The 55th Annual Lithuanian Foundation Gala
On November 4th, the Lithuanian Foundation celebrated its 55th anniversary hosting a banquet titled “On the Wings of Freedom”. Attendees included a large group of LF members, sponsors, members of the Republic of Lithuania’s diplomatic corps, honorary consuls from the United States and Mexico, representatives of the Lithuanian-American Community, Inc. (LAC), as well as guests from Lithuania, Ireland and Mexico. Saulius Čyvas, the Lithuanian Foundation’s Chairman of the Board, kicked off the event welcoming all attendees. Rolandas Kriščiūnas, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States of America and Mexico, and Sigita Šimkuvienė, President of the Lithuanian-American Community of the USA, offered words of congratulation on this special anniversary. In addition, letters of congratulation were sent by Dalia Grybauskaitė, the President of the Republic of Lithuania; Linas Linkevičius, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania; Dalia Henke, President of the Lithuanian World Community; and Dalia Asanavičiūtė, the President of the Lithuanian Community of the U. K.
The evenings master of ceremony was, LF member and scholar recipient, the charming Gabrielė Bieliauskaitė. The musical program was performed by the Avon Voices-2011 winner, dynamic singer and songwriter Evelina Anusauskaitė-Young accompanied by renown Lithuanian musician Marius Leskauskas.
What would an anniversary ball be without a festive cake? For dessert, attendees enjoyed a huge “šakotis” or tree cake. LF President Marius Kasniūnas led everyone in the singing of “Ilgiausių metų”. Ričardas Sokas’ band provided light music throughout the night. Guests chatted, couples danced and took photos – everyone joining together to celebrate the accomplishments of the Lithuanian Foundation.
Due to the support of thousands of its members and donors, as well as those that have worked tirelessly on the board, the executive, or various committees, to those that have diligently worked for the administration, the Foundation continues to fulfill its mission today. We are proud and grateful for their ongoing and unwavering support of the Foundation. Working together we will ensure continued support in the future. Together let us walk the path laid before us by the Foundation’s founders and carry forward the flame “From Generation to Generation”.
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Photo: Sandra Scedrina
