On the coldest weekend of this winter, Palanga hosted the traditional, largest support event in Western Lithuania, the Star of Hope. Undaunted by the harsh weather, the Palanga Concert Hall was packed with personalities from the worlds of business, politics and culture, who believe in the truth of life that kindness is returned with kindness.
The 28th charity event was organized by the Palanga Hotel and Restaurant Association (PVRA) together with the Palanga Rotary Club. The main goal and mission of the support event is to share kindness together, according to the press release. Anyone who bought tickets to the concert of the legendary band “Hiperbolės legendos”, as well as to the Gala dinner and auction, could contribute to this noble goal. The funds collected during the charity event will be allocated to the support and charity fund for children “Mamų Unija”, the Palanga City Nursing Home and the Palanga City Youth and Volunteer Center. The organizers of the event were pleased with the record amount collected this year – 111 thousand euros (excluding event costs), received from ticket sales, a lottery and an auction.
Help those who need it most
Members of "Hiperbolė" Viktoras Prapras, Igoris Berinas and Arvydas Šnaras delighted the audience with the greatest hits of all time: "Pamiršk mane", "Tu grok", "Sugrąžk", "Vandens ženkli", "Aš dar dainuosiu" and other works that have been creating a special emotion for decades. Along with the legends of "Hiperbolė", the group "Huge Soul" also performed, providing even more energy and a contemporary musical sound. The evening's guests were traditionally greeted by Palanga City Mayor Šarūnas Vaitkus, who was pleased with the long-term mission of this support event, which aims to share kindness. The solemn event was hosted by the well-known actor and event host Gintaras Mikalauskas. An auction of works of art, jewelry, sports paraphernalia and a special lottery were held during the event. The auction featured paintings and photography by Lithuanian artists Miglė Kosinskaitė, Antanas Sutkus, Algirdas Krikščiūnas, Virginijus Viningas and other authors. There was also a soccer ball with the signatures of the Kaunas “Žalgiris” team, Sergejs Maslobojev's boxing gloves and personal training, a framed T-shirt of the legendary basketball club “Žalgiris” with the players' signatures, a trip to the Curonian Lagoon, etc.
One of the event organizers, PVRA President Laura Taučiūtė, is convinced that those businesses that contribute to support for many years are one of the formulas for their success in life, because sharing a part of what you earn is the thinking of a noble, wise person. The idea of "Star of Hope" is to help those who need it most. The mission is responsibility: to be indifferent to what is happening around us. Continuity - so that support lasts for years," L. Taučiūtė defined the concept of the event.
Providing hope, security and real help
Every year, the organizers of the event “Star of Hope” choose a different charity fund to which funds would be allocated. A significant part of this year’s support will be allocated to a new initiative implemented by the “Mothers’ Union” support fund for children with cancer and their families – a complex of rehabilitation and integrated therapy services in the Kaunas district. A center for families will be located here, which will combine nature and science-based methods of strengthening physical and spiritual health. The location was not chosen by chance. It is relatively close to Kaunas clinics and is convenient for those arriving from all over Lithuania. Such help is needed by both the child and the whole family. This is a unique and only project of this kind not only in the Baltic States, but also in the whole of Europe, which will become a major change in the treatment of children affected by cancer.
As the director of the "Mamų unija" Justina Žukauskienė said, it is especially important for this foundation that the organizers of the event chose to contribute to their latest mission, because it means not only financial support, but also trust. "Each such decision helps ensure that seriously ill children and their families are not left alone in the most difficult period of their lives, receive professional help in a timely manner, complex integrated therapies that are selected for each child individually. This support from the organizers of the "Star of Hope" allows us to continue helping where it is needed most - to provide hope, security and real help," said J. Žukauskienė.
Meanwhile, the president of the Palanga Rotary Club, Juozas Tubinas, noted that traditionally, a part of the amount collected during the event goes to the Palanga city nursing home every year. It is the Rotary Club that has been sponsoring this resort social service institution for almost two decades. For example, before Christmas, a Christmas concert of Latvian tenors was held in the Kurhaus Concert Hall to support these nursing homes. “This is our promise to the community – to be together with those who are facing life challenges especially painfully today. Our support is not only material assistance, but also a sign that the residents of nursing homes are not alone,” said J. Tubinas.
Actors in Palanga were impressed by the sense of community
“Even in the coldest weather, so many people gathered who are not indifferent. It is only thanks to them that such noble things are happening. After all, you can have all sorts of lofty goals, but if no one supports them, the idea will remain unimplemented,” said the host, actor G. Mikalauskas, sincerely surprised by the responsibility of the people of Western Lithuania after the event “Star of Hope”. The host of the event does not regret that six years ago he and his wife Jūrate, a pediatrician, finally decided to move to Palanga. “The sense of community here is simply incredible,” the actor said sincerely. G. Mikalauskas would describe the mission of the star of the event “Star of Hope” as follows: those who can help those who cannot… According to the famous actor, people gather here knowing clearly for what purpose they are being led – to donate.
For the second year in a row, the festive Gala Dinner was hosted and served by “Roko virtuvė”. According to the founder of this company, Rokas Galvonas, he wanted to contribute to a charitable initiative, showing that the company he leads is not only profitable, but also socially responsible. “If you give, you get a lot back,” – this is the life truth that R. Galvonas believes in, trying to participate in various meaningful events and social campaigns.
"Roko Kitchen" served tuna appetizers with goat cheese cream, roast beef, halibut and duck steaks to the event guests; for dessert, a French-style raspberry and pistachio treat.
The organizers of the charitable initiative are pleased that every year an increasing number of sponsors join the event - including such socially responsible companies or brands as "Švyturys non-alcoholic", hotel "Gabija", sanatorium "Gradiali", Palanga Concert Hall, "Žemaitijos pienas", "Augma", etc.
Photos by Aldas Kazlauskas.