On Saturday, September 21st, the Polish American Citizens Club held its 80th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser. The event raised over $10,000 and all the proceeds will be going towards much needed building repairs.
“Our home is 80 years old, but like with any old home, it is in need of repairs,” notes Stasia Kacprzak, the Club’s president and the first woman to hold this position. “The money we raised will allow us to start to fix some of the building issues, like the leaking roof and damaged floors.”
Club officers hope that the Gala was just the beginning of a new era for the club. “We were founded as a civic and social organization over 90 years ago and we hope people, particularly 2nd and 3rd generation Polish-Americans will become members,” says Erica Manczuk Stocks, the Club’s Secretary. “Membership starts at $30 annually, so it is a very small sum to pay to support the club, our mission, and to increase our impact on our community.” Non-Polish members can also join as Associate Members.
The event began with cocktails and appetizers, donated by Cafe Polonia. Guests were able to peruse the historical photo displays set up around the room, showcasing important moments in the building’s 80 year history, including a visit from Senator John Kennedy in 1955 and the sailors seeking political asylum from communist Poland in 1989. State Representative David Biele and Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George attended and Biele presented the Club with citations from Governor Baker’s office and the Massachusetts State Legislature.
The following Past-Presidents of the Club were presented with special gifts in recognition of their service:
- Christopher Lisek, immediate Past President
- Alexander Lisek
- Richard Stojanowski
Christine Oplia and Aneta Pokorski, wives of late Presidents Zbislaw “Tony” Opila and Robert “Staga” Pokorski, were also recognized.
Past President and the Club’s longest-living member, Joseph Nowak, 90, was honored and presented with a special gift, a decanter engraved with the Club’s logo and a birthday cake.
Buffet dinner was donated by Euromart, Cafe Polonia and DJ’s Market and included delicious traditional Polish food. Event sponsors were Phia Group,Law Offices of Russo and Minchoff, Skoah Boston, and the Polish American Heritage and Community Foundation.
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