Honored to Serve: My Role as MC and Co-Chair at the 2025 Polonaise Ball

It was both an honor and a deeply meaningful experience to serve as Master of Ceremonies and as part of the organizing committee for this year’s Polonaise Ball—an elegant and inspiring fundraising gala dedicated to supporting scholarships for Polish-American students and Polish Saturday Schools in the Tampa Bay Area.

I served as Master of Ceremonies

This year’s event held special significance as we celebrated two major milestones: the 43rd Anniversary of our Institute and the 100th Anniversary of the Kosciuszko Foundation. We were proud to welcome our distinguished guests: Mr. Marek Skulimowski, President and Executive Director of the Kosciuszko Foundation — although his flight delay unfortunately prevented him from joining us in person, Mrs. Eva Skibicki, President of the American Institute of Polish Culture in Tampa Bay.

In Mr. Skulimowski’s absence, Mr. Wojciech Perkowski representing The Kosciuszko Foundation - Florida Chapter accepted a special recognition on his behalf. President Eva Skibicki presented the award, and Mr. Perkowski read aloud Mr. Skulimowski’s heartfelt letter of gratitude.

President Eva Skibicki presented the award.

We were also deeply honored to receive a congratulatory letter from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C., addressed to all our guests. I had the privilege of reading the message from Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Bogdan Klich aloud during the ceremony.

MC: Bozena Gasior

The evening was elevated by unforgettable musical performances: Milosz Gasior, a young pianist on the autism spectrum, enchanted guests during the cocktail hour with a repertoire of classical and contemporary pieces.

Milosz Gasior

Maya Mazur, together with soundsgood4you, created a magical atmosphere with her powerful vocals and soulful violin playing. She brought everyone to the dance floor—and kept them there all night! She also beautifully performed the Polish and American national anthems.

Maya Mazur

After dinner, President Eva Skibicki and her husband Mr. Christopher Skibicki led the elegant Polonaise Dance, with many guests joining in to begin the festive dancing portion of the evening.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers—former scholarship recipients— Patryk Gasior and Gabriela Wisz —for helping at the registration table, selling raffle tickets, and warmly assisting guests throughout the evening.

Former scholarship recipients— Patryk Gasior and Gabriela Wisz.