Legendary entertainer Vic Damone, actors Dennis Farina and Joe Mantegna, and a host of notables braved a mid-April snowstorm to attend the National Italian American Foundation’s Ambassador’s Gala at the Hilton Chicago.
Mayor Richard M. Daley opened the evening by welcoming the event’s more than 750 guests. The evening’s host, Italy’s Ambassador to the United States Giovanni Castellaneta, gave special recognition to famed actress Gina Lollobrigida and Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine. Borgnine’s impassioned speech about his parent’s immigration from Italy to America brought gala guests to their feet, while Lollobrigida received overwhelming applause when the ambassador referred to her as “a legend for all of us.”
During the awards ceremony, NIAF President Salvatore J. Zizza presented Damone with a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Music. Mantegna received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment, which was presented by his colleague, actor/director Chazz Palminteri. Actor and Chicago-native Larry Manetti also presented Farina with the Foundation’s Special Achievement Award in Entertainment. Robert A. Mariano, chairman, president, and CEO of Roundy’s Inc., received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business; Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Robert R. Thomas received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Public Service, which was presented to him by his former Chicago Bears teammate Doug Buffone; and Senator of the Italian Republic Renato Turano received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Public Service.
Highlights of the awards presentation included Mantegna’s reminiscence of his Italian childhood and early career in Chicago, and Farina’s memories of a cultural clash between his Sicilian father and Tuscan mother.
CBS 2 reporter Vince Gerasole served as master of ceremonies, welcoming guests both in English and Italian. Robert V. Allegrini, NIAF regional vice president of the Midwest and regional director of communications for Hilton Hotels Corporation; Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Phoenix Suns and NIAF vice chairman; and George Randazzo, president and founder of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame were on hand to celebrate the achievements of these distinguished Italian Americans. The evening also honored the region of Sicily and the Sicily-USA Partnership Project.
Vic Damone, Dennis Farina, Joe Mantegna Among Award Recipients at Chicago Gala
