Air Serbia » Er Srbija | 15 The third Serbian Philanthropic Gala took place in November at midtown New York’s historic Gotham Hall and brought together 400 attendees from across the United States, Serbia, and other countries. The event raised over $85,000 for the Studenica Foundation’s student scholarship programme. The funds raised will be used to assist more than 55 Serbian college students who excel academically but lack the financial support required to continue or complete their studies without interruption. As an active foundation, Studenica has helped over 2,000 students with their scholarly pursuits over the last 29 years. The Gala also provided an occasion for the Serbian Philanthropic Association to acknowledge the decades-long work of Dr Danica Marinac-Dabić on the promoting of Serbian traditions and Serbian cultural heritage among the diaspora. Dr Marinac-Dabić was honoured with the Excellence in Philanthropic Action Award, which acknowledges her efforts in founding the folklore troupe Opančići and leading it for the past 25 years. The Opančići troupe, which is based in Washington D.C., has been the cornerstone of promotions of traditional Serbian culture through folklore and dance. While the event was marked by these high philanthropic moments, the remainder of the evening was one of high energy, theatre, and acclaimed performances. The event’s Masters of Ceremony were Jelena Gavrilović, multitalented actress and singer, and George Petković, a Member of the Serbian Philanthropic Association Board. Their charm and interactions with guests, including Jelena’s opening musical performance, ensured high spirits were maintained throughout the evening. Renowned composer, pianist and DJ Filip Bulatović opened the main entertainment programme, mesmerising the audience and setting the stage for the appearance of legendary singer Zdravko Čolić, who kept the guests of the Gala on their feet until the end of the night. “I am very pleased to have been part of this spectacle and social event. It is obvious that this event was not only well attended, but also had an amazing atmosphere among people who came here to provide financial support to a charitable cause. It is wonderful to see that there is an organisation that helps talented people achieve results. I hope this is not the last time and that there will be similar initiatives in the future,” said Čolic, speaking after his performance. The famous singer arrived in New York on an Air Serbia plane and was provided with the kind of reception worthy of such a major star during the flight. Zdravko, who visited the Premium Lounge and enjoyed the flight, said: “this year I was in Belgrade in April, and next spring, with Air Serbia, we’re going to Chicago!” This clip, accompanied by the sounds of the famous song April In Belgrade, went viral on Air Serbia’s social media profiles, and all that remains for us is to agree with Zdravko – see you next year in Chicago. Serb ian Phi lanthrop ic Gala 2022 in New York Over $85,000 raised for Serbian students The Serbian Philanthropic Gala is an annual event that’s organised by the Serbian Philanthropic Association and brings together humanity and kindness to help change the lives of other people, build bonds among the Serbian community and inspire philanthropy Legendarni Zdravko Čolic sa bendomdržao je goste na nogama do kasno u noc Legendary singer Zdravko Čolić, who kept the guests of the Gala on their feet until the end of the nighti Voditelji večeri bili su glumica i pevačica Jelena Gavrilovic i Džordž Petkovic, član Odbora Srpskog filantropskog udruženja The event’s Masters of Ceremony were Jelena Gavrilović, actress and singer, and George Petković, a Member of the Serbian Philanthropic Association Board Zabavni programotvorio je Filip Bulatovic, kompozitor i pijanista (levo), dok je „Er Srbija“ bila organizacioni partner prestižnemanifestacije / Composer and pianist Filip Bulatović opened the entertainment programme (left), while Air Serbia was an organisational partner of this prestigious event
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