Washington, DC (May 25, 2012) – Armand E. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – was presented with the 2012 Humanitarian Award at the Sons of Italy Foundation’s 24th Annual Education and Leadership Awards Gala held in Washington, DC last night.

The award was one of four presented at the prestigious annual event which celebrates the Italianheritage and acknowledges those who have made significant contributions to the community. The evening’s other honorees included U.S. State Department Secretary Hillary Clinton, Retired U.S. Marine Corps General Peter Pace and Mr. Claudio Bozzo, CEO of Mediterranean Shipping Company.

“It’s a true honor to receive this award from the Sons of Italy – which does so much to support educational and cultural programs across the country,” said Sabitoni in his acceptance remarks. “Only in America can the son of a union construction worker and grandson of poor Italian immigrants be honored alongside dedicated, courageous leaders like Secretary Clinton, General Pace and Mr. Bozzo. I’m beyond humbled.”

At the event attended by over 800 guests, Sabitoni was honored specifically for his philanthropy and advocacy efforts on behalf of working people, including the half-million members of LIUNA. In his role as LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer, he has worked to create opportunities that benefit working families including developing scholarship programs for laborers’ children, opening LIUNA’s first public-private construction charter high school and forging innovative community partnerships that have resulted in some of the construction industry’s most successful minority outreach training programs.

“To help working men and women build better lives for their families and pursue their dreams – that’s the promise forged by LIUNA over a century ago,” added Sabitoni. “I couldn’t be more proud and thankful that because of my Italian heritage, my family and my position with LIUNA, I have the ability to do that every day.”

Sabitoni was presented with the award by 2011 Humanitarian Award winner and fellow labor leader, Robert A. Scardelletti, National President of the Transportation-Communications Union. LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan also provided congratulatory remarks via letter.