New York, October 29, 2024
Press release for publication in Polish media:
Support for Children Affected by Flooding
Another charity event of the Children’s Smile Foundation is behind us. It was a masquerade ball, which took place on Saturday, October 26, in the Princess Manor banquet hall in Greenpoint. Thanks to this, financial assistance will be provided to children from the European Children’s Friendship Center named after the Knights of the Order of the Smile in Świdnica, which was flooded during the recent flood.
The masquerade ball “Venetian Night”, like every event organized by the Children’s Smile Foundation, had a charitable character and attracted a large group of people who wanted to support this organization, and through it, sick and needy children. It was attended by about 130 people, who had a great time all evening to the music presented by DJ Janusz. In addition, colorful masks, adding a bit of anonymity, made the madness on the dance floor even greater than usual.
Official Speeches
The charity ball, as planned, began at 7 p.m. and lasted until midnight. After the so-called cocktail hour, during which participants had the opportunity to eat and try various delicious appetizers, the official part began, led by Joanna Gwóźdź, president of the Children’s Smile Foundation. In her speech, she pointed out that this ball is also an opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the charity work of the organization, which she currently leads. However, she devoted most attention to explaining the purpose for which funds were collected during this event. As always, it concerned helping sick and needy children, who have been supported by the foundation for a quarter of a century. This time, special treatment was given to the charges of the European Children’s Friendship Center named after the Knights of the Order of the Smile in Świdnica, a center flooded and destroyed during the flood that swept through Poland in September, especially its southwestern part. “The raging flood did not spare the children from the orphanage, who once again lost a safe shelter. For the second time, they lost their homes, first through fate, now through floods,” emphasized Joanna Gwóźdź. She also recalled what happened on September 15 in Świdnica. “The water entered the building, causing great devastation. It got inside, which required evacuation. The residents fled in a hurry, they did not have time to take anything. Evacuations of children, flooded buildings, mold on the walls – this is what orphanages and foster families’ apartments in flood-affected areas look like. That is why tonight we will be collecting funds for these children, to help them get back to normal and feel at home again. I count on your generosity and kind hearts. Please, let’s get together and help them rebuild their lives,” appealed the president of the Children’s Smile Foundation, and immediately thanked the sponsors and guests attending the ball for their generosity. She also mentioned and expressed her gratitude for the support that the foundation she manages has received over 25 years of charitable activity. “Therefore, please open your hearts and spread joy and hope. Let’s continue working together, hand in hand, to create a brighter future for those in need,” she added at the end of her speech, expressing her gratitude and wishing everyone a pleasant evening and a successful party.
During the official part, a letter sent by Consul General Mateusz Sakowicz was also read, who due to previous professional commitments could not personally participate in this charity event. “I hope that the ball will provide many unforgettable experiences and contribute to the development of the foundation and help even more children in need,” wrote the diplomat. He also wished all those involved in the functioning of the Children’s Smile Foundation further success in this noble work. “For a quarter of a century, the foundation has been working tirelessly to provide help, support and opportunities for development to those who need it most – sick children and those in disadvantaged life situations, which deserves special recognition,” said the consul general. He also mentioned the jubilee celebrated in June, related to the 25th anniversary of the foundation, and expressed his appreciation for its charity. “I hope that the coming years will bring you further success in continuing your charitable activities and involvement in the activities of the Polish organization, and that the initiatives undertaken will be a source of personal satisfaction,” added Mateusz Sakowicz at the end of the letter.
During the official part, Fr. Grzegorz Markulak, pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish in Greenpoint and chaplain of the Children’s Smile Foundation, also spoke. In his speech – like the consul general – he drew attention to the achievements of this charity organization and its help provided for 25 years to the sick and those most in need, i.e. children. “Suffering is inscribed in human life, but it is always harder for us when we see and think about the fact that the youngest, completely innocent children and toddlers are sick,” the priest emphasized. He added that the foundation he represents provides its help to such people. He also noted that the Children’s Smile Foundation can do this with financial support from donors and sponsors. “Thanks to people of good will who share what they have, share their pennies earned through hard work, we can support various initiatives,” emphasized Fr. Grzegorz Markulak. He also said a prayer for the occasion. Concluding the official part, the priest thanked everyone for their help, encouraged them to continue their generosity and charity, and wished them a successful event.
Help for Flooded Orphanage
“The funds collected during the raffle will be allocated to help children from the European Children’s Friendship Centre named after the Knights of the Order of the Smile in Świdnica, who were affected by the flood in September this year,” assured Joanna Gwóźdź. “Thanks to our guests and sponsors, such help is real, and we can once again contribute to putting a smile on the faces of disadvantaged children and their caregivers,” added the president of the Children’s Smile Foundation, thanking all the participants of the ball and donors for their financial support and the prizes donated to the raffle. During the raffle, it was possible to win prizes donated by, among others: by: Apteka Markowa, Optical Warehouse, Beauty & Beyond, Amber Steak House restaurant and Nassau Meat Market “Kiszka” from Greenpoint, Rosehip Social Florist in Williamsburg, “Żabka” store and eScript360 Pharmacy in Ridgewood, Opulence Glamour Skin Clinic salon in Middle Village and Dr. Monika Kurzatkowska from Gentle Touch Dental in Manhattan. Among the prizes was also a set of wines with a special shelf donated by Zofia Rebisz, limited edition Żubrówka donated by its distributor and limited edition whiskey donated by Joanna and Waldemar Rakowicz. However, the greatest interest was aroused by the main prize, which was a gold necklace donated by Edward Żyłka and his company Art-Tec Jewelry Designs. The lottery brought the organizers over 4,800 dollars, which will definitely go to the European Children’s Friendship Center named after the Knights of the Order of the Smile in Świdnica. The total income from the Venetian Night masquerade ball will be known only after the costs have been counted and the pledged donations have been received. Sponsors and donors of the ball include: Polish-Slavic Federal Credit Union, Princess Manor, P.D.P Contracting, Innovative Services Technology NY and Andrzej Szpak. The organizers of the charity event extend their heartfelt thanks to all the people and companies who supported the Venetian Night.
The Children’s Smile Foundation is already planning more charity events. The next one will be the traditional St. Nicholas Day, which will take place on December 7 at the St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy Auditorium in Greenpoint. Next year, on February 15, the annual “Valentine’s Day Ball” will be held at Terrace On The Park in Queens.
PR Children’s Smile Foundation
