NIAF 51st Anniversary NYC Gala
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) 51st Anniversary New York Gala brought together leaders across business, public service, media, and academia on April 23, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street, reflecting the strength and global reach of the Italian diaspora.
As an affiliate partner of NIAF, CIBPA Toronto was pleased to support an evening that continues to serve as a cornerstone platform for recognition, connection, and transnational engagement between the United States, Canada, and Italy.
At the centre of the program was the presentation of NIAF's distinguished awards, recognizing six honourees whose leadership and contributions continue to shape their respective fields:
- James Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN – Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Sports and Entertainment Business
- Alfonse M. D'Amato, Former United States Senator of New York – Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Public Service
- Tom Cox, Chief Executive Officer of OnPoint Group – Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Business
- Frank Ruocco, Executive Vice President of Operations at Ocean Casino Resort – Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Business and Hospitality
- Linda Stasi, Novelist – Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Literature
- Carlo Alberto Giusti, Magnificent Rector of Link Campus University – NIAF A. Bartlett Giamatti Academic Friendship Award
The evening was hosted by Joe Piscopo, with a featured performance by Christopher Macchio. NIAF also welcomed His Excellency Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States, alongside Raffaele Cattaneo and Guido Bertalaso, representing the 2026 Region of Honor, Lombardia.
The success of the Gala reflects the continued leadership of John Calvelli, Robert Allegrini, and Gerard LaRocca, together with the NIAF Board of Directors, in advancing a platform that recognizes excellence while strengthening ties across the Italian diaspora.
Evenings of this calibre continue to play an important role in convening leaders across sectors to recognize achievement, foster collaboration, and reinforce the shared values that connect our communities across borders.
