CIIAC PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS YEARLY GALA
A truly spectacular gala has been planned this year by The Center for Italian & Italian-American Culture of Cedar Grove, NJ. Every year it is a much anticipated event. This black tie affair will take place on Friday, November 9th at The Villa, Rte. 46 East, Mountain Lakes, NJ. The elegant evening begins with a cocktail hour, starting at 7:00 pm, followed by a gourmet dinner and wonderful entertainment.
Each year we celebrate our Italian heritage by honoring accomplished individuals in their various fields. This is a memorable and exciting evening for honorees to share with their family, friends and business colleagues.
This year’s honoree for the “Man of the Year” is Sal Palmeri who is the founder of ICN (Italian Communication Network) Radio, with a successful career that has spanned the last 45 years. He has been active in various artistic fields, working as an announcer, host, actor, DJ, and producer. His radio programs were broadcast by WHBI/fm, WBNX/am, WHOM/fm, WPOW/fm, WNWK/fm, WDAS/fm, and WIFI/fm. Thanks to the work of Mr. Palmeri, ICN Radio has become an important way to unite the Italian Community, and help preserve the language, heritage and culture.
The “Woman of the Year” honoree is Marina C. Perna, Esq. an attorney practicing law in Nutley, NJ since 1991. She has been privileged to represent and assist hundreds of Italian immigrants with various legal and non-legal needs. In 1990, Ms. Perna was elected the first woman mayor of Belleville, NJ and subsequently served three terms. Ms. Perna is humbled to serve the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Francis Chullikatt as advisor to the Holy See at the United Nations beginning July 2012.
The award for “ Outstanding Contribution to the Italian Community” goes to Gruppo Editoriale Oggi which comprises ICN Radio and America Oggi. ICN Radio is the only 24 hour a day, seven day a week Italian radio station in the tri-state area with over 230,000 listeners daily. America Oggi is the only daily Italian language newspaper published in the United States. The newspaper provides readers with news and information about Italian communities on both national and local levels.
For reservations, ads or sponsorship, contact CIIAC at 973–571-1995 or email us at info@ciiac.org!
When The Saints Come Marching Out — Documentary Film
CIIAC invites you to a documentary film presentation by Paul Porcelli called “When The Saints Come Marching Out”.
Paul Porcelli has traveled all over the USA on an endeavor to capture and preserve all of the remaining Saint celebrations on video. To date he has attended 365 different feasts and it has become his labor of love. He narrates his film and discusses one of the most important aspects of the Italian immigration experience “la festa”.
Date: Sunday, June 24
Time: 3:00pm
Cost: $20.00/Member $25.00/Non-Member (Included light food & refreshments)
Location: Fairfield Executive Inn Hotel
216–234 Route 46 East, Fairfield, Nj 07004
RSVP by June 20th: Call 973–571-1995 or email @ info@ciiac.org
Make checks payable & send to: CIIAC 411 Pompton Ave, Suite 5, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Corporate Sponsors for Event:
Giampaolo Girardi, Esq., Managing Partner of Italian Family Law Firm, Rome Italy. www.italylawyerforamericans.com
Mediaset Italia www.mediasetitalia.com
Jewels of Southern Italy –Calabria & Sicily
Come and join us for a 8 day trip to Calabria & Sicily! June 25th thru July 3rd created expressly for CIIAC! Check Out the flyer for more detail!CIIAC FLYER (final mc no liberty logo)
Video: Highlights from the CIIAC Gala
The Center for Italian & Italian American Culture (CIIAC) holds an Annual Gala to honor individuals and families that strive to preserve, protect and celebrate their rich Italian Heritage.
The honorees for 2011 were:
Man of the Year — Domenick Cama COO Investors Bank
Woman of the Year — Karen Giannelli, Esq.
Lifetime Achievement Award — Peter Cocoziello, Sr.
Every year the event is much– anticipated, but this year was truly spectacular! This black tie affair took place on Friday, November 18th, 2011 at The Villa in Mountain Lakes, NJ. The elegant evening began with a fabulous cocktail hour followed by a gourmet dinner, then an added bonus, an amazing performance by the Italian singer Micheal Castaldo.
Mr. Castaldo is an award-winning songwriter, producer and recording artist. His performance of his original #1 Amazon Hit “Pray’r”, brought the audience to tears! “Pray’r” is on Micheal Castaldo’s new album “Olive You.” Also, in attendance was Cara DiFalco from News 12 New Jersey, representing Italians in her industry. A wonderful evening had by all!
Watch the Video from Voices of Italy
Micheal Castaldo sings Brucia la Terra (Parla Piu Piano — Godfather Theme) from CIIAC’s Voices of Italy Concert.
Announcing 2011 Gala Honorees
The Center for Italian & Italian American Culture invites you to celebrate its Annual Gala at The Villa in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey on Friday, November 18, 2011. A cocktail hour with music commences at 7:00 pm, followed by the main event at 8:00 pm. Bring your appetite! This year’s honorees are:
Man of the Year: Domenick Cama, COO Investors Savings Bank
Woman of the Year: Karen Giannelli, Esq.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Peter A. Cocoziello, Sr.



















