Boys’ Towns of Italy celebrated its’ 65th annual “Ball of the Year” at the Pierre Hotel, in NYC.  That the ball has lasted for 65 years is as much a testament to the importance of the charity’s work as to how fabulous the party is.  This year was no different.  Guests showed up ready to have a good time. Spring was definitely in the air.  Even the grand ballroom felt like an arbor as it was decked with hundreds of cherry blossom branches. 

This year’s honorees were Lainie Kazan who called herself an “honorary Italian” as she was accepted her “Entertainer of the Year” award.  She later wowed the crowd with a performance reminding everyone she is as much a Broadway star as she is a comedienne. 

Francesca Gumina Braschi, another of the evening’s honorees, was there with friends and family, many who had traveled from Italy for the occasion.  Lee Rizzuto, Jr. was also honored - his family is a long-standing supporter of the organization.  Anthony Maltese, the last to receive his award, received the most thunderous round of applause of the evening, led by his adoring wife Cynthia.

Other guests in attendance included Carmen Dell’Orefice, Mark Simone the evening’s MC, Rita Cosby, Matilda Cuomo, Marty Richards, Francine LeFrak and Rick Friedberg, Baroness Von Langendorff, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Colleen and Gary Rein, Frank and Michele Rella, Kristin Krusen, Catherine Saxton, Marcia Levine, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, Larry Kaiser, Lauren Roberts, Cheri Kaufman, Jan Chipman, Jo Hallingby and Grace Iannuzzi.