With over 450 guests in attendance, the Hungarian Club of Chicago held their beautiful, black-tie formal Gala Ball, for the 89th consecutive year on Saturday, January 29.
This gala ball honors and showcases the Hungarian community’s achievements as well as celebrates the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It is through the tireless and selfless efforts of the Hungarian Club that this ball became the success that it is today.The Club has been privileged to have strong and capable leaders as well as a caring community to support and establish a thriving Hungarian community in Chicago.
Hungarian Club President Sándor Krémer continues to carry on the traditions of the past and with the help of an energetic board, this year’s gala event had a number of outstanding entertainment for their guests.
The evening started off with addresses from Sándor Krémer, President of theHungarian Club, Kaarina Koskenalusta, Honorary Consul of Hungary and the Honorable Károly Dán, Consul General of Hungary.
The 2011 Hungarian Club scholarship award was presented to 10 students who excel in their university studies and the top three recipients were active members in the Hungarian community. Congratulations to all the deserving winners: Csilla Megyeri, Zsófia Vályi-Nagy, Stefi Szilágyi, Veronika Vajda, Viktor Vajda, Hajnalka Németh, Tamás Demeter, Andrew Végh, Alex Végh and Nathaniel Répay.
From cocktails to a wonderful dinner, the opening performance was the Rábai Folk Dance Ensemble, which reunited for their 35 year anniversary and demonstrated their passion for dance with performances of the Terenyei Aprósergő and Szatmárököritói Fergeteges dances.
Next was the presentation of the debutantes, where young ladies are introduced to the Hungarian society and the community at large. The debutants dressed in white iridescent gowns, escorted by their charming companions, performed an elegant court dance and debutant waltz.
Congratulations to this year debutants: Andrea Vella and Brian Mullen; Fanni Lakatos and Zoltán Noé; Natalie Saláta and Brian Burke; Jennifer Saláta and Tony Zsigmond; Erika and Erik Varga; Jennifer Végh and Tom Nelson; Kimberley Végh and Richard Ignácz.
Live music completed the evening with lots of dancing and singing which included a midnight waltz competition! This was the first annual dance contest and the winners were Toka Noémi, Áron Trufán, Ferencand Erzsebet Szocs. Next year’s midnight dance contest will be a tango!
The Gala Ball is a fantastic social and networking highlight in the start of the New Year. In true Hollywood style, the night was complete with red carpet walkways and glamorous show-style atmosphere making this Gala Ball the most upscale and styling event taking place every year.
Next year will be a truly monumental experience because the Hungarian Club of Chicago will be celebrating their 90th anniversary.
Don’t forget to wear your best ball attire, put on your dancing shoes and learn that tango!
Kinga Sándor
www.magyarvagyok.com