The Lauderdale Yacht Club played host to the National Italian American Foundation's second annual Fort Lauderdale networking cocktail reception to promote membership and to grant a scholarship in the name of former Miami Dolphins and NIAF member Anthony Fasano, on Thursday, April 6, 2023. 

More than 100 NIAF members and invited guests arrived at the private club located in the residential Ft. Lauderdale neighborhood off the Intracoastal Waterway, having their photos taken along the step & repeat. Upon entry, guests were treated to an array of Italian specialties and wines, while interacting with fellow Italian Americans.

The evening commenced with NIAF Board Member Nicholas Caiazzo welcoming members and invited guests "to meet new friends, new business partners, and become familiar with others, who share similar passions for their Italian heritage, culture, and family." Caiazzo recognized the evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of the sponsors including Wilson Elser, PAL Environmental Safety Corporation, Unity Construction Group, Bentley Ventures, LLC., Nouveau Florida, and M Group Companies.

Inviting NIAF Area Coordinator Angelo Golemi to the podium, Caiazzo asked him to share a few words about what NIAF means to him. "We're here to celebrate our past, we're here to celebrate our present, but we're also here to elevate and celebrate the next generation of Italian American leaders," said Golemi.

The highlight of the evening was Golemi welcoming Anthony Fasano, former Miami Dolphins player and NIAF member, to gift a scholarship in his name to St. Thomas University athlete Presley Sartori. Fasano took the stage to thank the corporate sponsors, who made the NIAF Anthony Fasano scholarship possible. "I grew up with a rich Italian American history in New Jersey and after living here for 15 years, I feel so at home being a part of NIAF," said Fasano. Fasano added, "The NIAF Florida community has a great future and momentum and I encourage anyone that is not a member to consider becoming a member, as it has proven to be a great membership for myself and my business."

Fasano bestowed upon Sartori the award, which she graciously accepted and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to NIAF and explained that she plans to use the scholarship to forward her career in criminal justice. "I come from a big Italian American family that has supported me and it is what has driven me to be the best that I can be," said Sartori. "I plan to work in social services and support kids struggling in the community, who are not as fortunate as us," added Sartori.

At the close of the evening, Caiazzo thanked everyone for attending and urged non-members to learn more about joining NIAF by speaking with Anthony O'Boyle, Director of Public Affairs and Development, either on-site at the registration desk or at [email protected] or 202.939.3109.