The Polish Museum of America’s Summer Ball in Chicago

The ball will be held at the Galleria Marchetti , 825 West Erie St., Chicago, IL 60642 . The black - tie event begins with cocktails at 7:00 p.m., and dinner served at 8:00 p.m. Music will be provided by the renowned Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra. Individual tickets are $200 each. A portion of the ticket price and any donations to The Polish Museum of America are tax deductible.

This year, the Polish Spirit Award will honor Joann S. Ozog, past First Lady and active member of the PRCUA, and dedicated PMA Membership and Events Volunteer, 1998 - 2009, for her contributions to preserving traditions and culture of the Polish American community.

The Summer Ball is the PMA’s largest yearly fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting the Museum. Established in Chicago in 1935, The Polish Museum of America remains the nation’s only institution of its kind, dedicated to the preservation and promot ion of Polish and Polish American culture through a wide variety of educational programs and exhibitions. The Museum hosts its Library, the renovated Paderewski Room, its priceless Royal Sleigh, and the Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery, al l of which serve those seeking knowledge regarding assorted and interesting histories and arts within Polonia. Additionally, the PMA’s valuable Archives house research sources chronicling the lives of those of Polish descent in the United States and throug hout the world. Thanks to the most recent renovations, visitors are greeted at a new entryway and gift shop.

Over the years, we have tried to make The Polish Museum of America the center of our ethnic heritage and to help preserve its holdings for succeed ing generations. We have continued in our efforts to renovate and modernize the Museum, as well as safeguard our priceless collections. As a not - for - profit institution, we need your continued help and support to preserve and promote Polish and Polish Ameri can heritage and culture.

We all owe it to future generations to make The Polish Museum of America a Chicago heritage landmark and the cultural center of the Polish American community, and we kindly ask for your assistance.

We thank you for your continued and generous support and look forward to seeing you at the Summer Ball!

Please make checks payable to The Polish Museum of America.

Raffle tickets ($10 each, 3 for $25, or 8 for $50) are available for purchase at the PMA and PMAL for a chance to win. 1st prize is $2,500; 2nd prize - $1,000; 3rd prize - $750; and 4th prize - $500. Winner need not be present.

Deadline for reservations is May 27, 2014. Please call 773 - 782 - 2601.

The poppy was chosen as the symbol of the Summer Ball because it is a beautiful and common wildflower in Poland symbolizing F landers Field to Americans and Monte Cassino to Poles.

www.polishmuseumofamerica.org