Approaching the 50th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Foundation
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Lithuanian Foundation, Inc. (LF). While celebrating this occasion, LF not only remembers its successful past, but also looks with open eyes to the future. When looking at the amazing accomplishments of LF, it is hard to believe that in 1962, when LF was being established, not everyone believed in the success of the ambitious plan to establish a “million-dollar fund”. There were doubts, whether Lithuanians living in the U.S. will be able to establish the biggest Lithuanian Foundation in emigration, which for so many years has been providing grants and scholarships for students of Lithuanian heritage, sponsoring cultural activities, and Lithuanian education. These achievements have not been attained without hard working and devoted people. Many of us do know the history of LF. However, during these 50 years of its growth we also witnessed the growth of new Lithuanian generations, whose activities were supported by LF. Some of these people eventually became the members of LF, and LF is still waiting for other new members to join us.
Over 50 years LF has been sponsored by nine thousand members. While some of the donors supported LF with a substantial amount of money, the core of LF membership consists of steady and generous donors. Since 1962 until September 30, 2011 Lithuanian Foundation received $19,438,199 in donations. After Lithuania restored its independence, LF donated $1,354,462 from this sum to support education in the newly restored independent Lithuania. More than 15 million dollars (gained from investment interests) were allocated by LF to support annual grants, scholarships, Lithuanian cultural and community activities, as well as heritage language schools. These numbers are quite impressive. Every year, however, LF receives more applications requesting support than it can actually sponsor. The numbers of generous members are growing slowly, and the numbers of those, who are passing away, inevitably are increasing. Only the growing numbers of new members and their donations can secure the existence of the LF for the forthcoming 50 years. Therefore, we sincerely encourage young people to join LF and ensure that their activities and their children’s education will not lack the support of LF. Every year LF provides generous support for Lithuanian Saturday Schools in a sum of more than $100,000. It also supports other youth projects, such as Lithuanian Folk Dance Festivals, which attract morethan 1,000 dancers from all over the U.S. On July 1, 2012 Boston will host the 14th Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival.
On December 13, 2011 LF Board of Directors held a meeting to discuss LF’s future activities. During the meeting Paulius Majauskas, the representative of the investment company “Morgan Stanley Smith Barney”, made a presentation about the investment strategies used for LF, current economical and investment status. While the markets have not stabilized, investments, however, are quite stable and are bringing profit. During the meeting Board of Directors voted for the appropriation of $400,000 to support grant and scholarship requests in 2012. The deadline for this year’s grant application is April 20, 2012. Detailed information about the application and its submission process can be found in LF website (in the subsection “Grants – Grant Guidelines”). You can also contact LF office in Lithuanian World Center (127th Street, Lemont, IL 60439) by phone: 630-257-1616 or by e-mail: admin@lithfund.org
In the picture: LF Directors at the meeting on December 13, 2011
Beside any other business the program for celebrating LF’s anniversary was also discussed at the meeting. The anniversary gala is being organized by a special committee, who is working hard to make the event an interesting and memorable experience. The committee is comprised of Dr. Raimundas Silkaitis (Chairman), Dr. Antanas Razma Jr., Rita Kisieliene, Arvydas Tamulis, and Marius Kasniunas. The anniversary gala will be held on April 14, 2012 at 6 pm at The Hyatt Lodge (2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL). We invite all the guests to make table reservation for the gala in the LF office. In February every member of LF will receive formal invitations to the gala event, while guests will be able to make reservations on-line. Ticket price for the gala is $125 per person. If you will not be able to join for this event, we sincerely invite you to celebrate LF anniversary with a generous donation. The gala will feature live music performed by Dick Elliot Orchestra. During the intermission guests will be able to sing in accompany with accordion. The organizers promise unique, interesting, and entertaining program.
In order to commemorate the LF 50th anniversary, LF will publish the third volume of the Lithuanian Foundation History. This volume will present the last 20 years (1993 – 2011) of LF activities. Danute Bindokiene is a chief editor of the book, and it will be printed soon in Chicago. In the book you will find various information about the activities of the Lithuanian Foundation, their members and volunteers, as well as interesting facts and information about the Lithuanian Foundation. The existence of LF is essential for the Lithuanian community, because it provides great share of support for Lithuanian cultural activities. For more information on how to order the book in advance and for order form see LF website. The book will be printed in a similar format as the first two previous volumes, which were published to commemorate previous anniversaries.
The annual LF members’ meeting will be held on April 14, 2012 at 9 am in Lithuanian World Center, Lemont, IL. This will be the 49th meeting since the establishment of LF in 1962. The meeting agenda will be sent out with the invitations. These invitations should reach LF members at least 30 days prior to the meeting. During the annual LF members’ meeting Board of Directors and the President will present annual reports, LF members will have an opportunity to discuss relevant issues, and vote for the new directors of the Board. This year LF members will have to elect five new Board directors, as well as three new Audit Committee members.
Dale Lukiene, member of the LF Board of Directors
Translated by Aurelija Tamosiunaite
