CHICAGO, IL (December 17, 2008) -- The Polish American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) Annual Holiday Gathering was held Thursday, December 11, from 6:00 p.m. The event was a resounding success due to the good cheer and celebratory spirit brought by all guests to the most Polish of all Chicago locations.
 
This year, members and friends of the Chamber gathered in the beautifully renovated building of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland located at 1530 N. Lake Shore Dr., in Chicago's Gold Coast. In the charming historic landmark environs designed by the world - renowned architect Benjamin Marshall, the annual PACC event featured delicious food by Professionals Prepare Inc.; tasty desserts by Oak Mill Bakery; holiday background music by Dr. Mirek Skalski; a scintillating wine and champagne tasting presentation by Anna Pakula Consulting; and sparkling samples of Sobieski vodka. This year's event featured more fun than usual thanks to sponsor support, which included the Exclusive Star Sponsorship of  National City, and the sponsorship of  STE Corporation, Michael Traison/Miller Canfield, Pulaski Marketing, Integra Insurance & Financial Services, Safe Hire Consulting, Star -Tech Glass, Inc., Flowers by Arrangement, and Daxam Inc. Door prizes were sponsored by Ala Creative Design, Inc., Alliant Credit Union, Barbara Photography Studio, Citibank, Delightful Pastries, dom itp., the Seneca Hotel, and the Tukiendorf Training Institute, Inc.
 

                              

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During a short official program MCed by PACC's executive director Bogdan Pukszta,  guests were greeted by the Chamber's president Henry Kazmierczak, chairman Wojtek Madeyski, and, on behalf of the host institution, Consul General of Poland in Chicago, Zygmunt Matynia.  Those gathered were also addressed by Dr. Victor Forys, who has recently announced his candidacy for US Congress from the 5th Congressional District, and by Mr. Robert Groszek, who offered some timely politically inspiring remarks.

 

The event was also the occasion of presenting the Maestro Award from the Paderewski Association to Christopher Kamyszew, of the Society for Arts, founder of the Polish Film Festival in America. The award honors those of high artistic acomplishment, who have promoted Polish culture in the sprit of Paderewski.

Most of the nearly two hundred who attended  were representatives of sponsor and  PACC member companies. As part of his remarks, Henry Kazmierczak noted that those who rsvp'ed or were in attendance represented numerous other organizations, including the Polish National Alliance, Polish American Contractor Builders Association, Paderewski Association, Friends of Cracow Society, Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago Society, IL Lt. Governor's Office, Society for Arts, The Executives Club of Chicago, Office of the Cook County Treasurer, International Visitors Center of Chicago, International Business Club, and the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Their presence helped enhance the inter-organizational integration of the community.
 

                             

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Thanks to the efforts of the Consulate's administration and graphic artist Jan Mlynarski, the venue was beautifully decorated making the occasion joyful with holiday spirit throughout.
 
"This year's location of our event provides the ultimate Polish setting in Chicago to celebrate the holiday season with its grand style and friendly atmosphere. And because we've added many new members this year, it's an occasion for all to bond and celebrate together before the end of the year," said executive director Bogdan Pukszta.

 

 

                             

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"Organizationally, it's one of our largest efforts of the year," adds board secretary and chair of the PACC Event Planning Committee, Monika Grudek. "But it helps to have generous sponsors such as National City, and volunteer assistance." 
 
 
Photo 1 (L to R): B. Pukszta, W. Madejski, V. Forys , Consul Gen.  Z. Matynia, H. Kazmierczak*
 
Photo 2 (L to R): S. Boduch, H. Kazmierczak, K. Kamyszew, A. Dajnowski

 

Photo 3 (L to R): Z.  Matynia, A. Babst (National City)
 
Photo 4 (L to R): H. Kazmierczak, M. Grudek, S. Nowak, A. Uzarewicz, A. Wilczek, P. Gustab, Z. Zozulia, J. Mlynarski, B. Pukszta
 
Photo 5 (L to R): Z.  Matynia, J. Furby (National City) 

Photo 6 (L to R): K. Raszkiewicz, M. Piatek, B. Surowka, S. Stevenson, J. Zawierta, M. Grudek, H. Kazmierczak

 

              * Photos 1 - 4 by Peter Jezioro; photos 5 - 6 by Dariusz Lachowski