In October, House of Made in Italy took part in the Columbus Day celebrations in New York, an occasion deeply rooted in the Italian-American community and promoted for over eighty years by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and celebrate Italian culture, heritage, and educational opportunity in the United States.
One of the key moments of the celebration was the 81st Annual Columbus Celebration Gala, held at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street. This year’s Gala honored the legacy of Michelangelo, marking 550 years since his birth, and was led by Grand Marshal Joseph H. Moglia. The evening also recognized distinguished members of the community, including Hon. Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in New York; John A. and Margo Catsimatidis, long-standing supporters of the Italian-American community; and Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi, a prominent figure in the medical and academic field.
During the Gala, the traditional charity auction was held to support the Foundation’s scholarship program. House of Made in Italy contributed with items representing the excellence of Italian culture and craftsmanship: a whole wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, an emblem of our agricultural and artisanal heritage; a signature dining experience by Chef Gennaro Esposito, bringing contemporary Italian cuisine to New York; and a tricolor handbag by Manikomio Design, showcasing Italian creativity and craftsmanship. In addition, House of Made in Italy made a direct donation to fund a scholarship, further reinforcing our commitment to education and opportunity for the next generation.
The celebration also included the traditional institutional moments that mark Columbus Day each year: the wreath-laying ceremony at Columbus Circle, the Solemn Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and, typically, the parade along Fifth Avenue. This year, due to severe weather conditions, the parade was cancelled — yet the shared sense of heritage, pride, and community remained strong.
House of Made in Italy’s participation represented a meaningful step in strengthening the cultural, social, and human ties between Italy and the United States, creating opportunities to share our heritage and highlight the excellence of our producers, artisans, and culinary masters. The collaboration with the Columbus Citizens Foundation continues to be a cornerstone in the development of a cultural space dedicated to presenting a true, contemporary, living Italy in New York.
House of Made in Italy is a project by I Love Italian Food and the Columbus Citizens Foundation, carried out under the patronage of the Italian Trade Agency and ENIT, with the support of Coldiretti and Filiera Italia.
Sponsors: Agriform, Mulino Caputo, Casa Modena, Ciao Il pomodoro di Napoli, Filicori Zecchini, Acetaia Giusti, Granterre, Lurisia, Monini, Parmareggio, Mionetto, Effeuno, Il Newyorkese, Marino PR, La Gazzetta dello Sport, and Istituto 100% Italiano.
