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Italian American’s Celebrate ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro

Italian Americans Celebrate ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro UNICO National’s Celebrates 99th Annual Convention & Presents Special Achievement Award to ESPN Chairman

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2022

Joseph Collins

Italian Americans Celebrate ESPN's Jimmy Pitaro, UNICO National

Italian Americans honored ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro at UNICO National’s 99th Annual Convention. The event took place at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Members gathered to celebrate achievements and recognize prominent figures in the community. This year’s honoree, Pitaro, was celebrated for his leadership in sports media.

At the Gala, Sal Paolantonio presented the Special Achievement Award. Paolantonio is an ESPN national correspondent. He proudly recognized Pitaro’s contributions. The UNICO National Gala Awards Dinner highlights Italian American achievements. It also recognizes contributions to the United States.

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Jimmy Pitaro became Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content in 2020, after being named ESPN president and co-chair of Disney Media Networks in 2018. He brought over two decades of experience in technology, sports, and media, which Bob Iger praised during his appointment. Pitaro had previously served eight years as a top executive. Meanwhile, Sal Paolantonio covered 27 Super Bowls for ESPN, including all ten of Tom Brady’s appearances.

Past UNICO Award Recipients

UNICO awards recognize excellence across various fields. General Anthony Zinni received an award. Sports greats Mario Andretti, Joe Montana, and Joe Torre also received awards. Geno Auriemma and John Calipari are past recipients. Business leader Joe Moglia, former TD Ameritrade CEO, earned recognition. Temple University’s Dr. Domenico Praticò, an Alzheimer’s expert, also received an award.

Many organizations support the UNICO National Gala Awards Dinner. Supporters include the NFL, NBA, NHL, and UFC. The MLS, MLB, SEC, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots offer support. The New York Giants, Holland America Cruise Line, and D’Addario Wines of Puglia, Italy, also contribute.

UNICO National Convention Highlights

Over 300 members attended UNICO National’s 99th Annual Convention, which included meetings, reports, and social events. Dr. Peter Pettinato of the Carbondale Chapter was elected National President. He’s been a UNICO member for nearly 20 years and held several leadership roles prior to his election. Pettinato lives in Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania.

Local chapters and members raised $100,000 for UNICO Charities, which fund cancer research, scholarships, mental health programs, food banks, and support for armed services and Cooley’s anemia research. UNICO also gave a $10,000 check to the Italian American Museum in New York City – the third installment of a $50,000 pledge.

The UNICO Foundation approved grants totaling over $90,000. Christopher DiMattio chairs the foundation. The foundation addresses community needs through strategic giving.

UNICO National, founded in 1922, is the largest Italian American service organization. It operates on the principle of ‘Service Above Self’ and preserves Italian American heritage through nationwide chapters. The organization provides about $1 million annually in scholarships and charitable assistance, supporting mental health, cancer research, and local community needs.

The UNICO National 100th Annual Convention takes place July 26-30, 2023. The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Florida, hosts the event.