esposito

Host/Creator, “Ciao Italia” PBS TV Lifetime Achievement Award In The Culinary Arts

2008

Joseph Plumeri

Chairman & CEO, Willis Group National Education & Leadership Award

Steve Wynn

Chairman & CEO, Wynn Resorts Award For Global Vision & Philanthropy

Michael Petruzzello

Founder & Managing Partner, Qorvis

Communications Award Excellence In Business

Alfred Rotondaro, Phd

Sr. Fellow, Center For American Progress Humanitarian Award

2007

Nicholas Donofrio

Executive VP, IBM

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Geraldine Ferraro

Former Congresswoman From New York Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service

Frank Giordano

President, Union League Of Philadelphia Humanitarian Award

The Rienzi Foundation Making A Difference Award

2006

Michael Rienzi

President & Founder, Rienzi & Sons National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Franco Nuschese

President, Georgetown Entertainment Group, LLC

Excellence In Business

Robert E. Juliano

Chairman, Robert E. Juliano Associates Humanitarian Award

2005

Dana Gioia

Chairman, National Endowment For The Arts National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Joseph Battipaglia

CIO, Ryan Beck & Co. Business Award

Karen Ignagni

President & CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans Lifetime Achievement In Management

Joseph G. Procacci

CEO, Procacci Brothers Sales Corp. OSIA Centennial Award

2004

Joseph Grano

Chairman, UBS Financial Services

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Silvio Berlusconi

Prime Minister Of Italy International Leadership Award

John De Gioia

President, Georgetown University Excellence In Academia Award

Frances Visco

President, National Breast Cancer Coalition Humanitarian Award

2003

Charles Gargano

Chairman, Empire State Development Corp. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Andy Granatelli

Automotive Designer, Driver & Engineer Lifetime Achievement Award

Richard L. Trumka

Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO Humanitarian Award

2002

Robert Gallo, M.D.

AIDS & Cancer Researcher

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Martin J. Maddaloni

General President, United Association Humanitarian Award

Joe Mantegna

Actor Excellence In Media Award

2001

John F. Mariani

Chairman, Banfi Vintners

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Robert A. Georgine

Chairman, President & CEO, ULLICO, Inc. Humanitarian Award

Regis Philbin

Television Host Lifetime Achievement Award

2000

Mario Andretti

Racing Legend & Business Entrepreneur

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Connie Stevens

Actress & Businesswoman Humanitarian Award

1999

Andrew A. Giancamilli

Former President & General Merchandise Manager, Kmart Corporation National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Tony Bennett

Legendary Entertainer Humanitarian Award

1998

Phil Guarascio

Former Vice President & General Manager Of North American Marketing & Advertising, General Motors Corporation

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Frank Sinatra

Legendary Entertainer, Producer & Philanthropist Humanitarian Award

1997

Peter F. Secchi

Chairman, Universal Forest Products, Inc. & Former U.S. Ambassador To Italy National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Tommy Lasorda

Vice President/Former Manager, LA Dodgers Humanitarian Award

1996

Joe Paterno

Head Football Coach, Pennsylvania State University National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

Alfred A. Checchi

Former Co-Chairman, Northwest Airlines Corporation

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1995

Joseph E. Antonini

President, JEA Enterprises, Inc.

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1994

The Honorable Louis J. Freeh

Senior Vice Chairman Of Administrative & Legal Affairs, MBNA America, Inc.

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1993

Annette Funicello

Entertainer

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1992

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci

Director, The National Institute Of Allergy & Infectious Diseases At The NIH National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1991

The Honorable Antonin Scalia

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice

National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1990

The Honorable Silvio O. Conte

U.S. Congressman From Massachusetts National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

1989

Lou Carnesecca

St. John’s University Head Basketball Coach (Ret.) National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michael G. Polo Chair

Joseph Sciame President

Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. Vice Chair

Thom Lupo Vice President

Joseph Rondinelli

Recording Secretary

Louis R. Santoro

Financial Secretary

Robert Ferrito Treasurer

PRESIDENT EMERITI

Joseph DiTrapani

Paul S. Polo

Vincent Sarno

TRUSTEE EMERITI

Joseph Cicippio

Salvatore Lanzilotta

Carlo Matteucci

Frank J. Panessa

Joanne L. Strollo

RESOURCE ADVISORS

Biagio Isgro

Arlene Nunziati

TRUSTEES

Joseph A. Russo

Vera Girolami

Philip Boncore, Esq.

