Uncategorized Archives - Kazickas Family Foundation

North American Lithuanian Business Forum 2025

North American Business Forum 2025

Kazickas Family Foundation Director Domante Howes participated in the NALB Forum in Boston, where leaders from Lithuanian and U.S. business, science, and culture gathered. Forum participants engaged in insightful discussions, explored innovative ideas, and laid the groundwork for cross-industry collaborations.

KŠF supports this event because one of our missions is to build bridges between Lithuania and the world, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and initiatives that create lasting value.

Domantė shares her thoughts:
“The forum featured inspiring presentations—from innovations in energy and artificial intelligence to business development in the U.S. But what moved me the most was the discussion about art as therapy. In Massachusetts, doctors increasingly prescribe visits to museums, creative workshops, and community activities instead of medication via the initiative CultureRx. This not only strengthens emotional well-being but also drives systemic change.”

A key phrase from the forum was: “We need less competition and more conversation.” This is the foundation of our work—to connect people, listen to ideas, and help bring them to life.

The evening event at the Lithuanian Home in Boston—a building owned by the Lithuanian community for over 100 years—was a reminder that culture, creativity, and connections are what unite us worldwide.

Huge thanks to the organizers, partners, speakers, and all participants for making this forum a success!

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Today we celebrate the memory of Alexandra Kalvenas Kazickas who was born 105 years ago, June 17, 1920.

Mass and Concert in Memory of Aleksandra Kazickienė

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Mass and Concert in Memory of Aleksandra Kazickienė

Today we celebrate the memory of Alexandra Kalvenas Kazickas who was born 105 years ago, June 17, 1920.

She was a devoted wife and mother of five children. She served as a helpmate to her husband Juozas P. Kazickas (1918-2014) through the tumultuous war years in Lithuania, then in the refugee camps in Germany, and as an immigrant to a new country, America.

Her long life, filled with so many varied experiences, travel and adventure, was in many ways extraordinary, but today we remember her more for those qualities that give true meaning to a life well-lived – her love of her family, her patriotism to her homeland, her loyalty to her many friends and her humility, graciousness and philanthropic generosity.

Even at the most unsettled and difficult times, she kept her faith in God, never failing to express her gratitude for His many blessings.

As she wrote in her diary 70 years ago:

“I have my home, my garden, my beloved corner, my dear children… We are so fortunate, especially me, and I thank you, God, for that good fortune… Dear God, you are unbelievably good to me… I am very happy with my beloved husband and my wonderful children… Thank you, God, for the happiness.”

Alexandra died on June 17, 2011. She was 91 years old.

The family thanks, prof. Renata Marcinkute Lesieur for the wonderful organ music we hear today, prof. Irena Milkevičiūtė, prof. Vytautas Juozapaitis and Aija Jermoloviča for their glorious singing, and Father Lionginas Virbalas for the Holy Mass.

Jurate, Joseph, Michael and John Kazickas, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren

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Holy Mass and concert in memory of Aleksandra Kazickienė

Holy Mass and Concert in Memory of Aleksandra Kazickiene

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In Memory of Aleksandra Kazickiene: Holy Mass and Concert

The Kazickas Family Foundation invites you to a special Holy Mass and concert in memory of Alexandra Kazickienė, taking place on June 17 at 5:30 PM at St. Casimir’s Church, Vilnius.

The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Lionginas Virbalas, with music performed by the LRT Children’s Choir of the Vilnius Cultural Center, directed by Regina Maleckaitė.

After the Mass, join us for a heartfelt concert featuring:

Prof. Irena Milkevičiūtė (soprano)
Aija Jermoloviča (soprano)
Prof. Vytautas Juozapaitis (baritone)
Prof. Renata Marcinkutė Lesieur (organ)

This evening of remembrance and music is a gift from the Kazickas Family Foundation.

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Baltic Fundraising Summit 2025

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Baltic Fundraising Summit 2025

The Kazickas Family Foundation is proud to support the Fundraising Summit 2025, organized by Baltic Fundraising Hub. It is created to strengthen the fundraising, communication, and leadership capacities of NGOs in Lithuania. The event brought together more than 200 participants, fostering a dynamic space for growth and collaboration.

This unique event provided a valuable platform for learning, networking, and exchanging best practices, empowering NGOs with the tools and knowledge needed to grow and make a greater impact.

For the second consecutive year, KFF awarded 30 tickets to our grantee organizations. Beyond financial support, KFF is committed to the long-term growth of its partners by investing in opportunities for continuous learning, connection, and collaboration.

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Closing event of the 11th season of Youth Can program

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Closing Event of the 11th Season of Youth Can Program

Around 150 participants from various Lithuanian towns and villages gathered at the President Valdas Adamkus Sports Centre in Kaunas to celebrate the closing event of the season. The day featured activities designed to encourage participants to step out of their comfort zones, boost self-confidence, and foster a strong sense of community.

During the event, both organizers and participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to the coaches for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. Organizers also congratulated the graduating participants, for whom this phase has been a meaningful part of their personal growth journey.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is the program’s founding sponsor and main partner.d alumna Eglė Žilinskaitė hosted the event, while Kaunas Žalgiris athletic trainer Arnas Ikamas energized the crowd. Eleven alumni also volunteered, showcasing the program’s enduring spirit of community and continuity.

Youth Can currently operates in 11 Lithuanian towns: Alsėdžiai, Ariogala, Išlaužas, Joniškėlis, Kybartai, Miroslavas, Pumpėnai, Raguvėlė, Seirijai, Šaukėnai, and Veisiejai.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is the founding sponsor and main partner of the program.

