AFoCR 2009 Gala Salutes Mayor Daley

     AFoCR’s annual Award Gala, held on November 10, 2009, in Chicago, was a great success.  The 2009 honoree, Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley, received AFoCR’s  Civil Society Vision Award for his success in fostering close ties  between the United States and the Czech Republic.

    Venued at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the event epitomized Chicago’s motto: “Make no small plans.” Over 250 attended, representing Chicago’s business, academic, philanthropic, and international communities, involving a wide diversity of  interests and initiatives in the Czech Republic. 

    Proceeds from the Gala will support the rebuilding of the Woodrow Wilson Monument in Prague, which was destroyed by the German occupiers in 1941.

In presenting the Civil Society Vision award, AFoCR Chairman Fred Malek, who chaired the event, cited Mayor Daley’s visionary leadership and accomplishments to solidify Chicago’s relationship with the city of Prague, which shares a Sister City relationship with Chicago.  Chairman Malek emphasized that with the support received at the Gala, “Wilson will return to Prague.” 

    The Mayor in his remarks noted the contributions of the Czech community to the city of Chicago.  He cited hard working immigrants and their shared values of work and family that helped forge the development of the City.  Not only work and family values but dedication to education characterized the early citizens.  That devotion to education continues to this day.  He emphasized that as globalization accelerates, quality education will give Chicago businesses the competitive edge to survive and thrive and meet the competitive forces that abound in a world economy.  

    AFoCR President Tom Dine, serving as Master of Ceremonies, noted that the Gala also commemorated the 20^th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that led to a free and democratic Czech Republic.