The Columbus Citizen Foundation Held a Press-Conference Naming Culinary TrailBlazer "Mario Batali " & Visionary Business Leader "Federica Marchionni " as Honorees of the Columbus Parade 2016 !

NEW YORK(SMI-WIRE,10.05.16)The Columbus Citizens Foundation of New York held today a press-conference in downtown NYC, confirming that it has named culinary trailblazer; Mario Batali and visionary business leader, Federica Marchionni as honorees of the 2016 Columbus Day Parade. They will join top executive Robert LaPenta, who was previously announced as 2016 Grand Marshal.

New York State Governor" Andrew Cuomo" was present & spoke briefly and very proud about this annual special event celebrating Italian-American heritage.

Maria Bartiromo; Fox Business Anchor of"Good Morning with Maria"played host during the press-conference introducing New York State governor Andrew Cuomo ,honoree Federica Marchionni and 2016 Columbus Parade Marshal " Robert LaPenta to the podium.

Marchionni most recently headed renowned US clothing brand Lands’ End and has the distinction of being the only female Italian CEO of a major US company. She has also held positions as brand chief at Ferrari and President of Dolce & Gabana USA Inc.“I am very proud of my Italian heritage and equally proud to be in my adoptive country of the United States,” Marchionni said, “Whether through movies, fashion, food or lifestyle trends, Italians have the ability to cast a spell on America and the world, and I love being a part of that long tradition.”

Batali is a celebrated and much beloved New Yorker, and has received multiple awards and recognition for his cookbooks, restaurants and Eataly marketplaces. He can be seen every weekday hosting ABC’s daytime talk show, “The Chew”. “Italians and Italian Americans over the years have made a huge culinary impact in the United States and particularly New York City,” Batali remarked, “And I’m proud to be a part of that history.”

Robert V. LaPenta was named the Grand Marshal of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade back in May, which will take place on Fifth Avenue on Monday, October 10, 2016. Mr. LaPenta is a driven and successful executive and philanthropist, renowned for his leadership experience in the aerospace, defense and electronics industries."It is a true honor to be named Grand Marshal of a parade that celebrates Italian-American achievement," said Mr. LaPenta. "I cannot wait to lead the march down Fifth Avenue with my family in October 10, 2016.”.

The annual Columbus Day Parade, organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation and presented by the Conair Corporation, is the world's largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture in the United States. 

The annual Columbus Day Parade, organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation and presented by the Conair Corporation, is the world's largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture in the United States. The Columbus Day Parade was first started in 1929 when New York City businessman and Italian immigrant Generoso Pope led a parade from East Harlem to Columbus Circle and has since become an ongoing celebration of the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to the United States.

In addition to planning the Columbus Day Parade, the Columbus Citizens Foundation currently provides over 700 scholarships at elementary, high school and college level to Italian-American students who have academic ability but lack financial means. This educational support resonates strongly with the 2016 honorees. “With hard work, resilience and the right opportunities, extraordinary things can happen,” Marchionni commented, “And the Columbus Citizens Foundation helps provide those opportunities.” 

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