Comedian/Singer Joe Piscopo, Assistant Secretary to the Navy Richard Greco, Jr. Among Honorees at Italian American Museum Gala and Award Ceremony at The Plaza

Museum to Unveil Renderings for Proposal South Street Seaport Home

(PRWEB) March 19, 2005 -- Comedian, singer and possible New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Joe Piscopo will be honored at the fourth annual fundraising gala for the Italian American Museum April 15 at The Plaza Hotel. The acclaimed actor Chazz Palminteri will bestow the honor on Mr. Piscopo.

In addition, Richard Greco, Jr., recently appointed as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy by President George W. Bush; Serphin R. Maltese, Deputy Majority Whip of the New York State Senate; and Louis Tallarini, General Chairman of Columbus Day Weekend 2005; will also be feted for their contributions to the Italian American community.

This fourth gathering of our many supporters is the most significant, because were getting closer to establishing a permanent home," said Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, president of the Italian American Museum. Dr. Scelsa added that as part of the evenings program, architects renderings of the Italian American Museums proposed headquarters at the South Street Seaport will be on display for all to view.

The event will be one of the final Grand Ballroom galas at The Plaza, which is closing its doors on April 30.

The black-tie event commences with a cocktail reception at 7:00 p.m., with dinner and dancing beginning at 8:00 p.m. Singer Giada Valenti and the Panorama orchestra will entertain. For tickets and more information, contact Maria Fosco at 212-642-2020.

Temporarily housed at 28 West 44th St., the Italian American Museum is dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage of Italy and Italian Americans by presenting the individual and collective struggles and achievements of Italians and their heirs to the American way of life. The institution, which has received widespread support from prominent Italian Americans, received its provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents in June 2001.

###