It’s that time of year again, when The San Gennaro Foundation prepares to celebrate October’s Italian Heritage Month! The fun-filled weekend commences Thursday, September 25th with the opening night gala, "Prima Notte 2008", which raises funds for The San Gennaro Foundation’s charitable programs. Hosted once again by comedian and event co-founder, Jimmy Kimmel and fellow comedian Adam Carolla, Prima Notte is a star-studded fund-raising gala featuring some of the city’s most prominent Italian-Americans and dignitaries joining together in support of The San Gennaro Foundation.
To get things started, the foundation will highlight all things Italian with their annual street festival the last weekend in September. The 7th Annual Precious Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro LA will offer the best in Italian music, food and wine, as well as fun rides and games all to benefit underprivileged children and homeless in Los Angeles.
"I am thrilled to be hosting our seventh 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 event will also honor legendary musician Jerry Vale, who will receive the San Gennaro Foundation “Italian Heritage Award” and L’Italo-Americano Newspaper publisher, Robert Barber, who will receive the San Gennaro Foundation “Humanitarian Award”. Master of Ceremonies Mark DeCarlo will introduce special performances by Cristina Fontanelli, Joey Gian, Tony O, Alfio, Deana Martin and the Pat Longo Orchestra.
The evening’s charity auction will feature, among other amazing prizes:
*Roundtrip airfare from the US to Italy
*Luxury vacations to New York City and Miami’s South Beach
*VIP package to "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
*Golfer’s vacation to Arizona’s Sonaron High Desert
*Autographed poster and tickets to "Dancing with the Stars"
*Autographed guitars from Madonna, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones
*Autographed NFL helmets from Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Brett Favre
Tickets for the opening night 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.
"We have been bringing Italian culture to the heart of Hollywood for seven years running," said Frankie Competelli, President of The San Gennaro Foundation, Los Angeles. "We are thrilled to, once again, celebrate tradition, family, and great food with the community."
Inspired by the 78-year old New York City tradition, the Feast celebrates Italian culture, entertainment and cuisine, and throughout the weekend will feature great food, music, genealogy research, a Kid’s Corner, bocce, bingo, carnival rides, games and more. Surprise celebrity guests will join cooking team Filippo and the Chef, as they demonstrate Italian recipes on the Precious® Cheese Cooking Stage with Precious® Cheese Chef Mark Sciortino.
"Precious Cheese is proud to be presenting sponsor again this year helping to bring authentic Italian culture, entertainment, food and fun to the Los Angeles area," said Jessica Ruth, spokesperson for Precious Cheese. "The San Gennaro Foundation’s commitment to preserving Italian-American heritage resonates with the Precious Cheese brand and we look forward to continuing to raise funds for the organization and its programs.”
The festival venue is conveniently located across the street from the Hollywood and Highland complex, directly behind the Jimmy Kimmel Live Theater at 1651 N. Highland Ave. The Feast will be held September 26th – 28th, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. General admission is $5 and kids under 12 are free. All proceeds benefit the San Gennaro Foundation, established to provide aid to children and families in need in Los Angeles.
For more information about the Precious Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro, Los Angeles, please visit www.feastofla.org or call
