Second Annual Italian American Baseball Foundation Fundraiser attracts MLB’s finest on December 7, 2017
Kicking off its inaugural event last year honoring National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza at Carmine’s Restaurant and Sports Bar in Brooklyn, New York, the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) has set out to make this year’s festivities better than ever by presenting guest of honor Bobby Valentine with a commissioned portrait of the Italian American baseball legend from internationally-renowned sports artist James Fiorentino. 
In addition, IABF Executive Gary Perone will be honored for the invaluable contributions he has brought to the game.
On December 7, 2017 IABF Board Members Joe Quagliano, Fabrizio De Robbio, Carmine Gangone and Michael DeSapio promise to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a star-studded cocktail reception beginning at 6:30 pm followed by a delectable authentic Italian dinner attended by some of MLB’s best past and present players including: Frank Catalanotto, John Franco, Jeff Nelson, Francisco Cervelli and Brandon Nimmo. New York Mets announcer Wayne Randazzo will serve as the emcee for the evening, and guests in attendance will be treated to an unforgettable performance from Italian Tenor Sal Spatola.
Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) president Andrea Marcon and Team Italy manager Gilberto Gerali will address attendees with their call to action in preparation of the 2020 Olympics. The IABF is a 501(c)(3) charity founded by former Italian American MLB favorite Frank Catalanotto, Mint Pros president Joe Quagliano, FIBS executive Marco Landi and critically-acclaimed restaurateur Carmine Gangone. Gangone will once again host this monumental evening at his family-owned Brooklyn restaurant that was opened nearly 40 years ago by his Italian immigrant father from Salerno.
All fundraising dinner proceeds will support youth baseball in Italy by building and maintaining ball fields, awarding student-athletes with scholarships and financial aid, purchasing uniforms and equipment as well as organizing pitching, fielding and hitting clinics with MLB instructors under the guidance of FIBS. The Italian American Baseball Foundation is a community of fans, MLB players, and baseball executives dedicated to the future of Italian American baseball in Italy and the USA.
Limited tickets remain available for the second annual Italian American Baseball Foundation Fundraising Dinner at Carmine’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, 358 Graham Avenue in Brooklyn on December 7, 2017. Purchase your tickets today by following this link:
by Roberto Angotti
