In a celebration of migrants and their contributions to the fabric of American society, an immigration think tank honored a group of people who championed the cause. One of the honorees was a nonprofit organization founded by a Brooklyn family whose ancestors came to the U.S. from Italy.

The Viola Foundation, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, received the Immigration Achievement Award at the annual gala of the Manhattan-based Center for Migration Studies at The View at the Battery in Battery Park City. Accepting the award for the family was John Viola, who manages the foundation. He also serves on numerous philanthropic organizations and co-hosts “The Italian American Podcast.”