NIAF will host its annual gala weekend from October 12-13, 2012, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. The Foundation's 37th Anniversary Gala on Saturday evening will conclude two days of activities offering the best of Italy in Washington, D.C.

All conferences are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Visit www.niaf.org/gala for updates.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Conference on Immigration in conjunction with the National Italian American Bar Association (NIABA) – Georgetown West – Concourse Level, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Victoria J. Mastrobuono Education Luncheon – A presentation of Science and the Economy featuring Accademia Nazionale dei Lince International Ballroom East – Concourse Level, noon to 2 p.m. Cost: $70 per perso

Movie Screening of Passione, a film by John Turturro – The director shares his passion for Naples and its music -Georgetown West – Concourse Level, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m

Conference on Breast Cancer – "Bridging Research and Clinical Medicine," presented by Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO). Georgetown East – 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wine Tasting: Calabria's Cuisine and Culture featuring wines and delicacies from Italy's Region of Calabria. Sample the flavors of NIAF's 2012 Region of Honor with sommelier and award-winning author. Cost: $20 per person - Jefferson Room – Concourse Level 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

NIAF Philanthropic Roundtable: Italian Americans and Philanthropy In Italy-

A Three-Case Study with continental breakfast – International Ballroom East – Concourse Level, 9 to 11 a.m.

Celebrity Auction Luncheon featuring entertainers and sports figures - International Ballroom Center – Concourse Level, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $75 per person

NIAF- Ieri, Oggi, Domani – A brief history of NIAF and its exciting plans for the future – Georgetown – Concourse Level, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent. Visit: www.niaf.org