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Programos „Bring Together Lithuania 2024“ Atidarymo Šventė

The Opening Ceremony of the Bring Together Lithuania 2024 program

The Bring Together Lithuania 2024 summer internship and modern Lithuania program for the Lithuanian diaspora was officially launched at the Kazickas Family Residence.

During the event, participants watched an inspiring video about Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas, highlighting his legacy and contributions to Lithuania. This set a reflective tone for the program, emphasizing the importance of connecting with one’s heritage and contributing to the homeland. Domantė Greifenbergerytė, Director of the KFF Vilnius office, and Kamilė Perminė, the Program Director, delivered opening remarks to welcome the participants.

The event marked the beginning of the 7th generation of this program! Over the next 6 weeks, participants will engage in an immersive experience exploring modern Lithuania, including internships at leading companies and organizations, inspiring meetings with Lithuanian leaders, visits to governmental organizations, and exposure to the cultural aspects of the country.

The program has been initiated and sponsored by the KFF since 2018. It aims to provide youth of the Lithuanian diaspora with opportunities to gain professional skills, connect with global Lithuanians, explore their heritage country, and become young ambassadors of Lithuania.

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The Literacy Award in Memory of Petras Butenas and his student Alexandra Kazickas

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The Literacy Award in Memory of Petras Butenas and his student Alexandra Kazickas

This year, the Literacy Award in Memory of Petras Butenas and his student Alexandra Kazickas has been presented to prof. dr. Giedre Cepaitiene.

On 8 June, Prof. Dr. Giedre Čepaitienė was awarded the Memorial Prize of the linguist Petras Būtėnas and his student Aleksandra Kazickienė at the Pastoral Centre of the Šiauliai Diocese.

The laureate, Ms Cepaitiene, is a philologist, and a prominent organizer of public activities relating to the Lithuanian studies. Some of the most important prof. Dr. Giedre Cepaitiene’s fields of research are ethnolinguistics, pragmatics, subject didactics, dialectology and language history.

The award, established by the KFF and the Lithuanian Language Association, was given to Giedre Cepaitiene for wide-ranging scientific and educational work, research on people that influenced Lithuanian culture and Lithuanian studies, and significant publications and events dedicated to commemorating famous Lithuanians.

The event was opened with a prayer by the Bishop of Šiauliai Eugenijus Bartulis. Prof. Dr. Genovaitė Kačiuškienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Regina Kvašytė presented the laureate’s scientific and pedagogical activities, and Kristina Lebedžinskienė spoke about her works dedicated to her native Zanavyk region.

On behalf of the Prize Committee, Prof. Dr. Albinas Drukteinis and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vilma Zubaitienė expressed their congratulations. The greetings sent by the Kazickas Family Foundation on the occasion were read out by Prof. Dr. Bonifacas Stundžia.

The musical performance was given by the Dr. Regina Marozienė and actor Vladas Baranauskas.

Photos by Leonas Nekrašas and Rita Urnėžiūtė.

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Fundraising Summit

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Fundraising Summit

The KFF team and grantees participated in the Fundraising Summit 2024 organized by Baltic Fundraising Hub.

The Kazickas Family Foundation proudly supports this conference, designed to help NGOs enhance their fundraising, communication, and leadership skills. This summit offered a platform for learning, networking, and sharing best practices, ensuring Lithuanian NGOs are equipped with the tools and knowledge to excel.

In addition, we donated 20 tickets to our grantee organizations. Beyond financial support, KFF invests in grantees’ long-term growth by offering platforms for learning, networking, and sharing best practices, ensuring our grantees have the tools and knowledge to succeed.

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Open Doors for Diaspora Representatives at the Kazickas Family Residence

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Open Doors for Diaspora Representatives at the Kazickas Family Residence

The Kazickas Family Foundation cordially invites the Lithuanian diaspora representatives to a special Open Doors event at the Kazickas Family Residence. The event will be held on July 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

An impressive building steeped in history, located in the former courtyard of the palace of the noblemen of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Radvilas, will open its doors to the public for this exclusive occasion. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the residence and get a glimpse into the lives of the Lithuanian-American diaspora family through an exhibition showcasing the lives of Joseph and Alexandra Kazickas.

The KFF staff will be present to meet guests and share insights about the family’s legacy, the house, and the work of the Foundation. Complimentary coffee and snacks will be served.

Due to limited space, advance registration is required. Please click here to register for the event.

For more information, please contact: ltoffice@kff.lt.

We look forward to welcoming you!

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KFF Acknowledged at Global Lithuanian Awards

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Kazickas Family Foundation Acknowledged at Global Lithuanian Awards

Global Lithuanian Awards acknowledge and reward the remarkable achievements of Lithuanian diaspora professionals and their contribution to the economy, science, and culture of Lithuania as well as its global standing.

It is an honor that amongst all the remarkable recipients The Kazickas Family Foundation – Kazickų Šeimos Fondas was acknowledged For Educating the Talent of Global Lithuanian Youth. The award was presented by First Lady Diana Nausėdienė.

The KFF community is proud to build bridges between Lithuania and the world. Our sincere Thank you to ALL partners in Lithuania and all over the world that contributes to our vision: Lithuanian diaspora communities, Lithuanian heritage schools, organizers of cultural camps, song and dance festivals, as well as to the people, companies, and organizations in Lithuania that welcome Lithuanian diaspora youth and provide them with the opportunity to discover a modern country and establish an authentic connection with their ancestral homeland.

The award was presented to Agne Vertelkaite, Vilnius Office Director, and Kamilė Perminė, Head of Communications.

