Photo courtesy | © Jonathan Hislop (IG: @jonathanhislop)The Polish American Citizens Club, located in the neighborhood of Dorchester, held its 80th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser on Saturday, September 21st, 2019.
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 essential 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.
Photo courtesy | © Jonathan Hislop (IG: @jonathanhislop)“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.
Over $10,000 in donations were collected during the gala, and all the proceeds will be going towards “much-needed building repairs,” according to 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,” Erica Manczuk Stocks, the Club’s Secretary said.
Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George (first from the left) and State Representative David Biele (first from the right) – Photo courtesy | © Jonathan Hislop (IG: @jonathanhislop)State Representative David Biele and Boston City Councilor attended the event. Biele presented the Club with citations from Governor Baker office and the Massachusetts State Legislature.
One of the Club’s past Presidents, 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.
Other Club’s past-Presidents received gifts in recognition of their service, including Christopher Lisek, Alexander Lisek, Richard Stojanowski. Christine Oplia and Aneta Pokorski, wives of late Club’s Presidents Zbislaw “Tony” Opila and Robert “Staga” Pokorski, were also recognized.
Photo courtesy | © Jonathan Hislop (IG: @jonathanhislop)The 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.
If you couldn’t attend the gala, but still want to contribute, the Dorchester Post invite you to donate at the GoFundme campaign, or send a check to “Polish American Citizens Club,” 82 Boston Street, Boston, MA 02125 (Attn: Building Fund). To learn more visit the Polish Club official website here.
Photo courtesy | © Jonathan Hislop (IG: @jonathanhislop)
