The Kosciuszko Foundation 71st Annual Dinner and Ball at New York’s Waldorf=Astoria

Click here to view pictures from the ball.

Chairpersons
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Nareski II

Honorary Chairperson
Mr. Van Cliburn

Debutante Patroness
Ms. Susan Lacz

Medal of Recognition Awardees:

World Renowned Pianist
and 1952 Kosciuszko Foundation
Chopin Competition Laureate
Mr. Van Cliburn

Author & Journalist
Mr. Ryszard Kapuscinski

Polonia Historian & Author
Mr. Edward Pinkowski

The 71 st Annual Kosciuszko Foundation Dinner and Ball was a glamorous affair, filling the Grand Ballroom of New York’s Waldorf=Astoria on Saturday evening, April 22, 2006. The gala event, the preeminent social event in the Polish American community, is the major fundraising activity in support of the Kosciuszko Foundation’s educational and cultural programs. This year the Dinner and Ball welcomed corporate sponsorship support from Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, Lot Polish Airlines, Central Semiconductor Corp. Adamba Imports; and Charmer Industries which supplied the dinner wine.

This year’s Ball and Debutante Cotillion was chaired by Mr. and Mrs. William J. Nareski II of Darien, Connecticut. Mr. Nareski is the Chief Executive Officer of Centorr Vacuum Industries of Nashua, New Hampshire which produces advanced design high-temperature vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnaces. The Nareskis have done much to promote a positive understanding of Polish Culture in the United States and Mr. Nareski is a Vice Chairman of the Kosciuszko Foundation Board of Trustees. Jennifer Costa graciously served as Chairwoman of the successful fundraising raffle.

In a special highlight of the festive evening, three stellar figures in the arts and culture were presented with the Kosciuszko Foundation Medal of Recognition: world renowned pianist Van Cliburn, 1952 Laureate of the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition, who also served as Honorary Chairperson of the Ball, Ryszard Kapuściński, one of the world’s most prominent and highly-regarded authors and journalists, and Edward Pinkowski, author and historical researcher of Polonia in America. The Kosciuszko Foundation Medals of Recognition were presented by Joseph E. Gore, Esq., Kosciuszko Foundation President and Executive Director, and Witold S. Sulimirski, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Four debutantes were presented at the Kosciuszko Foundation Debutante Cotillion during the Ball, under the guidance of Debutante Patroness Susan Lacz, CEO and Principal of Washington’s famed Ridgewells Caterers and escorted by cadets of the Kosciuszko Squadron, New York Military Academy at West Point. The debutantes were: Mila Kirstie Clarin Kulsa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Kulsa of Locust Valley, New York; Brittany Mruczek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick Mruczek of Batavia, New York; Maris Alyse Pieski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Pieski of Tallmadge, Ohio; and Yvonne Wroblewski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wroblewski of Howard Beach, New York. The graceful and elegant Cotillion was choreographed by Caroline A. Fazio, assisted by Julianna Fazio. Mrs. Dawn Polewac gracefully served again this year as Chairman of the Debutante Council.

Adding to the splendor of the evening was a chorus of 12 trumpeteers, the Fanfare Squadron of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point who served as escorts for the four debutantes and color guard. In addition, dancers from the Polish American Folk Dance company presented a delightful blend of dance to the music of Frederick Chopin, and led the assembly in the Polonaise. Guests danced until 1:00 am to the music of the Anthony Tabish Orchestra. The national anthems of the United States and Poland were sung stirringly by Wojciech Bukalski, 1998 Sembrich Voice Scholarship Awardee.

Established as an American Center for Polish Culture in 1925, The Kosciuszko Foundation is the premiere American organization promoting understanding and friendship between the peoples of Poland and the United States through educational, scientific and cultural exchanges. The Foundation awards more than one million dollars each year in fellowships and grants to some 200 graduate students, scholars, scientists, professionals and artists. It also showcases Polish culture in America through exhibits, publications, film festivals, documentaries, performances, concerts and recitals in its seven Chapters in the United States.

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