This was an unforgettable experience and I will be always grateful for HIF for giving me the opportunity to be part of these events in Chicago. Many people saw that if you believe in your dreams and also work hard, HIF can give you the chance of making your dream come true.
László Aradvári received HIF’s scholarship to return to the Chicago Hungarian Community to teach Hungarian folk dance workshops and to MC this year’s Hungarian Ball where 350 people from the local Hungarian American community gathered to celebrate their national heritage.
During the two and a half weeks that László spent in Chicago, he worked side-by-side with the Hungarian-American Community of Chicago, and was a great asset in supporting the community’s efforts in nurturing Hungarian culture and traditions. The HIF grant allowed him to help the Borozda Hungarian Ensemble, the Csik Hago Hungarian School, the Hungarian (Magyar) Club of Chicago, and the Norridge United Church of Christ.
This year, the Hungarian Club of Chicago‘s annual Gala Ball was an opportunity for reflection as they celebrated the Club’s 95th anniversary. “Each anniversary obliges us to promote even more unity and cooperation. The past compels us to continue the tradition of the Gala Ball and to pass it on to the next generation.” – Laszlo said, who served as an organizer and MC of the event.
In the past, the Hungarian Club supported many Hungarian charity causes and also made donations to the local organizations. Chicagoland has two Hungarian Schools with more than 150 young children. Both schools are run by volunteer organizers and teachers. This year the net proceeds of the Gala Ball went to the two schools.
To help and support this important Hungarian Club charitable event, Laszlo collected several gifts from organizations in Hungary to be donated at the silent auction and raffle of the Gala Ball. Donations such as, a Hungarian Gift Package, a Kossuth Award Recipient Zoltán Zsuráfszky Autobiography & DVD Gift Set, a highly exclusive Montegrappa Pen engraved with the City of Hévíz Crest and last but not least, a gift that became the evening’s most popular prize: an original water polo ball which was signed by the three-time Olympic Champions Hungarian Water Polo Team players, members of the Water Polo Hall of Fame.
At the end, I sincerely appreciate the generous help and support of the Hungary Foundation for this grant. The success is always shared. Thank you! – Laszlo Aradvari
Photos: Gabor Mozsi Photography
