Lithuanian Foundation Annual Banquet – “We all are Lithuania”
On November 3rd, the Lithuanian Foundation invited members, contributors and supporters to its 56th annual banquet “We all are Lithuania”, held at the Lithuanian World Center in Lemont, IL.
It is heartwarming, that the LF member and donor generosity in addition to the accomplishments of this organization are welcomed not only by individuals, but LF members and sponsors alike. Joining the annual festivities were representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Lithuanian American Community Executive, various organizations as well as guests from the United Kingdom, Canada, Lithuania, Mexico, California, Ohio, and Indiana.
This year, like never before, a large contingent of youth attended the banquet. There were a number of prior and current LF scholarship recipients on hand along with participants from the Lithuanian World Youth Association conference held that weekend. There was rousing applause as a thank you to the donors and supporters for their support that enable this youth to seek higher education and participate in Lithuanian activities.
The evening was hosted by actress Audre Budryte Nakas. Ms Nakas introduced the guests of honor. The Lithuanian consul general in Chicago Mantvydas Bekešius, in his congratulatory remarks stated that „the Lithuanian Foundation is an example of how successfully and meaningfully an organization can be run over many years, thanks to which the Lithuanian language is preserved, its traditions nurtured, while promoting patriotic support and love for the homeland“.
Congratulatory remarks were also made by the Lithuanian American Community President Arvydas Urbonavicius, the Lithuanian Republic‘s Ambassadors assistant Lyra Puišytė-Bostroem, and the Lithuanian Republic Parliament and World Lithuanian Community committee president Rimvydas Baltaduonis.
The evening’s musical program was performed by the young, talented, and up and coming trumpeter Dovas Lietuvninkas and accordionist Tadas Motiecius. The program also included the dancers of the “Dance Duo group”, led by Sandra Krumhorn.
Following the concert, Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Mission director Algis Baniulis, SJ was invited to present the invocation. To close out the formal festivities, LF Board Chair Audrone Pavilcius Karalius and LF President Tauras Bublys welcomed and thanked those in attendance with a toast, followed by dinner catered by the “Grand Dukes”.
Due to the fact that that the Foundation has not only been around for fifty-seven years, but that it continues to thrive, we must be thankful to all donors and contributors for their ongoing support. The LF offers them sincere thanks and believes that our youth, when the time comes, will step in and lead the Lithuanian Foundation and continue the work of the organizations founders.