Carol DiTrapani

Anne Evans

Mary Kovach, Ph.D.

Anthony Naccarato

Marianne Principe O’Neil

Eldora Perfilio

Maria Fassio Pignati

Philip Privitera, Esq.

2024 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE

Ray Gamble

Joseph Sciame

Christina Chila

Gina DiMaggio

Eldora Perfilio

Mary Ann Re , Ph.D.

2024 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION CONSULTANTS

Stephanie Haines Bowdoin College, Maine

Gene Logan American University, Washington, D.C.

STAFF & CONSULTANTS

NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

Shayla Kaestle, CPA

National Executive Director

Joana Bala

Public Affairs & Business Development Manager

Jane Ellis

Bookkeeper / Interim Office Manager

Dalia Schulman

Nicole D’Arcangelo Program Coordinators

Theresa Phillips-Hess Interim Project Assistant

Samuel Weinmann

Administrative Assistant

Andrew Cotto

Editor-in-Chief, Italian America Magazine

CONSULTANTS

U! Creative

Graphic Design and Marketing

Member Minder Pro Website Development

Karin’s Florist

Floral

Projection

Audio/Video Production

Core Productions LLC

Photography, Videography

GAM Graphics & Marketing

Printing

THE ORDER SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ITALY IN AMERICA® FOUNDED IN 1905

The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) is the oldest and largest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States and Italy . Established to help the early Italian immigrants, today OSDIA is the nation’s leading Italian-American service and advocacy organization It has a network of thousands of family members in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and has lodges extending across the country and into Canada . Its programs and benefits include:

ITALIAN AMERICA® MAGAZINE

The most widely read magazine in the U.S. for people of Italian heritage, Italian America is distributed quarterly to OSDIA members and includes feature stories, profiles, recipes, book reviews, stories in Italian, and much more.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS

OSDIA partners with over 25 companies to offer discounts and special offers for a variety of industries from Italian genealogy and dual citizenship to car rental and life insurance.

ARCHIVES

THE GARIBALDI-MEUCCI MUSEUM

Once the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the man who unified Italy, the museum now promotes Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic, and educational programs and classes.

OSDIA supports historical records on our Order and on Italian immigration history through a grant to the University of Minnesota as well as a partnership with Ancestry.com.

THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE®

FOUNDED IN 1979

The CSJ’s mission is to fight the stereotyping and defamation of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising, and news industries . It collaborates with other groups to ensure that people of all races, religions, and cultures are treated fairly .

The CSJ monitors the entertainment, advertising, and news industries . It contacts the offending parties by letter and email and initiates a “Call to Action” that encourages other ItalianAmerican organizations, OSDIA Grand and Local Lodges, and concerned individuals to take action as well .

Through its Positive Image Program, the CSJ regularly informs the media and general public about the achievements, contributions, history, and culture in Italian-American community .

As part of its Positive Image Program, the CSJ conducts research and produces studies, teaching tools, pamphlets, exhibits, and other materials on the achievements and contributions of the Italian Americans .

The CSJ is actively engaged in the unification of all Italian-American organization throughout the country and leads the Italian-American community by action

The CSJ believes in diversity, not by substitution or subtraction, but by ADDITION

3 5 t h A N N U A L N E L A G A L A

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s 2 0 2 4 H o n o r e e s & S c h o l a r s h i p S t u d e n t s

