Hosted by co-founder Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Corolla, The San Gennaro Foundation will honor high profile Italian-Americans, Frankie Valli and John DeJoria at the Prima Notte Gala. This event will kick off The 6th Annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro and will take place on September 27th. 

Featuring some of Los Angeles’ most prominent Italian-Americans and dignitaries, the star-studded fundraising gala and auction at Prima Notte will support the San Gennaro Foundation.  Paying tribute to the Italians who immigrated to America and contributed to the New World, this year’s theme will be “Celebrating Italian-American Immigration.” Frankie Valli will perform and receive the San Gennaro Foundation “Italian Heritage Award” and John Paul DeJoria, co-founder and CEO of Paul Mitchell Systems will receive the San Gennaro Foundation “Humanitarian Award.”  

The evening’s charity auction will feature rare items such as guitars autographed by Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones; a boxing robe and glove autographed by Muhammad Ali; a trip for two to Italy; and a California dreamin’ wine country tour vacation.

“The Prima Notte gala is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the Los Angeles Italian-American community and we are proud to be the presenting sponsor again this year,” said Jessica Ruth, spokesperson for Precious Cheese.  “The San Gennaro Foundation’s commitment to preserving Italian-American heritage in the city of Los Angeles resonates with the Precious Cheese brand and we look forward to continuing to raise funds for the organization and its programs.”

Tickets for the gala are available online at www.feastofla.org and are $100 each for open seating or $2,000 for a reserved table for ten guests.  All proceeds benefit the San Gennaro Foundation, established to provide aid to children and families in need in Los Angeles.

The Precious Cheese Feast itself will once again take over Hawthorne Boulevard (between Highland and Orange) in Hollywood, for its sixth year anniversary. The festival venue is conveniently located across the street from the Hollywood and Highland complex, directly behind the Jimmy Kimmel Live theater.  Presented by Ralphs, the festival will take place on September 28th – 30th  from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with all proceeds going to charity.

Inspired by New York City’s oldest, biggest street festival, the Feast celebrates Italian culture, entertainment and cuisine. Focusing on the tradition of the San Gennaro Festival, this year’s Feast will include food from Los Angeles’ greatest Italian restaurants including Frankie’s on Melrose, Taste Chicago, Rocco’s Italian Kitchen, Taninos, Trastevere and Albano’s Pizza.

"I am thrilled to be hosting our sixth annual feast of San Gennaro,” Jimmy Kimmel said.  “Look for me there; I’ll be the one with my head buried in a sack of zeppoles."

The Feast will be held at 1651 N. Highland Ave, one block south of Hollywood and Highland,   General admission is $5, children under 12 are free and student discounts are available.

For more information about The Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro, Los Angeles, Presented by Ralphs, please visit  www.feastofla.org or call (818) 508-0082

Sorrento® Cheese and Precious® Cheese are brands of Sorrento Lactalis, Inc. Founded in 1947, Sorrento continues to be a favorite, producing a wide array of 100 percent natural cheese products, included among the leading brands of mozzarella, ricotta and string cheese sold in the United States. Both brands are available for retail, food service and industrial customers. More information on Sorrento® and Precious® Cheese may be found at www.sorrentocheese.com or www.preciouscheese.com.

The San Gennaro Foundation is a 501(3)c non-profit created by talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, producer Douglas DeLuca, and some of Los Angeles’ most prominent Italian-American citizens, to benefit underprivileged children and homeless in Los Angeles, as well as to provide entertainment and cultural enrichment to the community through its non-profit, cultural outreach program.

The Foundation’s mission is to uphold the principles established by St. Gennaro, patron saint of Naples who worked tirelessly to help people in need. In addition to fundraising, the group seeks to perpetuate cultural identity and solidarity within the Italian American community. All events are intended to embody the attributes of generosity and goodwill that define the Italian spirit. While some efforts celebrate Italian culture, the Foundation and its programs are not limited to Italian Americans and are supported by diverse individuals. See you there!