Erin Como, Fox5 DC

UNICO kicks off 100th year anniversary with metro Washington, DC Gala on 3/25!

WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
March 14, 2023

UNICO National, the largest Italian American Service Organization in America, plans for an exciting centennial year, celebrating the achievements of the Italian American community in the United States, as well as commemorating the enduring bond between the United States and Italy. UNICO is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to promote a positive image of Italian Americans, one of the largest ethnic groups who are interwoven into the fabric of the United States and have substantially contributed in all areas and industries.

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, UNICO comes to the Washington, DC metro area for its regional meetings and a gala dinner, promoting the strong relationship between the United States and Italy. Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Andrea Piccioli, will be recognized for their public health service leadership. Washington, DC’s highly recognizable media personalities, Erin Como, Fox 5 DC, and Nick Iannelli, WTOP, will cohost the program.

Erin Como is an anchor/reporter with Fox 5 DC and a familiar face on the Good Day DC morning program. She is proud to cover the fitness and food scene in the nation’s capital. Erin also hosts the popular Cooking With Como series and is a co-host of the new hit show, LION Lunch Hour airing daily. Nick Iannelli is a well-known reporter on WTOP, Washington DC’s most listened to radio station, where he covers breaking and developing news in the nation’s capital and the DMV. He is also a CBS News contributor. The popular media duo are go to trusted sources for the latest news in the nation’s capital region.

Dr. Fauci recently retired after a long, productive public service career spanning nearly a half century at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Since 1984, Fauci served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) where he advised seven Presidents of the United States. Dr. Andrea Piccioli is the Director of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), which is headquartered in Rome, Italy and provides a similar function to the United States’ NIH. Both honorees performed a critical role in their nation’s public health service response to the covid pandemic. The Embassy of Italy in the United States, civic and business leaders, and other distinguished guests will attend the gala, which advances the organization’s important nonprofit mission.

The UNICO National 100th Annual Convention is set for July 26-30, 2023, at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Florida, assembling hundreds of prominent Italian Americans from across the nation. The Italian American Awards Gala on July 29, 2023 is the featured event of the convention and will be hosted by television personality Sal Paolantonio, ESPN NFL National Correspondent. Paolantonio primarily covers the National Football League for ESPN’s SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, NFL Live and Fantasy Football Now. The award-winning journalist also hosts the long-running X’s and O’s weekly preview show, NFL Matchup. Bringing the UNICO National 100th Annual Convention to Fort Myers, Florida is also an effort to support the rebuilding and revitalization of the area following the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian last year. UNICO, with chapters located across the nation and in Florida, plans to send its members to the area, hoping to help drive the local economy and recovery of the region.

UNICO recognizes distinguished Italian Americans and Italians who have excelled in their respective field and contributed at the highest level. The centennial year honorees join a distinguished group of Italian Americans that exemplify the best of the community. Past UNICO honorees include sports greats Joe Montana, Joe Torre, Mario Andretti, Geno Auriemma, John Calipari, Tommy Lasorda, public service leaders General Anthony Zinni, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, business leaders James Pitaro, ESPN Chairman, and Joe Moglia, the former CEO and Board Chairman at TD Ameritrade, biomedical research pioneer Dr. Robert Gallo, Dr. Domenico Praticò, neuropathologist, professor, and international expert on Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as others who have excelled in their respective fields. In 2024, UNICO will honor Ralph LaRossa, President & CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG), at its 101st Annual Convention in New Jersey.

Founded in 1922 on the principle of Service Above Self, every year UNICO provides scholarships and charitable assistance totaling approximately one million dollars. UNICO supports mental health wellness, cancer research and prevention, food banks, shelters, and other local community needs.

To attend any events, please contact Consultant@Unico.org

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