Fraternity-Testvériség, 1990 (68. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1990-04-01 / 2. szám
Page 10 TESTVÉRISÉG Project Coordinator: Elizabeth A. Szabó Hungarian Haart Foundation Two busloads of children from Nyíregyháza, Hungary, participated in a successful 3-week tour of Hungarian communities during May and June of this year. The tour was arranged to help the newly organized Hungarian Heart Foundation inform communities throughout the United States about its goals and the need to educate and serve victims of cardiovascular disease in Hungary, particularly in the Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg region, where the Foundation is headquartered. The trip was made possible by businessmen in Hungary who paid for the airfare. In America, the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America and the William Penn Association sponsored the project, while local branches of both fraternals welcomed the children in various communities and arranged for accommodation for the touring group. Without the help of hundreds of people in the local communities, this trip would not have been possible. The Hungarian Heart Foundation is grateful for all the support and help extended by families, individuals and organizations involved in this unique undertaking. The children and young adults of Nyíregyháza who played in the Piccoli Archi Orchestra and sang in the Cantemus Children's Choir did not realize what their coming meant to Hungarian communities here in America. The young faces of these Hungarian children reflected a new generation and audiences sensed a new hope for a liberated Hungary. Symbolically this group of young visitors represented the future of Hungary—they were young ambassadors, lifting the iron curtain, assuring all of us here in America that there is hope for the future. Hungarian communities throughout America — from New Brunswick, NJ, to East Chicago, IL, — welcomed the children warmly and did everything they could to make their stay in America both pleasant and memorable. Special gifts and gift packages were given to them by businesses and individuals. When the children arrived at Kennedy Airport, they were picked up by the Raritan Valley Bus Company whose owner is Steve Yelencsics, a 2nd generation Hungarian. Upon their arrival in New Brunswick at the Hungarian Heritage Center, a beautiful buffet arranged by Aranyka's Restaurant awaited the tired but hungry crowd. The host families then arrived and waited eagerly for Julianna Tompa (Br. 302) to call out the names of the children who would be staying with them. Initially, the children were only scheduled to stay for 2 nights, but once they got to know and love the children, they insisted that they stay longer. Many of the children spoke of New Brunswick as "home". When they finally parted, many tears were shed. It was a moving experience — new and long-term friendships were formed. Members of the local branch (Br. 302) of the HRFA provided meals on several occasions and assisted host families in accommodating the children for 5 nights. In addition, many individuals and clubs helped in various ways to make the Eastern part of the tour a success. The courtyard performance at the conclusion of the Hungarian Festival on June 2, 1990, was a special event co-sponsored by the city, arranged by Yolan Varga (Br. 302) and the Festival Committee and hosted by the Hungarian Heritage Center of the American Hungarian Foundation. In Bridgeport, CT, the performance was held in the beautiful sanctuary of the United Church of Christ. There the local churches and pastors worked together with Father Andor Rakoczki as chairman, in providing accommodation, etc. The performance was held on a beautiful afternoon and was attended by more than 500 people. The evening concluded with an elaborate reception planned and hosted by Dr. & Mrs. Bardos and Dr. Sándor Matolcsy, President of the American Friends of the Hungarian Heart Foundation. In New York City, the performance was held at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church. Local churches under the leadership of Father Vazul Vegvary, Chairman, were instrumental in organizing the beautiful evening, attended by more than 400 people. The performance by the choir and orchestra was the tour's most successful due to the very good acoustics of the church. A reception was then given in the church auditorium where everybody sang to his or her heart's content.
