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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Robert Silvani 561.371.6768 robert_silvani@msn.com “Viaggio Italia” Il Circolo 41st Anniversary Gala Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches, will celebrate 41 years of accomplishments during its annual gala on Sunday, March 26, 2017, at The Breakers Hotel on Palm Beach. Founded in 1976, Il Circolo is the most prestigious member organization in Florida dedicated to the advancement of Italian language and culture. This year’s gala is sponsored by: $15,000 Sardinia Sponsor • The Mastroianni Family Foundation Harbourside, Jupiter $5,000 Sorrento Sponsors Dr. and Mrs. Keiser, Keiser University, West Palm Beach The Florida Panthers Foundation, Sunrise The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Washington, DC John and Jana Scarpa, Palm Beach The Sally Valenti Family, Ocean Ridge Paul Finizio Law, Ft. Lauderdale The Silvani Family, North Palm Beach Donations Colavita La Famiglia DelGrosso Taglialatella Galleries Tourneau – Palm Beach Leo A Vecellio, Jr. – Vecellio Group, Inc. Ferragamo Carmen Paterniti The Silvester Foundation Don and Andie Seta Foundation Azeez Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Joe Vittoria This year’s Honorees: Tony Lo Bianco Noted for his Academy Award-winning role in The French Connection and in over one-hundred films, television programs, and stage performances. He claimed an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Fiorello La Guardia in Hizzoner!. Also, as a Tony-nominated Broadway performer was winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award in A View from the Bridge. Giada Valenti An award-winning Venetian vocalist, Giada whisks her audiences away with pageantry and poignancy, dazzling them with her breathtaking vocals, captivating beauty, and her lavish stage presentation. Giada’s currently celebrating a career milestone with her PBS television special “From Venice With Love” which is now being released as a CD and DVD. Rollie Massimino Renowned as coach of the Villanova Wildcats, Coach Massimino currently heads-up the Keiser University Men’s basketball team. Massimino joins Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and Syracuse's Jim Boeheim as active coaches with at least 800 wins and is the ninth head coach to win at least 800 games. At Villanova, he led his 1984–85 team to the NCAA Championship defeating their heavily favored Big East Conference foe, the Georgetown Hoyas in the National Championship Game. Gala Chairs Longtime residents of North Palm Beach, Marie and Bob Silvani, will serve as gala Chairs for 2017. Both have been active in many charities over the years. Bob served as President of the Palm Beach County Planned Giving Council and past Chair of the American Cancer Society. Marie was the President of the Palm Beach County Women’s Tennis Association and her company, MSW Solutions serves many nonprofits as their administrator. About the Earthquakes in Italy This year’s themed gala, “Viaggio Italia” will serve as a fundraiser to benefit the victims of the earthquakes and avalanches in Italy, as well as funding scholarships for students of Italian heritage attending local schools and universities. On the evening of Wednesday, October 26, 2016 just 2 months after the devastating August 24 earthquake that destroyed large parts of central Italy and claimed nearly 300 lives, Italy was once again struck by two earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 and 6.1. And, on the afternoon of January 18, 2017, a major avalanche occurred on Gran Sasso d'Italia, a mountain in Rigopiano, a tourist destination in the province of Pescara, in Southern Italy's Abruzzo region. The avalanche struck the luxury resort Hotel Rigopiano, killing twenty-nine people and injuring eleven others. The avalanche is the deadliest in Italy since the White Friday avalanches in 1916. The destruction of these cities and towns is immeasurable, and they will take years to recover. Our hearts and prayers are with them and the rescue workers. Please join us: Sunday, March 26, 2017 The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach 6:00 p.m. Cocktails and Tuscan Antipasto 7:00 p.m. Dinner and Dancing to the Gino DeMarco Band Special Honorees: Tony Lo Bianco, Actor Writer Director Producer Giada Valenti, Singer Songwriter Coach Rollie Massimino, Keiser University For tickets and more information go to: www.ilcircoloflorida.com For interviews and press coverage contact Gala Chairs: Marie

March 3, 2017, 2:58 p.m. GMT