The Kosciuszko Foundation 60 ◘ 70 ◘ 80 Anniversary Dinner and Ball

Honored Christine Baranski, Norman Davies and Ewa Podles

Nine Debutantes Presented

The Kosciuszko Foundation Dinner and Ball was a dazzling evening of dining, dancing and debutantes, with over 750 guests filling the Grand Ballroom of New York’s Waldorf=Astoria on April 30. As the premiere social event in the Polish American community and the major fund raising activity in support of the Foundation’s educational and cultural programs, this year’s Ball was a significant success, raising more than $280,000.

The “Anniversary 60 ◘ 70 ◘ 80” Ball celebrated the 60 th year of residency in the Foundation House in New York, the 70 th year of the Foundation’s Annual Ball, and the 80 th anniversary of the Foundation’s existence as the pre-eminent organization promoting educational and cultural relations between the United States and Poland while increasing American understanding of Polish culture and history.

Carolyn and Joseph Topor of Chicopee, Massachusetts, presided as Chairpersons of the Ball and Christine Baranski graciously served as Honorary Chairperson. Carolyn is the dynamic President of the New England Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation and the couple has done much to promote the best of Polish Culture throughout the north eastern United States. Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Christine Baranski is noted for a rich theatrical career on the stage, on television and in many motion pictures.

	Christine Baranski, Actress and Honorary Chairperson
	Carolyn and Joseph Topor, Chairpersons
	Ewa Podles, Polish Contralto
	Norman Davies, Author and Historian

In a special ceremony the Kosciuszko Foundation Medal of Recognition was awarded to Norman Davies and Ewa Podles, two stellar figures in the arts and culture of Polonia. Norman Davies is revered for his sensitive historical studies and publications on Europe, UK and Poland and world renowned contralto Ewa Podles is beloved for her unique vocal prowess in opera and concert works. Unfortunatley Mme. Podles was not able to stay to receive the award, but it was given to Mr. Richard A. Pace, President of the Oratorio Society of New York with whom Mme. Podles performed the following Monday night at Carnegie Hall. The medal was awarded to Mme. Podles following that performance.

Nine lovely debutantes were presented at the cotillion during the Ball, under the guidance of Debutante Patroness Wanda L. Rogowski. Presented were Veronica Couzo, daughter of Ms. Lidia Couzo of Buffalo, New York; Joanna Katherine Kaminski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kaminski of Livingston, New Jersey; Kasia Koziol-Dube, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Dube of Unionville, Connecticut; Katie Lacz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Lacz of West Paterson, New Jersey; Kasia Laskowski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Laskowski of Oradell, New Jersey; Elizabeth Jane McCune, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. McCune of Fort Worth, Texas; Marianna Elizabeth Ornaf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ornaf of Redding, Connecticut; Karalyn Katherine Rivard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rivard of Amherst, New York; and Victoria Marie Zawisny, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Zawinsy of Staten Island, New York.

Adding to the elegance and élan of the evening were a color guard and chorus of 14 trumpeteers, the Fanfare Squadron of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point served as escorts for the nine debutantes. In addition dancers from the Polish American Folk Dance company and musicians from the folk band, Kapella, presented a delightful blend of incidental pageantry and music. Guests danced until 2:00 am to the music of the Anthony Tabish Orchestra.

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