We were at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Saturday evening for the annual National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Gala. The conclusion of a multi-day weekend celebration, the gala was an extraordinary black-tie affair featuring more than 1,700 guests celebrating the best of Italy here in the US.

Guests enjoyed a multi-course specialty Italian cuisine and, of course, wine from this year’s NIAF Region of Honor, Piemonte. We snapped Deana Martin, daughter of American icon Dean Martin, flanked by her husband, John Griffeth, and Lena Prima, daughter of legendary musician Louis Prima.

For more than 40 years, the NIAF’s gala has been a staple of the DC social calendar and an event that thousands of Italians from across the United States and Italy anticipate. Italian Americans who have made great strides in the community were honored, including pro football Hall of Famer Franco Harris, flanked by Bryan and Chiara Rich and Lorenzo Montanari.

A historic moment for everyone in the ballroom: legendary singer/songwriter and honoree Tony Renis sang his hit Quando, Quando, Quando for the first time in 30 years! He is pictured here with his wife, former Italian prima ballerina Elettra Morini.

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the dinner was the luxury gift bag attendees received upon departure, including products from more than a dozen Italian partners, including Ferrero Rocher, Lavazza, Alitalia, DelGrosso, Colavita and more! Jim and Jane DuCharme joined Connie Morella.

NIAF’s mission is to serve as a resource for the community, to preserve its heritage, and to promote and inspire a positive image and legacy of Italian Americans. Most importantly, NIAF aims to strengthen and empower ties between the United States and Italy. Brownstein’s Brian and Emily Wild flank Pfizer’s Alex Cleveland.