UNICO National Celebrates Italian American Contributions at Annual Gala

Aug 6

PRINCETON, N.J., August 5, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - The UNICO National 101st Annual Convention & Italian American Awards Gala honored significant achievements in leadership, community service, and the preservation of Italian American heritage. The event featured distinguished award recipients, including Ralph LaRossa, Chair, President, and CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG), who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Business Leadership. The award was presented by Ralph Izzo, LaRossa’s predecessor, highlighting his contributions to the business community.

Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International and a previous award recipient, praised LaRossa's accomplishments in a video message during the ceremony. The gala also recognized Sal Paolantonio, ESPN NFL National Correspondent, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalism & Broadcasting Excellence, noted by ESPN Chairman James Pitaro’s acknowledgment from the Olympics in Paris.

Lawrence Inserra, Jr., of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., was honored with the Cianci Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic efforts. Additional awards included the Vastola Award to Ralph Torraco, the Rizzuto Award to Carol Martini Hemphill, and the Americanism Award to Sean Mullin.

UNICO’s military awards celebrated veterans, with John Dunne receiving the DeFilippo American Hero Award, John Lapo the Anthony Fornelli American War Veteran Award, and Ben Cascio the John Basilone Freedom Award.

Anthony Bengivenga was elected as the new UNICO National President, emphasizing the organization's commitment to growth and service. Bengivenga remarked, “These honorees embody the essence of excellence, representing the highest standards of leadership, community service, and dedication that UNICO champions.”

The gala supports UNICO's mission of providing scholarships and charitable assistance, annually donating over $1,000,000. As the largest Italian American Service Organization in America, UNICO continues to promote "Service Above Self."

For more information, visit www.unico.org.

Source: UNICO National via Newswire