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.

 

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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.

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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