The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) brought its celebrated Gala tradition to Milan on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, hosting an exclusive evening at Palazzo Mezzanotte — the historic home of the Milan Stock Exchange — and welcoming distinguished guests from the worlds of business, government, and culture to one of Italy’s most storied settings.
The Gala was chaired by Paolo Catalfamo and Andrea Delfini, with Honorary Chairwoman Paola Rovellini. NIAF President & CEO Robert Allegrini and NIAF Chairman John Calvelli delivered remarks, with Master of Ceremonies Claudia Vanni guiding the program throughout the evening.
The evening opened with a stirring performance of the Italian and American national anthems by the Fanfara Bersaglieri di Lonato Pozzolo - Nino Tramonti Mario Crosta, alongside Tasting Opera — a moment that drew sustained applause from the assembled guests and set the tone for an evening steeped in history and shared heritage.
In one of the evening’s most moving moments, NIAF presented a donation of €100,000 to the victims of Cyclone Harry in Southern Italy. The check was received by Giorgio Mulè, Vice President of the Camera dei Deputati, and Licia Ronzulli, Vice President of the Senate — a powerful symbol of the Italian American community’s enduring commitment to Italy.
“NIAF exists to strengthen the bonds between Italy and the United States — and those bonds are never stronger than when they are expressed through solidarity,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “Tonight we are proud to stand with the communities of Southern Italy.”
The Foundation presented its NIAF Italia Special Achievement Awards to four distinguished honorees:
Giovanni Andrea Toselli — NIAF Italia Special Achievement Award in Management Leadership
Giovanni Bozzetti — NIAF Italia Special Achievement in Institutional Leadership
Ezio Simonelli — NIAF Italia Special Achievement in Sport Leadership
Giuseppe Tornatore — NIAF Italia Special Achievement in Arts
The recognition of legendary filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore — whose Academy Award-winning masterwork Cinema Paradiso remains one of the most celebrated Italian films of all time — drew one of the evening’s most memorable responses from the audience.
The 2026 Milan Gala coincided with three extraordinary milestones: 80 years of the Italian Republic, 250 years of the United States of America, and 165 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and the United States. The evening paid tribute to Filippo Mazzei — the Tuscan intellectual whose ideas on natural equality inspired Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the foundational principles of American democracy — as a reminder of Italy’s enduring contribution to the American story.
The evening also celebrated Lombardia as NIAF’s 2026 Region of Honor, recognizing the region as Italy’s engine of innovation and enterprise. Desserts were crafted by Master Pastry Chef Iginio Massari.
The evening also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NIAF and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, one of Europe’s oldest and largest philanthropic institutions. The agreement formalizes a transatlantic partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation between Italy and the United States through shared cultural, educational, and philanthropic initiatives.
