The PMA Hosts 46th Annual Summer Gala

On June 12, 2026 the Polish Museum of America (PMA) was pleased to host the 46th Annual Summer Gala, held at the O’Hare Tech Center in Schiller Park – our largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting general operations of the PMA. This year’s Gala celebrated the contributions of Polish Americans to 250 years of American independence while bringing together friends, supporters, and members of our community for an unforgettable evening in support of the Museum. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this special occasion. The evening began with a cocktail reception and open bar, followed by dinner, dancing to the music of the Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra, and a lively Silent Auction benefiting the Polish Museum of America. Welcome remarks were given by Mateusz Bomba, 2026 Summer Gala Chair, after which followed an invocation from Rev. Robert Będziński, SChr, Chaplain; toast was given by Agnieszka Bastrzyk, Polish Roman Catholic Union of America President and PMA Board Chair, and Małgorzata Kot, PMA Managing Director. Additional remarks were given by Regina Jurkowska, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago. Artistic performance, in turn, was given by POLONIA Polish Folk Song & Dance Ensemble. A special thank-you goes to the PMA 46th Summer Gala Committee: Chair – Mateusz Bomba Appeals & Advertisements – Małgorzata Kot, Richard Owsiany, Andrzej Pawlowski Articles – Micheline Jaminski, Anne Moschopoulos Reservations – Mary Jane Robles Silent Auction – Sharon Orlowski Decorations – Julie Prado, Lily Prado Motif Design – Elizabeth Dziadulewicz Technical Support – Dariusz Lachowski Administration – Teresa Sromek This year’s Polish Spirit Award was presented to Hubert Cioromski, Piotr Uzarowicz, and PNC Bank. We congratulate our distinguished honorees and thank them for their generosity and dedication to strengthening the Polish American community. We are deeply grateful to all of our guests, sponsors, donors, advertisers, and supporters whose generosity made this event such a success. We also thank everyone who contributed to our Silent Auction and the many volunteers whose hard work, dedication, and countless hours of preparation ensured a memorable evening for all. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Polish Museum of America, thank you for celebrating with us and for investing in the future of our institution. Your support allows us to continue preserving and sharing our rich cultural heritage with future generations. We hope to see you next year!