Chestnut Hill Man Named IAS' Person of the Year

WHYY President and CEO William J. Marrazzo, a Chestnut Hill resident, will receive the “Person of the Year” award from Philadelphia’s Italian American Spirit (IAS) group. The award will be presented at a gala dinner Sunday, January 26 from 4 – 9 p.m. at the Crystal Tea Room.

Proceeds from the “Il Galá Puglia” event benefit the City of Hope children’s cancer research and treatment programs, children in need in the Puglia region of Italy, LaSalle Academy in Philadelphia and WHYY’s Dorrance Hamilton Public Media Commons scholarship fund.

IAS President Frank J. Costanzo said the group recognized Bill Marrazzo “because of his work with children at WHYY and his many acts of goodwill towards others!”

Marrazzo said it is a very special honor to be recognized by this group. “I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of all the staff at WHYY, who work every day to ensure that our children develop a lifelong love of learning.”

Costanzo noted that chefs from Puglia, Italy will travel to Philadelphia to cook for Il Galá, and will serve a huge Pugliese dinner with the menu, wine and antipasti from the Puglia region. Il Galá has become a premier event, selling out in record time last year. 

The mission of the Italian American Spirit group is to “promote Italian culture and customs through friendship, food and camaraderie, and to strengthen the unique bonds between our two countries through acts of philanthropy for children.”

Tickets for the Gala are available by calling Costanzo at 856-524-4380 or visiting iaspirit.com. Learn more about WHYY at WHYY.org.