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Blossom of Hope Gala Evening

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Blossom of Hope Gala Evening

We are proud to support the Blossom of Hope Gala Evening—organized by the International Women’s Association of Vilnius (IWAV)—as one of this year’s sponsors. This impactful event raises critical awareness and funding for breast cancer prevention and care in Lithuania.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Lithuania, with 1,700 new cases each year. While early detection can save lives, the country continues to face one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Europe.

For 17 years, Blossom of Hope has raised over €380,000—funding lifesaving medical supplies and providing free screenings for women across Lithuania.

In support of this mission, KFF also donated the book Odyssey of Hope (“Vilties kelias”), signed by Jūratė Kazickaitė, that were sold in the silent auction.

You can also contribute by donating or becoming a sponsor. Your support helps provide essential medical supplies—like biopsy needles and breast tissue markers—that enable early diagnosis and treatment.

Every contribution makes a difference: https://www.iwavilnius.com/blossom-of-hope

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Summer Internships in Lithuania

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Summer Internship in Lithuania

Lithuanian National Foundation and the Kazickas Family Foundation invite students to apply for summer internships!

In partnership with the National Foundation, we invite students of Lithuanian descent studying abroad to apply for paid summer internships at non-governmental organizations in Lithuania.

This is a great opportunity to not only gain valuable professional experience but also to contribute to the work of inspiring NGOs in Lithuania, including:

Bring Together Lithuania, Innovation Valley, Global Lithuanian Leaders, Lithuanian Culture Institute, Youth Affairs Agency, Center for Equality Advancement, Transparency International, Inconvenient Films, Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights, and LiJOT.

To apply, please submit:

Resume / CV
A motivational letter

Applications should be sent directly to the contact person listed by the NGO.

Application deadline: May 16, 2025

You can find more details about available internship opportunities here: www.tautosfondas.org/stazuotes/

Scholarship: 600 EUR/month

If you have any questions, please contact vilnius@tautosfondas.org

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Jūratė Kazickaitė in Podcast: “The Philanthropy Gene Lives in All of Us”

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Jūratė Kazickaitė in Podcast: “The Philanthropy Gene Lives in All of Us”

Kazickas Family Foundation President Jūrate Kazickaitė and New York Office Director Neila Baumiliene were featured in the latest episode of the Business News podcast.

“There are many generous people in Lithuania – they’re simply waiting for something that touches their hearts. The philanthropy gene lives within all of us Lithuanians; we just need to find our passion,” shares Jūratė Kazickaitė.

We invite you to listen to this inspiring episode and learn more about KFF’s philanthropic philosophy, mission, gratitude-driven values, and global experience.

The conversation is held in both Lithuanian and English.

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Today we remember Joseph P. Kazickas (April 16, 1918 – July 9, 2014), founder of the Kazickas Family Foundation, who would have celebrated his 107th birthday today.

Remembering Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas

News & Stories, Uncategorized

Remembering Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas

Today we remember Joseph P. Kazickas (April 16, 1918 – July 9, 2014), founder of the Kazickas Family Foundation, who would have celebrated his 107th birthday today.

Dr. Kazickas was a man who left a profound mark on countless lives and on Lithuanian history. A philanthropist, patriot, entrepreneur, devoted father, world traveler, intellectual and orator — Dr. Kazickas cared deeply for Lithuania, its freedom, and its people throughout his life.

“My parents bequeathed me a joy in living that I’ve never lost. They lived their lives according to four principles: love and support within the family, hard work every day, a thirst for knowledge, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. The example they gave me was their greatest legacy.”

Dr. Kazickas’s parents instilled in him a strong sense of duty — to care for his family, his community, and Lithuania. Giving was a cornerstone of his life. As he once said:

“Anytime that something beneficial for others is being done, a sort of magnetic field develops between people – creative energy is transmitted from one to another. All energy expended for the sake of others returns again to motivate and eventually enhance the self.”

To celebrate Dr. Kazickas’s extraordinary life and legacy, we invite you to watch a special video created by his daughter, KFF President Jūratė Kazickaitė, offering a heartfelt glimpse into his remarkable personality: www.youtube.com/watch?v=35K932qPiCk

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The event held at the Kazickas Family Residence brought together decision-makers, education experts, NGO representatives, business leaders, and community organizers for a joint discussion on the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in Lithuania’s education system.

Education and Emotional Well-being: Who Is Responsible?

News & Stories, Uncategorized

Education and Emotional Well-being: Who Is Responsible?

The event held at the Kazickas Family Residence brought together decision-makers, education experts, NGO representatives, business leaders, and community organizers for a joint discussion on the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in Lithuania’s education system.

The panel discussion “Emotional Well-being – Whose Responsibility Is It?” featured Vice Minister of Education, Science and Sport Jonas Petkevičius, teacher and Teachers’ Support Circles program lead Eglė Stankūnaitė, Child Line Director Robertas Povilaitis, and EIKA Group representative Jorūnė Juodžbalytė. The discussion was moderated by Kazickas Family Foundation Director in Lithuania, Domantė Howes.
Two impactful, foundation-supported initiatives aimed at creating long-term positive change in children’s emotional well-being were presented: the global SEL program Think Equal and the Lithuania-born Smart-ups (Smartuoliai) initiative.
The event served not only as a space for constructive dialogue but also as a platform for fostering cross-sector partnerships.

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