Columbus Citizens Foundation Hosts 70th Annual Gala Celebration to Benefit Italian American Student Scholarship Fund

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT: The Columbus Citizens Foundation 70^th Annual Gala Benefit featuring a host of Italian dignitaries and celebrities.  The Gala will be emceed by FOX Business News journalist Maria Bartiromo and honor it's Grand Marshal, acclaimed financier and CEO of First Data, Frank Bisignano.  The Gala will also feature:

• A tribute to this year's honorees, Frank D'Amelio, Executive Vice President, Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer of Pfizer, Richard and Barbara Naclerio, philanthropic members of the Foundation since 1996 and a Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award for Former Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
• A live painting by prominent impressionist artist, William Lopa, painting a rendition of Columbus' bust to be auctioned off at the Gala Silent Auction.  Other auction items include Jets and Giants tickets, dinner at Rao's, and many other exclusive items.
• A new Maserati car, known for its Italian craftsmanship to be auctioned off during a raffle as part of its 100^th anniversary celebration.

WHO: Angelo Vivolo, President of The Columbus Citizens Foundation, Frank Bisignano, CEO and Chairman of First Data Corporation, Peter Grady, President of Maserati are available for interviews.

WHEN: Saturday, October 11^th Photo & Interview Opportunities: 6:00-6:30 pm

WHERE: Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom, 301 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022

WHY: Esteemed Italian Americans will come together to celebrate seven decades of helping provide education to Italian American children and families in need of support. With a goal of $2 million, the funds raised will support the Foundation's mission of providing scholarships to support the education of Italian-American students who have the drive to succeed in school and beyond, but not the means to reach their potential.  To learn more about the Columbus Citizens Foundation or the 70^th Annual Gala, please visit www.columbuscitizensfd.org.

Media Contact:
Faith Paris
917.710.2677 
[email protected]

SOURCE Columbus Citizens Foundation