Hungarian Heritage Review, 1985 (14. évfolyam, 12. szám)
1985-12-01 / 12. szám
10 HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW DECEMBER 1985 RÁKÓCZI FOUNDATION MARKS “RÁKÓCZI YEAR” WITH EXPANSION PROGRAM AND INCREASED ACTIVITIES Launches Affiliates in the United States for Worldwide Development The Toronto-based Rákóczi Foundation, which is celebrating “Rákóczi Year 1985” with special programs and activities throughout North America in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the death of Prince Ferenc Rákóczi II (1676-1735), one of Hungary’s greatest “Freedom Fighters” in whose memory this non-profit organization is named, recently announced its formation of two affiliated, corporate structures in the United States. These are the nonprofit Rákóczi Foundation- International, Inc. and the commercial Rákóczi Press-International, Inc. Both of these new corporations were registered under the corporate laws of the State of New Jersey and were established not only to extend the operations of and to stimulate the participatory interest of the Hungarian community in America in its activities, but also to reach out effectively to similar communities throughout the free world. “We decided to take these great steps forward,” said Mr. Nicholas Korponay, the President of the Rákóczi Foundation, “in order to have greater flexibility in expanding our activities throughout the free world. Our affiliated Foundation will continue to reach out, both with word and deed, to the younger generation of Hungarians everywhere around the world, while our new publishing affiliate, the Rákóczi Press-International, Inc., will provide us with the communications capability required to achieve this very important objective.” Mr. Korponay also explained that the specific purposes for which the new affiliate, the Rákóczi Foundation-International, Inc., was established is virtually the same as those of the parent organization and that these are as follows: To preserve and perpetuate the Hungarian historical and cultural heritage throughout the free world, or outside Hungary, by fostering “Hungarian Consciousness” by whatever means possible among the new generation of “hyphenated” Hungarians, those born outside of Hungary of Hungarian parentage, many of whom can neither speak, write, nor read in Hungarian, yet are keenly aware of and interested in learning more about their Hungarian ancestry. He also explained that the new affiliate will help foster awareness among the non-Hungarian public, of the significant contributions to world civilization made by Hungarians and that, to attain this goal, a Hungarian Heritage Institute will be established. In no way, Mr. Korponay emphasized, will the new affiliate engage in any ideo-political activities, partisanship, or propaganda. He also added that such politically-oriented activities are restricted by the Charter of the new affiliate. “Our new affiliate’s objectives are above and beyond political considerations.” Mr. Korponay said, “It is, and will continue to be dedicated solely to the purposes for which it was organized. Moreover, it is, and will continue to remain absolutely free of any religious bias. Membership is open to all religious denominations, clubs, organizations, and special interest groups. The only requirement we have for membership is that the applicant must be interested in the same things that we are interested in and, of course, must be of Hungarian origin. We will also welcome the supportive participation of individuals sincerely interested in helping us in the preservation and perpetuation of our Hungarian historical and cultural heritage.” BACKGROUND OF RÁKÓCZI FOUNDATION The Toronto-headquartered “parent” organization — the Rákóczi Foundation — received its original Letters Patent from the Deputy Registrar General of Canada on November 16, 1978. Its management team includes a Board of Directors, an Advisory Board, and an Honorary Council. In addition to the above, 21 prominent Hungarians from all over the world have been nominated for membership on the Advisory Board and 7 for membership on the Honorary Council. PAST ACHIEVEMENTS Since its inception about 7 years ago, the Rákóczi Foundation has —continued next page
