The Dmytro Vitovsky branch of the American Ukrainian Youth Association, Inc. in Palatine Illinois celebrated its 40th Anniversary Celebration with
a banquet and dance on Saturday, November 1st, 2008. The event capped a season of renewal and growth for the organization, which is in the
process of renovating and expanding its premises, the Ukrainian Center. Located adjacent to Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church,
the youth organization grew as the parish expanded, and together with the Palatine office of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, they
serve as a focal point for Ukrainian life in northwest suburban Chicago.
The CYM Vitovsky branch was founded in 1968 by a dedicated group of individuals who lived in the northwest suburbs of Chicago
and believed their children should have a CYM branch of their own. Their initiative was supported by Branch #31 of the Organization for the
Defense of the Four Freedoms of Ukraine and the Women’s Auxillary of O.D.F.F.U., the Olena Pchilka Branch. Hundreds of Ukrainian youth
have participated in CYM’s programs in Palatine, which include the Ukrainian Saturday School, the Iskra Dance Ensemble, weekly youth meetings
and special programs, as well as various cultural, social and sport activities. The Ukrainian Youth Association helps children understand and appreciate
their heritage, to socialize with other Ukrainian youth and be proud of their Ukrainian identity. In keeping with CYM’s motto “God and Country”, the Col
Dmytro Vitovsky branch promotes the principles of Christian ethics and pride in its Ukrainian national heritage. CYM youth learn
to be good citizens of their country and to honor the memory of their forefathers. Children develop lifelong friendships as together they learn to love
their Ukrainian culture.
The 40th anniversary festivities at the Cotillion Hall in Palatine began with a greeting by Ola Kusyk, the 40th Anniversary Committee Chair.
Rev. Mykhailo Kuzma of Immaculate Conception Parish gave the invocation. As is the tradition, a moment of silence was observed to honor
the organization’s departed members and founders. The CYM Palatine yunatstvo, comprised of dancers, singers and speakers, entertained
the assembly with a medley of songs, recitations and dance. The presentation culminated with a dedication to the Ukrainian Flag and the CYM
emblem. The enthusiasm of the performers was only exceeded by the appreciative applause of the audience assembled for the celebration banquet.
Following dinner, Ola Kusyk provided a brief sketch of the organization’s history. Ms. Kusyk awarded commendations, from CYM, D.Vitovsky Branch,
to Volodymyr Kusyk, Myron Lushchak and Nadia Golash (the widow of Stepan Golash) for their dedication to and for their many long years of dedicated
service to CYM. Following those commendations, the past presidents of CYM D.Vitovsky branch were called to receive their commendations for their
contribution to the organization’s growth. The past presidents listed for honors were: Petro Hasiuk, Mychajlo Jaworsky, Oleksa Vaskiv, Myron Dobrowolsky,
Yaroslav Mandziy, Arkady Moroko, Fedir Stupen, Roman Holowka, Yaroslav Sydorenko, Vera Dobrowolsky-Fitzgerald, Ola Fedj, Oles Striltschuk,
Christina Weres and Myron Wasiunec.
Myron Wasiunec, the current President, spoke about the achievements of CYM in Palatine and the plans for the future. He explained the motto for the Building
Expansion, “Remember the Past, Build for the Future” and how it is incorporated into the current plans as the membership of CYM Palatine continues to increase
.
Former President of the World Congress of Ukrainians Askold Lozynsky spoke of the growth of CYM and the Vitovsky Branch in Palatine, identifying the role
its leaders played in ensuring its successful initiatives in educating Ukrainian youth to be the future leaders of their community.
Bohdan Harhay, President of the American Ukrainian Youth Association, Inc., US Counsil, congratulated CYM Vitovsky Branch on its achievements.
He stated that CYM in Palatine is held in the highest regard by the entire organization and its leaders deserve to be commended.
The President/CEO of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union then greeted the assembled guests. In recognition for its
continued cooperation with the credit union, he presented CYM Palatine with a check for $300,000 toward the cost of renovating the
Cultural Center. The new premises will also house an office of the credit union, so the cooperation between the two organizations will continue into the future.
Heritage Foundation President Julian Kulas praised the leadership of CYM Vitovsky Branch for their dedication and presented the organization with a
check for $100,000.
Vera Dobrowolsky-Fitzgerald, a Manager at MB Financial presented the organizers with a check for $5,000 on behalf of MB Financial.
Yaroslav Abramiuk, president of the CYM M. Pavlushko Branch in Chicago congratulated the Palatine group on its forty years of dynamic growth
and wished them all the best in their future work with Ukrainian youth.
Ola Kusyk thanked the guests for their patience during the formal portion of the program and invited everyone to enjoy themselves for the remainder of the evening.
As the musical ensemble “Rendevous” took to the stage, young and old alike found their way to the dance floor. The celebration continued well into the night.
Original article by VOlodymyr Pavelchak, translation by Dora Turula
Reprint of article courtesy of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union
