Thursday, May 25, 2017. 6 p.m. reception - 7 p.m. program. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Join the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) on Thursday, May 25, 2017, for the 29th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala featuring a silent auction, Venetian hour, cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, music and more! The signature Washington event will be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, and will honor Honorable Jessica Garfola Wright, Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca "Peg" Klein, Anthony J. Cancelosi, and Robert A. Messa. In addition to these outstanding headline honorees, the SIF's national scholarship recipients -- chosen through a highly rigorous and competitive process -- will be showcased.

The NELA Gala is the SIF's most important fund-raising and public affairs event, highlighting the foundation's commitment to educational excellence, leadership and the betterment of society. To date, the NELA Gala has helped the SIF raise nearly $164 million for education, medical research, disaster relief, cultural preservation, veterans' causes, and other special projects, with more than $61 million in scholarships awarded.

Reserve tickets, tables, and sponsorships with this printable form or call 202-547-8115.

- Award for Courage and Patriotism: Honorable Jessica Garfola Wright, Major General (retired)
- National Education and Leadership Award: Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca "Peg" Klein, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for Military Professionalism
- Humanitarian Award: Anthony J. Cancelosi, President & Chief Executive Officer. Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
- In Memoriam for Meritorious Service of OSIA: Robert A. Messa, OSIA Past National President (2001-2003)
- Master of Ceremonies: Joe Mantegna, Award-winning Actor
- Special Performance by Michael Amante

And the 2017 Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Winners