MDA Kicks Off Another Great Year
at its 2008 Heartsongs Gala

On February 23, 2008 the sixth annual Heartsongs Gala proved to be a hugely successful event to benefit the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association. Due to the generosity of over 600 attendees, top name sponsors and the Italian Ambassador, Giovanni Castellaneta, the event raised $869,209!

Mamma Lucia Restaurants sponsored the Grand Destination in the ballroom where Tuscan style décor and dinner complimented the room. The cocktail reception, sponsored by L&M Produce, was also adorned with a classic Italian theme – a celebration of the piazza, which included gelato and olive oil tastings, a Vespa, and a silent auction.

Tony Perkins of FOX5 was the Emcee for the evening for the fifth time in six years. He introduced Tony Danza, whose screen credits include “Taxi” and “Who’s the Boss.” Perkins also presented the 2008 Mattie J.T. Stepanek Heartsongs Award to Jimmy Fragoyannis of Mamma Lucia Restaurants and Stephen C. Moss of Agusta Westland North America, Inc.

John Salamone, President of the National Italian American Foundation, chaired the memorable event. He was supported by several co-chairs and a committee that included representation from businesses such as Mamma Lucia Restaurants, L&M Produce, Reznick Group, Easterns Automotive Group, Dade Paper, Silver Diner, Fidelity & Trust Bank and The Tower Companies.

Many local families who will benefit from the money raised at the event were present for the festivities, including keynote speaker Jeni Stepanek, mother of late peacemaker and poet Mattie Stepanek. The Heartsongs Gala is held every year in Mattie’s memory.

EVENT INFORMATION
Join us as we travel Italy at the Heartsongs Gala with dinner, auction, dancing, food and wine. Entertainment will be provided by both Tony Danza and Radio King Orchestra http://www.rkoswing.com/.

February 23, 2008
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Road, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Black Tie
6:00

Heartsongs Gala
All proceeds from this evening's event will help the Greater Washington Area MDA battle forty-three neuromuscular diseases, including Lou Gehrig's disease. MDA's medical and service programs include summer camp, cutting-edge medical treatments and clinical research that are directly benefiting those we currently serve. Thanks to your support, MDA ensures that those diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease are never alone.

EVENT COMMITTEE

Event Chair, 2008
John Salamone – National Italian American Foundation

Event Co-Chairs, 2008
Bruno Fabi - Mamma Lucia Restaurants
Donald Kahn - Dade Paper
Robert Giaimo - Silver Diner
Jim McWhorter - L&M Produce
David Holtz - Dade Paper
Barry Watkins - Fidelity & Trust Bank

Heartsongs Award Recipients, 2008
Jimmy Fragoyannis – Mamma Lucia Restaurants
Stephen C. Moss – AgustaWestland North America, Inc.

Committee Members, 2008
Robert Bassam - Easterns Automotive Group
Allan Bergenfield – Bergenfield & Associates
Suzanne Bouhia – Reznick Group
Josh Carin – Geppetto Catering
Nick Champeau – Easterns Automotive Group
Louis Columba – Verizon
Judy Damiani
Karen Edwards – MCPADNET Printing
Mark Engelking – Provident Bank
Bob Giamo – Silver Diner
Greg Kauffman – Kauffman Design Company
David Kessler – Reznick Group
Scott Mendelson – Edge Commercial
Eric Meyrowitz – WDCW-TV
Janelle Morris – WDCW-TV
Leslie Mostow – Reznick Group
Celie Niehaus – E*TRADE Financial
Chris Osborn – Great American Restaurants
Chris Otway - Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
John Pearlman – Congressional Seafood
Jeff Penn – Proper Entertainment
Lauren Sadlon – Great American Restaurants
Paul Traub – Great American Restaurants
Chuck Wallach – Tower Companies
Michael Watts – CNN