Columbus Citizens Foundation is pleased to announce details of our 79th Annual Columbus Celebration Weekend featuring our annual Gala, Wreath Ceremony, Mass, and Parade. The Foundation’s Gala Dinner at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City will be held on Saturday, October 7th. Each year it is a celebration of Italian American contributions to the betterment of the US and a testament to the strength of a community that remains proud of its heritage and achievements.

This year, we will honor our Grand Marshal, Beth Paretta, CEO and Team Principal of Paretta Autosport. Ms. Paretta is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to supporting young women through educational initiatives.

Fellow honorees will be long-standing CCF Member Don DeCarlo, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Retired Justice Janet DiFiore, and Father Zach Presutti, founder of Thrive for Life, an organization devoted to assisting behind and beyond prison walls. We are thrilled to present a roster of individuals who are so accomplished and devoted to public service.

On Monday, October 9th, we begin the day of the Parade with a Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, presided by Cardinal Dolan.

New York’s Columbus Day Parade commences at 11:30AM, with the live broadcast beginning at Noon on WABC (Channel 7 in the NY Metro area) and several of its affiliates. It is livestreamed on several platforms including ABC7NY. Each year, several hundred thousand people line Fifth Avenue, joined by millions of viewers around the world to enjoy this magnificent display of Italian American tradition.

The Gala Dinner, Mass, and Columbus Day Parade reflect the pride of Italian American heritage, which extends from the earliest days of the American Revolution to the present day. Italian culture and immigration has left an essential part of the American national narrative.

The Foundation’s most visible philanthropic focus is scholarships for deserving students who may not have the opportunity to realize their dreams of success. To date, Columbus Citizens Foundation has awarded over $36 million in scholarship funding to deserving students since the program’s inception.