Local Celebrities to be Honored at Italian National Day CelebrationCLEARWATER - Former Channel 8 news anchor, Gayle Guyardo, and celebrated musician and director/founder of "America's Youngest Jazz Band", Sonny LaRosa, will be among the five distinguished Italian Americans to be honored for their dedication and commitment to their profession, community, and heritage at the 5th annual Festa della Repubblica Italiana (Italian National Day) on Sunday, June 6, from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Also being honored are fashion consultant Joann Torretta, and world-renowned scientists Professor Ruggero Santilli and Professor Antonio Iavarone. The event will be held at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Hotel (2225 Lois Avenue, Tampa), and is co-hosted by the Daughters of Italy Lodge #2825 (Clearwater) and Loggia Mona Lisa #2699 (Tampa), both local chapters of the Order Sons of Italy in America. This occasion will celebrate the 64th anniversary when Italy became a republic on June 2, 1946. Special entertainment will be performed by the internationally acclaimed "America's Youngest Jazz Band", youngsters ranging in age from 8 to 13 years of age. Among the honored invited guests are the Consul General of Italy, the Italian Sr. Military Representative of CENTCOM and other Italian military officials (MacDill AFB), and state and local officials. Cocktail hour (cash bar) begins at 12:00 p.m. followed by a sit-down luncheon. There will also be a silent auction with proceeds benefiting Cancer, Alzheimer's, Cooley's anemia, and scholarship programs. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $35 each. Reservations are required. Please contact Vincenza DiLiberti at (727) 447-6890 no later than May 26th.
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