A Gift for Members of the Lithuanian Foundation

On Saturday, October 18, the Lithuanian Foundation, Inc., invited its members, supporters, and friends to a Sonata of the Stars gala dinner, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The event was a gift to all those whose generosity enables the Foundation to carry out its mission—to support the preservation and strengthening of Lithuanian identity and values.

Audronė Pavilčius-Karalius, a member of the Lithuanian Foundation Board of Directors, opened the evening and invited the Chairman of the Board, Juozas Kapačinskas, to deliver a welcoming speech. Kapačinskas expressed his satisfaction with the Foundation’s activities, thanked the sponsors for their trust in the organization, and introduced the guests of honor.

Regimantas Jablonskas, Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago, also gave a welcoming speech. Edita Buzėnienė, President of the National Executive Committee of the Lithuanian American Community, expressed her gratitude for the friendship, trust, and support, noting that without the Lithuanian Foundation’s help, many of the Community’s ideas would remain just dreams.

The musical program, featuring world-class jazz stars, included the winner of two Grammy Awards, singer Nicole Zuraitis; Grammy Award winner, drummer, and composer Dan Pugach; Grammy Award winner, electric and acoustic bass guitar virtuoso Sam Weber; and talented guitarist and composer Idan Morim, all of whom left a lasting impression. The audience was captivated by jazz improvisations, inventive arrangements, and the singer’s warm and beautiful voice. The guests were also fascinated by Nicole’s sincere communication with the audience. After the concert, they could purchase the singer’s CDs and get their autographs.

The guests were treated to a dinner from “Kunigaikščių užeiga”.  After dinner, a lottery drawing took place, with reproductions of M. K. Čiurlionis’ paintings awarded as prizes.  The lottery was hosted by a member of the Board of Directors, Milda Davis, and a member of the Executive Committee, Jūratė Murray.  One painting was presented to Loreta Gintautienė, and the other went to the home of Rugilė and Aurimas Valionis.

After the program, the guests stayed a little longer. Some chatted away, while others danced to the music of DJ Saulius.