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The “Blue / Yellow for Ukraine” Appreciation Event

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The "Blue / Yellow for Ukraine" Appreciation Event

In support of the brave citizens of Ukraine, the KFF provides financial support to chosen charitable organisations. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Kazickas Family Foundation, together with its international partners, has consistently worked to help the people of Ukraine.

One of the organizations supported is the “Blue / Yellow for Ukraine”. It is a non-government organization that has been supporting Ukraine’s armed resistance since 2014. They provide Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers with non-lethal supplies to help them battle Russian aggression.

KFF Vilnius Office Director Agne Vertelkaite and the Head of Communications Kamile Permine accepted the “Blue / Yellow for Ukraine” Certificate of Appreciation for KFF support for Ukraine in 2022.

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First Lady Speaks at IWAVE 25th Anniversary

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First Lady Speaks at IWAVE 25th Anniversary

The celebration of the 25th anniversary of the International Women’s Association of Vilnius (IWAV) and the presentation of the Association’s activities took place at the Presidential Palace.

One of the Association’s main initiatives, which has been supported by the Kazickas Family Foundation for many years, is the International Christmas Charity Bazaar(ICCB). The ICCB is organized together with diplomatic and business communities of foreign countries and Lithuanian friends. The funds raised during the Christmas fair are used to finance various NGOs and charity projects. Over the 20 years of the fair’s existence, more than 1.4 million EUR has been raised and more than 100 organizations in Lithuania have been supported.

The IWAVilnius brings together active women, businesswomen, philanthropists, and diplomats from more than 25 countries living in Lithuania. Through its volunteering activities, the Association helps to address social issues in Lithuania.

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The 25th Anniversary Celebration Evening of the Kazickas Family Foundation

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The 25th anniversary celebration evening of the Kazickas Family Foundation

On October 19th, the Kazickas Family Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala in Vilnius Town Hall. The goal of the event was to recognize the Foundation and its partners’ mutual accomplishments and to honor a few special organizations and people.

During the event, a few special partners were honored: Blue/Yello (for rapid response to crises), the Center for Combating Human Trafficking and Exploitation (for creating social welfare), the Vilnius Archdiocese’s “Caritas” Alternative Education Center (for empowering young people), the series of concerts “Sacred Music Hours” (for long-term partnership) and Albinas Kentra (for lifetime achievements).

Over 25 years, the Foundation allocated about 15 million. dollars. Every year, KFF supports about 100 organizations in the USA, Lithuania and Zimbabwe.

“We support not only organizations, but also programs initiated by the family members. For example, “Youth Can” – the development of life skills through sports for young people in the regions, “Bring Together Lithuania” – an internship program for diaspora youth, “Uncommon” – a program operating in Zimbabwe and Lithuania where young people can learn IT and life skills”, – Michael Kazickas.

According to John Kazickas, guided by the tradition of philanthropy in the family and love for Lithuania, the Foundation annually supports about 30 Lithuanian organizations. About 50 percent of all support goes to organizations related to Lithuania.

KFF has been operating since 1998 in New York, and since 1999 – in Vilnius. It was founded by Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas together with his wife Alexandra. After regaining independence, they contributed to the restoration of The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, monuments, churches, book publishing, and the establishment of the President V. Adamkus Library-Museum. Later, the Foundation turned its attention to young people, whose education and empowerment became one of the priority areas of the Kazickas family.

Jurate Kazickaite, the daughter of Joseph and Alexandra Kazickas, has been the president of the Foundation since its establishement. Over time, the number of members of the Kazickas family has increased in the Foundation – there are currently three generations in it.

“All family members are involved in philanthropic activities and support the areas of their choice. Since there are a lot of us in the family and we operate in more than one country, we can react flexibly to what is happening in the world. In fact, one of the priority areas at the moment is responding to crisis, such as the refugee crisis, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine,” said Katarina Kazickas.

On this occasion, a total of 10 family members came to Lithuania to visit and participate in the event: the children of J. P. and A. Kazickas with their spouses and two granddaughters.

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“Youth Can” Summer Camp 2023

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"Youth Can" Summer Camp 2023

Youth Camp Summer Camp 2023 took place in Antalieptė, Innovators’ Valley. The team used the experience gained last year to bring an even more productive week of life skills training, bonding, and having lots of fun, of course.

Camp counselors brought creative workshops, wellness and sports practices, educational nature outings, lectures and games, songs by the fire, and much more to 40 campers.

This camp would have not been possible without many friends and supporters. Thank you all for an unforgettable summer adventure for the Youth Can students!

Learn more about the “Youth Can” program and summer camp: www.youthcan.lt/blog

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Sakralinės Muzikos Valandos: In Memoriam Aleksandrai Ir Juozui Kazickams

Sacred Music Hours: In Memoriam Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas

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Sacred Music Hours: In Memoriam Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas

On August 15th, the special concert to celebrate the Kazickas’ marriage anniversary will be held at the St. Casimirs Church in Vilnius.

The Kazickas Family Sacred Music Hours in memoriam Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickai.

Eighty years ago, on 15 August, Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas were married in Vilnius, at St. Nicholas Church. They enjoyed 70 years of married life until Aleksandra’s death in 2011. The Sacred Music Hours program every year includes a special event to celebrate the Kazickas’ marriage anniversary.

On August 15th, the special concert will host organist Karolina Juodelytė and trumpet player Tomas Medina.

More about the concert: www.kristupofestivalis.lt/en/sacred-music-hours-in-memoriam-aleksandra-and-juozas-kazickas/

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