October was Italian American History Month. Given that Christopher Columbus Day has become persona non grata because of radical, leftist Democrats, Italian American History Month does not garner the attention it so rightly deserves. While an admittedly biased Italian American, I am also aware of the significance in celebrating Italian Americans and their numerous contributions to the development of this country. Fortunately, I attended the National Italian American Foundation’s 46th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 23.
As Columbus Day, Italian Americans’ most revered holiday, is under attack, perhaps now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate their achievements and contributions. This year’s gala honored Italy’s region of Abruzzo. After moving to a virtual gala last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year marked the return of the public festivities and celebrations. Everyone seemed thrilled to be gathered in person this year after the last year and a half of the pandemic. And, after the year of the virtual hiatus, the glitz and glamour of the gala did not fail to uphold its wonderful reputation. It also highlighted the sheer wonderment that is Abruzzo.
“Abruzzo offers an authentic Italian experience with its wonderful natural landscapes, centuries-old villages, delicious food and wine, miles of Adriatic coastline and rugged mountainous scenery,” said NIAF Chairman Robert Carlucci in a press release earlier in the year.
Abruzzo is located between the Lazio, Marche, and Molise regions. “It boasts beautiful Adriatic beaches, medieval towns full of history, ski slopes on the Apennine Mountain range, and plenty of stunning nature.” It is the country’s most rural region, with more than a third of it consisting of national parks, according to the NIAF.
I was in shock and awe of the warm atmosphere and enchanting ambiance of the event. Everybody was so warm and friendly; the interior design was so elegant and charming. And, of course, the food! The food was absolutely delicious. It was fascinating to be included in the celebration and witness the accolades given to the honored guests. Hearing people speak Italian, sing in Italian, converse in Italian all the while being in the Omni Hotel in Washington, D.C., was an unforgettable experience. And it was the first I have been in such a large group of Italian Americans without having to worry about the (tired, yet seemingly) obligatory mafia quip.
The 46th NIAF gala featured sincere, motivational speeches from five distinguished people of Italian descent who were honored for their extraordinary achievements. Joe Piscopo was the master of ceremonies, and he was as charming as ever. He may very well be the friendliest human in the country. Add in his ability to belt out classic songs from many beloved Italian American entertainers, and you have all the amazement and wonders of a spectacularly breathtaking evening.
It was an invigorating and emotional experience right from the beginning. Italian tenor Marco Fiorante performed the national anthems of both the United States and Italy. I had never heard of Fiorante until that evening but was left speechless after his renditions. I was also fortunate enough to sit at the same table with him and hear of his fascinating life history. That was followed by the invocation by Monsignor Peter Vaghi, pastor of the Church of the Little Flower in Bethesda, Maryland. Then Joseph Lonardo, NIAF gala chairman, started the evening with “Buona sera,” Italian for “Good evening.”
Then came a virtual appearance from first lady Jill Biden who, unbeknownst to me, is the first Italian American first lady in our country’s history. I was also shocked to find out we shared an ancestral connection when she announced she was of Sicilian heritage.
“One of my favorite memories from childhood is the warm smell of Italian bread toast that always woke me up at my grandparents’ house. I loved the ribbons of homemade pasta hanging in the kitchen,” Biden said. “My Italian roots have always been a part of who I am, the values I learned from my grandparents — kindness, generosity, family loyalty, passion, and embracing joy — helped make me who I am today. The National Italian American Foundation helps keep that heritage alive. I’m proud of what they are doing to invest in the next generation of Italian Americans.”
The evening honored Italian American entertainers Stanley Tucci and Tony Bennett. Both appeared virtually and left heartwarming messages. But Bennett was the gala’s star. He was the recipient of the NIAF’s Leonardo da Vinci Lifetime Achievement Award in Music. Guests were treated to virtual messages from famous Italian American entertainers. The biggest surprise may have been a video from none other than Michael Corleone himself, Al Pacino! As an avid fan of the Godfather saga, it was riveting hearing him speak in person, even if he wasn’t.
We were also fortunate enough to be in the presence of royalty as Deana Martin, daughter of the legendary Dean Martin, was at the event. She performed renditions of songs by famous Italian American songs including, obviously, some of her father’s most famous hits. The audience was treated to a lovely duet as Martin and Piscopo graced the stage of the event that made it feel as if we were living in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Much credit should go to Piscopo. While many in attendance were eager to see Stanley Tucci and Tony Bennett, even virtually, Piscopo stole the show that night. He was the unquestionable star of the show. I had an opportunity to talk to him afterward, and he is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people one could ever meet.
The National Italian American Foundation has an important job in bringing awareness and recognition to the valuable contributions and achievements of people of Italian descent. The gala is one of the most prominent events the organization holds. It acts as a fundraiser and a much-anticipated night of entertainment. As a first-time attendee, it was an opportunity of a lifetime.
To learn more about the National Italian American Foundation and its work, you can visit its website.
