Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2002-12-01 / 4. szám
Dr. Gábor Horváth Ambassador Dr Balázs Somogyi President of HCSC Gábor Dömötör Co-Chairman Dr. Judit Némethy Co-Chairlady Éva Zsellér Opera singer Csilla Somogyi Portrait photos by Arto 0. Szabó (ijmlíuut Age of (ürattHtjlttattta Gala at the Italian Center, Stamford, CT. The Hungarian Cultural Society of Connecticut (HCSC) has organized annual fundraising functions since 1988, for the benefit of Hungarian minority groups of Central Europe. We provided support for the operational expenses of the the Teleki-Bolyai Library of Marosvasarhely (Tirgu-Mures, Romania) and supplied aid to four needy orphanages, from the proceeds of the highly successful "Budapest Anno.." Gala held in September 2001. Preparations for the 2002 Gala started quite early: the Organizing Committee had gathered for regular meetings since April. The "Golden Age of Transylvania" was selected as the thematic framework for the event.We had decided to to recreate the atmosphere of early seventeenth century, when under the leadership of enlightened Princes (Fejedelem) , Transylvania had become a land of progress and religious and political tolerance. The Committee had selected Mr. Gabor Domotor and Dr. Judith Nemethy as chairpersons of the Transylvania" Gala. An ambitious plan had evolved: decorations Lilia Finta and Agnes Rethy at the Transylvanian entrance. Below:Having dinner were to be created with a Transylvanian character. Arpad Makay designed and built a "szekelykapu"- the same was used to frame the entrance to the Hall Of the Italian Center on October 26th. Shields depicting the emblems of twelve historical transylvanian counties were painted by an artistically inclined and dedicated "brigade" under the direction of Csilla Somogyi. The menu we had planned was to be authentic to the period - it featured a memorably tasty "Seven Chiefs Ragout" (Het Vezer Tokany) ;the recipe for this entrée was based on that used by Kriszta Venczel’s Grandmother. Kriszta was in charge of the planning and preparation of the menu. Lenke and József Kata maintained financial "order" with their reliable zeal and precision. The Committee was also involved in organizing a "Silent Auction" under the expert leadership of Erika Bodak; we had maintained a continuous search and recruitment of Special Contributors, Patrons, Supporters and Donors. Our efforts had paid off remarkably well : the " Golden Age of Transylvania" Display of the Transylvanian counties' crests proved to be an unprecedented success,indeed. Over two hundred guests attended the function. Congressman Christopher Shays and Mrs. Shays came for the reception : unfortunately, due to multiple campaignrelated obligations,they could not stay for the program. Honorable Richard V. Bergstretter, First Selectman, Town of Greenwich and Honorable Richard P. Bond, First Selectman, Town of New Page 6
