To celebrate the The National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) [2] mission and educational programs across the US, Mike Piazza, New York Mets player and 12-Time MLB All-Star, will light the Empire State Building in red, white and green, the colors of the Italian flag. The initiative occurs the day after the celebration of Italy’s National Day (June 2nd).

The commencement of the ceremony will start at 11am in the lobby of the Empire State Building on 5th Avenue. After the lighting ceremony it will be possible to reach the 86th floor Observatory and take some pictures not only of the incredible views, but also pictures with the champion Mike Piazza.

On this special occasion,which will celebrate NIAF's great accomplisments throughout its years of activity, the organization will also host a reception at the wonderful Rooftop Garden of 230 Fifth [3] Avenue in Mahattan (6:30-9:30pm). NIAF’s leadership, including Chairman Joseph Del Raso and President John M. Viola, will join the Foundation’s regional vice presidents in New York, Nicholas R. Caiazzo and Susan Paolercio, its committee, as well as various business and community leaders.

The evening reception is an opportunity to learn more about NIAF’s programs and events and meet its leadership team as well as network.  This year’s master of the ceremony will be Michael Gargiulo, Emmy-award winning journalist and co-anchor of NBC [4] 4 New York’s "Today in New York [5].”