UNICO National Honors Italian American Excellence at Mid-Year Meeting and Announces Awardees for 101st Annual Convention

Atlantic City Awards Dinner ● Ron "Jaws" Jaworski, Congressman Jeff Van Drew, NFL QB Joe Flacco, UNICO President Ralph Contini, ESPN Correspondent Sal Paolantonio ● Photo Credit: UNICO National

FAIRFIELD, N.J., March 26, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - Italian American Service Organization, UNICO National, recently celebrated the achievements of prominent Italian Americans in business, sports, and philanthropy during its Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting and Presidential Awards Banquet. The event took place at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on March 17, 2024. Among the honorees were Bob Capoferri, founder of Asphalt Paving Systems, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Business, and NFL quarterback Joe Flacco of the Indianapolis Colts, who was presented with the Vince Lombardi Award. The awards were presented by ESPN Correspondent Sal Paolantonio and Congressman Jeff Van Drew.

“We were proud to recognize Bob Capoferri and Joe Flacco for their leadership and achievements. We also recognized the valuable contributions of Denise Ingue of the Rare is Beautiful Foundation for her tireless work addressing rare disease, along with UNICO's Greater Atlantic City Chapter. For more than one hundred years, UNICO has promoted the Italian American community and celebrated our Italian heritage. We are now preparing for and have announced our honorees for our 101st annual convention and gala this July in Princeton,” stated UNICO National President Cav. Ralph Contini.

UNICO National is renowned for its commitment to "Service Above Self," providing support to various communities and charities, and preserving Italian heritage and culture. The organization's philanthropic efforts include scholarships and charitable assistance, focusing on mental health wellness, Alzheimer's support, cancer research and prevention, and local community needs.

The 101st Annual UNICO National Convention & Italian American Awards Gala, scheduled for July 31, 2024, in Princeton, NJ, will honor several notable figures. Ralph A. LaRossa, chair, president & CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG), will be recognized for his exemplary business leadership. ESPN National Correspondent Sal Paolantonio will receive the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalism & Broadcasting Excellence. Other awardees include Sean Mullin, who will receive the Philip Mazzei Americanism Award; Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr., the recipient of the Cianci Award; Carol Martini Hemphill, who will be honored with the Rizzuto Award; and Ralph J. Torraco, the Vastola Award winner. The UNICO Armed Services Awards will be presented to Master Sargent John C. Dunne III, U.S.A.F. (Retired), PFC Jon R. Lapo, U.S. Army (Retired), and Captain Ben R. Cascio, Esq. USMC (Retired), recognizing their distinguished service.

For more information about UNICO National and its upcoming convention and gala, visit www.unico.org.

Source: UNICO National via Newswire