Celebrate Italian Heritage & Culture at the 2027 Arizona Italian American Gala
An unforgettable evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and networking under the Arizona sky.
Gala Sponsors
About the Gala
Welcome to the annual gathering of Arizona’s Italian American community and friends! Now in its 6th year, our Gala brings together business leaders, cultural ambassadors, and community advocates for an evening of tradition, celebration, and impact. Proceeds support scholarships, cultural programs, and local outreach initiatives.
Gala Attire: Cocktail Chic
Purchase Tickets & Sponsorship Packages
Ticket for the 2027 AZ Italian American Gala
Honorees
Frank DiMaggio
Frank DiMaggio is a multifaceted entrepreneur, business leader, luxury real estate advisor, and developer whose career has spanned professional athletics, corporate sales, technology, hospitality, and some of Arizona’s most significant residential real estate transactions. A gifted athlete from an early age, Frank was named a Mizuno First-Team All-American in high school baseball and earned a full athletic scholarship to Northwestern University. He later attended the University of Delaware’s Business School, developing the competitive mindset and business foundation that would shape his professional career. From 1997 through 1999, Frank played professional baseball, including time with the Québec Capitales. The discipline, resilience, and team-first mentality he developed as an athlete continue to influence the way he approaches business, leadership, and personal relationships.
Following his professional baseball career, Frank entered the corporate world, holding positions with Johnson & Johnson and Stryker Corporation. His experience with two of the world’s most respected companies gave him valuable insight into sales, organizational leadership, relationship development, and the importance of building a trusted brand. During this time Frank also tried his hand in the entertainment world with appearances on national television, including programs on WE tv, Court TV, and The WB, as well as an appearance on HBO’s The Sopranos.
Frank later entered the technology sector by founding iLiveThereToo.com, an innovative real estate technology platform designed to create private micro-social networks within apartment communities. The concept connected residents, property managers, local businesses, and service providers, giving Frank early experience at the intersection of real estate, technology, community building, and consumer engagement.
He ultimately transitioned into luxury residential real estate, where he quickly established himself as one of Arizona’s leading agents and dealmakers. Over the course of his career, Frank has been involved in more than $600 million in residential sales and has represented a number of record-setting transactions throughout Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. His accomplishments include record-breaking land sales and benchmark-setting prices per square foot in some of Arizona’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Frank is known for far more than simply marketing homes. His background as an investor, developer, builder, and business owner allows him to advise clients from multiple perspectives, including land acquisition, design, construction, positioning, valuation, and resale strategy. His ability to recognize opportunity and understand the complete life cycle of a luxury property has made him a trusted advisor to buyers, sellers, developers, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families.
Together with his wife, acclaimed interior designer Lauren Wallace, Frank co-founded MDF Development, a luxury residential development company focused on creating highly customized, architecturally significant homes in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. MDF Development has assembled a portfolio of some of the region’s most ambitious residential projects, working alongside leading architects, designers, landscape professionals, and craftspeople. The company’s homes are recognized for their thoughtful floor plans, elevated materials, resort-style amenities, and seamless integration of architecture, interiors, landscape, and lifestyle.
In December 2025, Frank expanded his leadership within the Arizona real estate community by acquiring The Agency Arizona and becoming its Managing Partner and Owner. Under his leadership, the brokerage is focused on building a collaborative, agent-centered organization with an emphasis on luxury representation, new development, athlete and executive relocation, strategic partnerships, and long-term growth. Frank’s vision is to combine the global reach and sophisticated branding of The Agency with his deep understanding of the Arizona market and his longstanding relationships throughout the business community.
Frank is also a partner in DiMaggio’s Italian Restaurant in Scottsdale. Inspired by the warmth of traditional Italian-American hospitality, the restaurant combines an elevated dining experience with the approachable feeling of a neighborhood gathering place. With its classic Italian dishes, white-tablecloth atmosphere, and focus on family, service, and authenticity, DiMaggio’s reflects many of the values that define Frank personally and professionally.
Despite his many professional ventures, Frank considers family to be the foundation of everything he does. He lives in Paradise Valley Farms with Lauren and their son, Walker. Whether developing a landmark residence, advising a client, growing a company, or welcoming guests into the restaurant, Frank brings the same qualities to every endeavor: ambition, authenticity, loyalty, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, Frank continues to bring together his passions for real estate, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and community. His career is defined not by a single profession, but by his ability to recognize opportunity, build meaningful relationships, and turn bold ideas into enduring businesses and experiences.
The Tomaso Maggiore Culinary Excellence Award.
Federico Venturini and Viola Venturini
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Scottsdale Hangar One (15220 N 78th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85260)
- Attire: *Cocktail Chic*
Dinner Menu
Gala Program
TBD
Previous Arizona Italian American Galas
Sponsorship Information
Our Charity Beneficiaries
A portion of the evening’s proceedings are shared with the Phoenix Children’s Foundation
- National Italian American Recognition and Support: NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) Empowering the connection between Italy and America.
- Cultural Programs: Supporting Italian arts, music, and language in Arizona.
- Italian American Community Outreach: Partnering with local Italian American Organizations and Events.
Venue & Parking
Scottsdale Hangar One
15220 N 78th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Complimentary valet available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refund or transfer my ticket?
Tickets are non-refundable but transferable to another guest. Please notify us at least 5 days in advance.
Is dinner vegetarian-friendly?
Yes. Select your dietary preference when you RSVP.
Contact Us
For any questions, please reach out to:
Arizona Italian American Chamber of Commerce
Email: massimo@azitalianchamber.org
Phone: (623) 556-7706