An Evening of Hollywood Stars with Special Tribute Led by Leader Pelosi at NIAF's West Coast Gala

SANTA MONICA, CA - "Our Italian party by the sea" was the unofficial theme of this year NIAF's west coast gala in Santa Monica. The gala was a huge success and a great moment for west coast Italians. Held at the Fairmont Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard, the event was framed by beautiful weather, a spectacular setting and a well planned and executed evening.

The evening began with a cocktail reception under the magnificent Moreton Bay Fig Tree at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. A few well-placed Lamborghini were available for sitting and viewing while the group mingled and mixed over fine wines, hors d'oeuvres and a bountiful table of epicurean delights. The gala's master of ceremonies, actor Joe Mantegna opened the festivities in the hotel's Starlight Ballroom.

Surrounded by friends, and fellow actors of the Hollywood elite, Mantegna was warm and charming as he mingled with actor-singer Robert Davi, John Favreau, Gary Sinise, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Loggia, former MGM and Paramount Studios CEO Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mancuso, Tommy Lasorda and Mike Piazza. Before more than 400 guests, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi kicked off a special tribute to the late Joseph R. Cerrell, a former NIAF vice chairman and a legendary Los Angeles public affairs consultant who served NIAF for 16 years and co-founded Cerrell Associates Inc. in 1966.

"Joe was one of the strongest bridges between the U.S. and Italy," Pelosi said. Gene Casagrande, a dear friend of the Cerrell family and former member of NIAF's Board of Directors, and actor Robert Davi gave moving speeches as part of the tribute. They were joined by Italy's Consul General in Los Angeles Nicola Faganello and members of the Cerrell family. Sharon Cerrell Levy accepted the award on behalf of the family. She noted, "Joe Cerrell definitely left behind a great and powerful legacy that has transformed the course of many lives." As an MC Mantegna did a good job of keeping the show on time, delivering some Italian comedy and being personable with the honorees.

Among the honorees were Gary Sinise for Special Achievement Award in Entertainment, Jon Favreau for a Special Achievement Award in Entertainment, Kara DioGuardi for a Lifetime Achievement Award in Music, Dana Brunetti for a Special Achievement Award for Business and Entertainment, Thomas V. Girardi for Special Achievement in Law, Tommy Lasorda for Lifetime Achievement in Sports Management, and a Special Tribute was paid to Joe Cerrell.

The Co-Chairs of the Gala Marcella Leonetti-Tyler and Jeoffry M. Capaccio did outstanding work to ensure a sold-out attendance. Leonetti-Tyler named the Gala the unofficial "Italian party by the sea" and truly made the Gala an outstanding party.

The Gala team provided great entertainment. Christina Carlucci and Franc D' Ambrosio beautifully did the entertainment with songs from "The Phantom of the Opera". The special invitees included former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, singer Cristina Fontinelli, Pepperdine University President Andrew K. Benton, Beverly Hills Celebrity Print Agent Jessica Biscardi. Other well-known members of the local Italian community showed their support for NIAF. The Console General of Italy Nicola Faganello, his wife Franzisca, former Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo, Lawyer Sassan Masserat, from California State University at Long Beach, Professor Clorinda Donato who is the George L. Graziadio Chair of Italian Studies, Jennifer Alvarez from VH1, Cavaliere Silvia A. Gardin, and this reporter.