O S I A G r a n d L o d g e o f N e w J e r s e y

S t e p h e n C a m i s c i o l i , S t a t e P r e s i d e n t

A n t h o n y C i p r i a n o , 1 s t S t a t e V i c e P r e s i d e n t

A n d r e w S i m o n e , 2 n d S t a t e V i c e P r e s i d e n t

F r a n k G a t t u s o , N a t i o n a l 5 t h V i c e P r e s i d e n t

L o u i s S a n t o r o , N a t i o n a l F i n a n c i a l S e c r e t a r y

D i a n e S a n t o r o , N a t i o n a l T r u s t e e

From:

Congratulations to All the Worthy Honorees

Ferrara Girolami

National Past President

National By-Law Committee Chair

Hon. Al Girolami

Vera

o n g r a t u l a t i o n s

T o T h e D i T r a p a n i F a m i l y a n d a l l t h e H o n o r e e s N e w Y o r k S t a t e G r a n d L o d g e F o u n d a t i o n , I n c .

M a r k A . V e n t i m i g l i a – C o - C h a i r p e r s o n

Best wishes to this year's Honorees and Scholarship Winners

Frank Regnante

Honoring A Great Italian American

Co-Founder of Gift of Life

50,000 Children’s Lives Saved

1929-2024

On January 17, 2024, one of the greatest Italian Americans left us at the age of 94. He was an incredible individual.

After an 18-year career experience in the printing and graphic arts field, Frank joined the fundraising consulting firm of Community Consulting Service (CCS) to conduct a capital Fundraising campaign for St. Francis Hospital, Roslyn, N.Y. At the conclusion of the campaign in 1973, Frank was offered the position of Vice President for Development and Public Relations. He served in this position for 17 years. It was during this period; he was responsible for branding the Hospital as “The Heart Center” and attracting significant support through the Hospital’s fundraising program.

In 1975, as a member of the Manhasset Rotary Club, Frank helped bring a 5-year-old girl from Uganda to St. Francis Hospital for lifesaving heart surgery. It was the beginning of the Gift of Life Program.

Gift of Life has now operated on children from 80 different countries. In the months ahead, Gift of Life will operate on its 50,000th child at St. Francis Hospital in memory of one truly great man, Frank Regnante.

Robbie Donno President/Co-Founder

Gift of Life International, Inc. www.giftoflifeinternational.org

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION AND ITS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND CULTURAL ADVANCEMENT, AS WELL AS ITS LONGSTANDING INVOLVEMENT WITH MANY PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAMS. We thank you for all that

The Chieco Family

Salutes

The Sons of I taly Foundation And This Year’s Honorees

Joseph DiTrapani & Family

Joe Mantegna J. Eustace Wolfington

Deana Martin Hon. Mark E. Amodei

We Especially Thank Carol & Joe DiTrapani and All of the Brothers and Sisters of OSDIA for Their Incredible Support of All Patients with Cooley’s Anemia

IABF-OSDIA

Scholaship Recipient

Jacopo Tamburini

Bologna,

Italy

Beloit College

We Proudly Pay Tribute to Joseph DiTrapani & Family

for their extraordinary dedication and commitment to the Sons of Italy Foundation, the National Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, and the New York State Grand Lodge Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America

Sons of Italy Foundation

National Foundation Trustees, NY

Anthony Naccarato

Carlo Ma/eucci

Marianne Principe O’Neil

Salvatore Lanzillo/a, Emeritus

We Also Wish to Recognize This Year’s Deserving Honorees

And to thank the Sons of Italy Foundation for their support of the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and all those with Cooley’s anemia www.thalassemia.org

