Fraternity-Testvériség, 2009 (87. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2009-01-01 / 1. szám
I MEMBERS PROFILE / HUNGARIAN PROTESTANT BALL thing. Their dedication to the fraternal element of helping the greater community is what sets them apart, and that is important also in these uncertain times. Q. How important is it to you that the Kossuth House is located in the nation's capital? Are there any programs that you've attended that have particularly appealed to you? A. It's a great location for the Kossuth House because Washington, D.C. is kind of "America's home town" - so many things are free and open to the public here and this is a great central location for Hungarians throughout the country and the world to meet. I have attended many cultural programs at the Kossuth House and I've been impressed with the quality of people who attend and the location is so great - directly off the DuPont Circle Metro so it is really easy to get to. Q. As an American who has dedicated part of his life to Hungarians, what do you recommend that HRFA do to increase the public's awareness of its product line and value, particularly since your current job deals with brands and sales trends? A. It's first important that people know the brand and what it's about. I think once people know the HRFA brand and what exactly it is what it does, then the product line is pretty appealing, particularly for people with young children who need and want to understand Hungarian culture. HRFA is a great way to ensure some security for your children while maintaining cultural ties-an unbeatable combination. Q. As a newly-wed committed to making your marriage work in spite of the fact that you and your wife transcend national boundaries, you personify the youth and vitality that our organization needs to flourish in the future. How can HRFA appeal to more young couples like you and your wife so that they appreciate the importance of purchasing life insurance? A. The value of the product is what appealed to me. HRFA is more than simply life insurance; it is also a way to be involved in Hungarian cultural activities throughout the metro area and even through the country because Hungarian scholars visit and offer lectures, the Hungarian embassy plays an active role in promoting Hungarian culture, and Hungarian festivities like March 15th and St. Miklós Day are celebrated at the Home Office. I know how important it is for my wife to be involved in the Hungarian cultural life in America since she misses her home, family and friends, but, on the other hand, I personally enjoy and appreciate learning more and more about this beautiful, interesting and unique country. So, for my money, not only do I get some degree of security with life insurance but also the chance to be a part of all sorts of different Hungarian cultural and educational activities that has brought me closer to my wife and enriched me personally. THE 49TH ANNUAL HUNGARIAN PROTESTANT BALL On November 14, 2008, the 49th Annual Hungarian Protestant Ball was held in Carteret, New Jersey. The ball is held for the Presentation of Debutantes and as a fundraiser for its scholarship fund with an award ceremony for the scholarship recipients. The Debutantes and their escorts were: Melissa Banyacski, escorted by Brian Vogt; Kelly Colgan, escorted by Austen Mesar; Brielle D’Angiolillo, escorted by Kerry Smith; and Taylor Marie Gigliotti, escorted by István Vásárhelyi. The scholarship recipients were Eva Cseh, attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles; Amber Frampton, attending Marlboro College; Carolyn Latkovich, attending Moravian Colege; Endre Samson Kiss, attending Columbia Theological Seminary; Andrea Szaszi, attending Princeton Theological Seminary; Eric Tibok, attending Raritan Valley Community College, and Thomas Ujj, attending Mercer County Community College. The festivities began with dinner and entertainment by Katalin Harsaczki. Following dinner, the ball was opened with the Presentation of Debutantes and music by Szivárvány Zenekar. The Scholarship Award ceremonies followed. Dancing continued into the evening. The Ball Committee would like to thank the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America for its continued commitment in supporting this activity. 24 SPRING 2009
