Overview The National Italian American Foundation's Anniversary Gala is the biggest annual night on the Italian American calendar, a black-tie evening every October at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. About 2,000 guests from the United States and Italy, including political, business and cultural leaders, come to honor Italian and Italian American achievers. Proceeds support NIAF's scholarships, grants, heritage travel and cultural programs. On site The night opens with the Campari Aperitivo and a VIP red-carpet reception, then moves into the ballroom for dinner, the awards program and live performances, and ends with an after party. Each year's dinner is inspired by NIAF's Region of Honor, one of Italy's 20 regions. The same day, the hotel hosts a free public program of talks, a medical forum and film screenings, plus the ticketed Victoria J. Mastrobuono Education Luncheon. Sponsors get prime tables, red-carpet backdrop branding, podium recognition, gala journal and on-screen ads, and seats at the luncheon. Audience Italian American business owners, executives, elected officials, diplomats and families from across the country, plus Italian government, industry and cultural delegations. The crowd is affluent and influential, with many guests coming back year after year, and NIAF works with the Italian American Congressional Delegation and the White House on issues affecting the community. Talent and Influencers FOX Business anchor Maria Bartiromo serves as mistress of ceremonies, and entertainer Joe Piscopo has co-hosted. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco leads the current honorees alongside Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano and Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, with tenor Christopher Macchio performing. Past honorees include Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and Ferrari chairman John Elkann. Track record NIAF was founded in 1975, and its very first gala at the Washington Hilton drew more than 2,000 guests including President Gerald Ford and 150 members of Congress. Eight U.S. presidents and four first ladies have attended since. The most recent gala drew more than 2,500 guests, and NIAF grants more than one million dollars a year in scholarships, grants and heritage travel. Brand presence Title sponsors include the Daughters of the American Revolution, Campari Group and Ferrero, with Martini, GE HealthCare and Terna as Diamond sponsors and Barabino & Partners as media partner. Recent galas have also carried Stellantis, Ferrari, Enel, CNH and ITA Airways. Sponsorship runs from a tribute ad in the gala journal up to a Paramount package, and most of each sponsorship is tax deductible.