Congratulations

National Education & Leadership Awards

35th Annual Gala

Lifetime Brotherhood Award Honoree

Joseph DiTrapani & Family

Past National OSDIA and SIF President

Past Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Chairperson

GARIBALDI-MEUCCI MUSEUM

Biagio J. Isgro. Jr., New York State President

Joseph Sciame, CEO/Chair

Marianne Bortone Prince, Co-chair/Commissioner

Carl J. Ciaccio, Immediate Past Chair

Rose Frisari, Treasurer Emeritus

Josephine Capriola, Commissioner

Joseph Gallo, Commissioner

Robert Graham, Commissioner

William Sanfilippo, Commissioner

NATIONAL BOARD OF OVERSEERS

Carol Rossi, Chairperson, MA

Angelo Rossi, Co-Chairperson, MA

Carlo Matteucci, National Overseer Chairperson Emeritus, NY

National Overseers

Carol Berardi, NY

Joy Bruno, CA

Carolyn Cianciotta, FL

Anthony Cipriano, NJ

Rosemary Feterik, NJ

Colette Grillo, NY

Arthur Spera, NY

Catena Marie Spiritosanto, PA

Keith Wilson, NY

SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

Joseph Sciame, President

Michael G. Polo, Chairman

F. Anthony Naccarato, Trustee

Stephanie Lundegard, Administrator

Staff and Volunteers of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

In celebration of his outstanding achievements, dedication, and service in promoting and preserving the Italian culture and heritage

We Salute Our Own

NY State Past President Joseph DiTrapani

National Past President & Past Sons of Italy Foundation President and

The DiTrapani Family

The New York State Past Presidents

Anthony Naccarato

Robert M. Ferrito

Carolyn Reres

Joseph F. Rondinelli

Thom A. Lupo

Salvatore A. Lanzilotta

Nancy DiFiore Quinn

Carlo Matteucci

Joseph Sciame

Officers andMembers of

Per Sempre Lodge #2344

Order Sons andDaughters ofItaly in America

Congratulate the 2024 NELA Dinner Honorees

Joe Mantegna ~J. Eustace Wolfington ~Deana Martin ~ Hon Mark E. Amodei

And especially our own Lodge Brother and Sister Joseph & Carol DiTrapani & Family on this well deserved honor!

Your amazing work and selflessness dedication to the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and the community at large is truly admirable.

Your family has made a positive impact on so many others through your actions, your unwavering positivity, your compassion and enthusiasm in promoting the motto of our great Order … Liberty ~Equality ~ Fraternity

The Fells congratulate our dearest friends the DiTrapani Family on your well-deserved honor and Joseph DiTrapani on his Lifetime Brotherhood Award at the 35th Annual NELA Awards Gala

Thank you for your service, leadership, and exemplary contributions! We love you, Jessica, Jeff, Julia and Madison Fells

c o n g r a t u l a t e s

a n d s a l u t e s

Our beloved Joey, you have heart as huge as your talent. Your artistry is breathtaking, your kindness unparalleled.

The Mantegna is an irresistible cocktail of humor, sex appeal, kindness and authenticity.

You are a fierce friend, a loving father and adoring husband. You have made our lives so incredibly full by being the badass papa of our chosen family, you super-cool Italian Stallion, and we love you like crazy. Chin Don!

Love, your CME family Adam, Aisha, AJ, Kirsten, Paget, RJ & Zach

GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND

Congratulations To The Distinguished 2024 Honorees!

Italian Charities of America is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization founded in 1936

We offer the following programs and events

Our Annual Special Events & Programs: Annual Awards Dinner Dance

Italian Cultural Events & Performances

Italian American Speaker Series

Scholarship Awards Ceremony & Dinner Saturday Night Dances

Regional Language & Unique Courses:

Sicilian Language - multi levels

Sicilian Conversation

Neapolitan Language - multi levels

Italian & Italian American Studies

Italian Language Courses:

Italian Language - multi levels

Italian Reading & Conversation

Italian Verbs

Italian Charities of America 83-20 Queens Boulevard Elmhurst NY 11373

www.italiancharities.org - 718-478-3100 - italiancharitiesofamerica@gmail.com

The Grand Lodge of Ohio congratulates all of the Scholarship Recipients and the Honorees

ANTHONY PERFILIO

National Orator

BRIAN ANDZIK

National Trustee

CSJ Treasurer

ELDORA PERFILIO

Italian Relations, Culture, Language, & Travel Committee Chair

Budget, Audit, & Finance Committee Co-Chair

YOUR MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

ADRIANA TRIGIANI

Congratulates

Joseph DiTrapani and Family

Joe Mantegna

J. Eustace Wolfington

Deana Martin

Hon. Mark E. Amodei