Marion Kolody - president of Chicago branch

It is my honor and distinct pleasure to welcome you to our annual New Year's Ball "Malanka". The beauty of this event is in the opportunity for our members, friends and benefactors to symbolically welcome the New Year and all the hope and promise that it brings. In the year of 2004 our branch and its members took on many projects and events. Only through the dedication and efforts of many of our members, as well as the support of our community at large, we were able to enjoy many successes. We extend our deepest gratitude and look forward to another year working with united hearts, minds and hands.

We welcome and extend our congratulations and warmest best wishes to this year's debutantes. With joy and pride we join their families and friends in celebrating their spirit, beauty, grace and talents. We wish them God's blessings, happiness, wisdom, strength and courage as they forge their way into adulthood. May they realize their full potential and take their place among those who will make the world a better place to live in.

At this time, I would like to recognize and offer my sincere thanks to all of the members of the "Malanka" Committee. Your dedication, time and effort have made this evening a wonderful and memorable one for all present.

On behalf of the Board of the Mykola Pavlushkov Branch of the American Ukrainian Youth Association in Chicago, I would like to thank everyone for joining us this evening. May God's richest blessings be upon you both today and throughout the year - and may those blessings flow through you to touch the lives of everyone you meet.

As we enter the New Year we renew our commitment to the development of Ukrainian youth based on a program of love for God and Ukraine.

Mario Kolody
President

Rev. Ivan Krotec gives blessing