The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) successfully celebrated its 51st Anniversary Gala on Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, filling the International Ballroom for an unforgettable night of Italian culture, heritage, and the remarkable achievements of the Italian American community.
The 51st Anniversary Gala was presented by HHH – Hospital Healthcare Holdings – Part of GKSD Investment Holding Group.
“Tonight reminded us why this work matters,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “For 51 years, NIAF has stood as a bridge between Italy and the United States — between the generations who built this community and those who will carry it forward. This room, these honorees, this evening — this is the Foundation at its very best.”
“Looking out at this room tonight, I felt both pride and purpose,” said NIAF Chairman John Calvelli. “Our honorees embody everything Italian Americans have given this country. Lombardia reminded us that Italy’s story is still being written, and it is evenings like this one that give NIAF the strength to keep investing in the next generation.”
Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassador of Italy to the United States H.E. Marco Peronaci, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, along with members of the Italian government and representatives of Italy’s diplomatic and cultural community in the United States.
The gala spotlighted the magnificent Italian region of Lombardia as NIAF’s 2026 Region of Honor, celebrating its world-renowned contributions to industry, design, fashion, and innovation and its enduring ties to the United States. From the evening’s decor and staging to a specially curated menu, every detail of the night was infused with the spirit of Lombardia. Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardia Region, addressed the audience, reaffirming Lombardia’s commitment to fostering strong cultural and institutional ties between Italy and the United States. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also delivered a special video message honoring the Italian American community and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
This year’s honorees represented the excellence of Italy and the Italian American community across the maritime industry, civic leadership, hospitality, and the arts.
Sebastian Maniscalco, one of the most successful stand-up comedians in the country, received the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Entertainment and brought the house down with a live performance that had the crowd roaring with laughter. Visibly moved by the recognition, Maniscalco kept it characteristically honest: "I don't get awards. My reward is watching you laugh."
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Fincantieri Group, received the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership in Maritime Industry, honoring his visionary leadership of one of the world’s foremost shipbuilders and a crown jewel of Italian industrial excellence.
Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright, the first woman of Italian descent to serve as President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, received the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Civic Leadership for her extraordinary dedication to American heritage and her historic role bridging the Italian and American traditions of service and patriotism.
Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, Inc., received the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Hospitality, recognizing his leadership at the helm of the world’s largest hotel company and his embodiment of the Italian American tradition of excellence in hospitality.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna received the NIAF Fiorello La Guardia Award, presented by Luca Goretti, Chairman of Leonardo USA, in recognition of his distinguished service and his role as the highest-ranking enlisted member in the United States Space Force.
Special moments throughout the evening included a stirring performance by international classical-crossover vocalist and America’s Presidential Tenor, Christopher Macchio, who performed “America the Beautiful,” opened the program with the Italian and United States National Anthems, and brought the formal evening to a close with a soaring rendition of “Nessun Dorma.”
Also during the evening, the theme for the second edition of the NIAF/De Laurentiis Film Prizes Program was announced: Sport. Applications will open in January 2027.
A portion of the evening’s proceeds will support NIAF’s educational and cultural programs, ensuring the Foundation’s continued impact for future generations.
High-resolution photos from the 51st Anniversary Gala are available for media use at this link.
