Maestro Andrea Bocelli among honorees at upcoming NIAF gala

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maestro Andrea Bocelli will be among the honorees at the National Italian American Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 18, with other honorees to be announced soon.

The black-tie event at the Washington Hilton Hotel will honor distinguished Italian and Italian-American leaders while celebrating NIAF’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Italian heritage.

Among the honorees: Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. | PHOTO COURTESY NIAF

The celebration will spotlight the Italian region of Lazio as the Region of Honor, bringing the distinctive culture, cuisine, and traditions of Rome’s home region to the nation’s capital. The gala evening will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner featuring Lazio’s regional specialties paired with premium Italian wines. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy special surprise performances, participate in silent and live auctions, and dance the night away at the After Hours Party.

NIAF has extended invitations to the renowned Band of the Carabinieri, Italy’s prestigious military music ensemble, and to the esteemed pilots of the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s world-famous aerobatic demonstration team, to join in this historic celebration. In keeping with tradition, invitations have been extended to President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, underscoring the gala’s significance in strengthening U.S.-Italian relations.

Earlier in the day, NIAF will host the NIAF Forum at the hotel, featuring a series of engaging lectures and talks that explore Italian and Italian American culture, heritage, and achievement. The Forum will also showcase screenings of the five NIAF/De Laurentiis Film Prize finalists, with the winner to be announced during the Gala dinner, highlighting NIAF’s commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers.

“Our Golden Anniversary Gala marks a pivotal moment in NIAF’s history,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “For fifty years, we have served as a bridge between Italy and the United States, and this celebration will honor that legacy while looking forward to our next half-century of service to the Italian American community.”

A portion of the proceeds will support NIAF’s educational and cultural programs, ensuring the foundation’s continued impact for future generations. 

For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, or additional information about the NIAF 50th Anniversary Gala, visit NIAF.org.