SONS OF ITALY SPONSORS
OLYMPIC OPENING CEREMONY RECEPTION
AT ITALIAN EMBASSY

Washington, DC-- Feb. 13, 2006 The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the nation's oldest and largest organization for men and women of Italian heritage, and Maserati of Washington sponsored a reception at the Italian Embassy for the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy on Friday, February 10.

“This was a great opportunity for OSIA to bring a touch of the Winter Olympics from Italy to the Italian American community in DC, “ says Vincent Sarno, National President. “It is our hope that all the viewers at home will enjoy the Olympics in Italy, which is rich in beautiful landscapes and home to our celebrated culture.”

Piedmont delicacies were prepared by Washington, D.C. Italian restaurants and chefs including Ristorante Luigino; Galileo da Roberto Donna; Cafe Milano; Sesto Senso; La Perla; Centro; Dolci Gelati; Teatro Goldoni; and Aromi D'Italia. Specialty Italian coffee drinks were prepared by Lavazza while Piedmont wine featuring Bartenura Moscato d’Asti and La Sera Barbera, “Il Falo” were provided by Best Cellars.

OSIA National At-Large members from the DC Metro area were invited to this exclusive event. OSIA has a grassroots network of more than 700 chapters coast to coast. People of all ages who cannot attend meetings or do not live near a lodge can still join OSIA as an At-Large member. At-Large members receive all OSIA member benefits, but do not vote or hold office.

OSIA is currently running a membership campaign inviting those wishing to rediscover their Italian heritage to join OSIA. Nine (9) lucky winners will be eligible to win a 5th generation iPod or iTunes Gift Card. Three iPods and six iTunes Cards (value $50 each) will be raffled off to the first 300 to join OSIA as National At-Large members before March 31. Click Here to sign up now.

Sponsors of Olympic Opening Ceremony Reception: Order Sons of Italy in America; Maserati of Washington; VESPA Washington; Aromi D’Italia; Best Cellars; Café Milano; Centro; Centro; Dolci Gelati; Xtraordinary Events; Galileo da Roberto Donna; La Perla; Lavazza/EP Cup; Ristorante Luigino; Sesto Senso; Teatro Goldoni; FIERI Washington, D.C.; Modern Sicilian Network; Penn Quarter Neighborhood Association; and www.thelistareyouonit.com.

OSIA is the largest and oldest national organization in the U.S. for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. It has more than 600,000 members and supporters and a network of more than 700 chapters coast to coast. OSIA works at the community, national and international levels to promote the heritage and culture of an estimated 26 million Italian Americans, the nation’s fifth largest ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. See www.osia.org.