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Columbus Citizens Foundation - Preserving Heritage, Creating Opportunities

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You are here: Columbus Day Celebration : Gala Dinner

Annual Gala Dinner

It's a tradition that dates back to 1944, the year the Columbus Citizens Foundation's predecessor organization was incorporated. On the weekend before Columbus Day, Foundation Members and their guests meet for an evening of friendship and entertainment that celebrates the strong bonds between Italian Americans and the United States while raising funds for scholarships. 

During the evening, the Foundation pays tribute to the year's honorees and the Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day Parade. These men and women share several characteristics: they are leaders in their chosen fields, they are deeply committed to their families, and they are grateful for the opportunities their families have received in America, as well as the Italian heritage that they hold dear. 

The Gala stage has seen performances by exceptional singers from many categories of music: the cast of "Jersey Boys," Barry Manilow, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Il Volo, Arianna Bergamaschi, American Idol star Elise Testone, opera tenor Salvatore Licitra, entertainer Joe Piscopo, and scores of other outstanding talents. And the dance floor vibrates from the tread of dancers' feet long into the night. 


Images from Past Gala Dinners

Click on a thumbnail below to view the gallery.

 

2017
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2016
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2015
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2014
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2013
Grand Marshal Joseph R. Perella
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2012
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2011
Columbus Citizens Foundation President Frank Fusaro, Mistress of Ceremonies Maria Bartiromo, Grand Marshal Joseph Plumeri, Chairman of the Board and Celebration Chairman Louis Tallarini
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2010
Grand Marshal Maria Bartiromo with Honorees Jason DeSena Trennert (left) and Frank Bisignano (right)
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2009
Grand Marshal Kenneth Langone & Celebration Chair Frank Fusaro
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2008
2007 Grand Marshal Lidia Bastianich (left) with Mistress of Ceremonies Maria Bartiromo (center) & 2008 Grand Marshal Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr. (Ret.)
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2007
President Louis Tallarini & Grand Marshal Lidia Bastianich
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2006
2006 Celebration Chairmen
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More About Columbus Day Weekend

  • Columbus Day Celebration Overview
  • Columbus Day Parade
  • Gala Dinner
  • Columbus Day Mass
  • Columbus Circle Wreath Laying
  • Celebration Car Raffle
  • Our Sponsors

Applications for the 2020 Parade are now open! For questions about application, please contact Jefferson Wilson at jwilson@columbuscitizens.org or call (212) 249-9923 x242. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, click here! For more information about the Mission of our Foundation and our philanthropic endeavors, contact our Executive Director, Lisa Ackerman, at lackerman@columbuscitizens.org.


  • Scholarships Overview
  • Elementary Scholarships
  • High School Scholarships
  • College Scholarships
  • Zeffirelli Scholarship
  • Columbus Guarini Scholarship
  • Morgagni Medical Scholarship
  • Columbus Day Parade
  • Gala Dinner
  • Columbus Day Mass
  • Columbus Circle Wreath Laying
  • Celebration Car Raffle
  • Our Sponsors
  • 2020 Electronic Journal
  • 2020 Raffle
  • 2020 Virtual Gala
  • Who We Are
  • Membership
  • Our History
  • Philanthropic Achievements
  • Foundation Townhouse
  • Ladies Auxiliary (LAX)
  • Young Adults Auxiliary (YAA)


Mission Statement
Recognizing the incredible impact that our Italian heritage has had on our lives and its contribution to our individual successes, we the members of the Columbus Citizens Foundation dedicate ourselves to preserving and enhancing the culture, traditions and values we were so blessed to receive. Furthermore, we will commit to honor those that came before us by ensuring that their love of country, family and tireless work ethic are passed to our children and all future generations. We firmly commit to raise and distribute financial aid to educate children in need and pledge to extend ourselves in perpetuating the philanthropic work that has been synonymous with our Foundation.

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8 East 69 Street New York, NY 10021

Tel: (212) 249-9923 - Contact Us