Lithuanian-American Community’s Endowment Fund

Regina Narusis, a practicing attorney in Illinois, is the President of the Lithuanian American Community, Inc.

A Lithuanian-American Community Endowment Fund was created at the last Lithuanian American Community, Inc. (LAC) Board of Directors annual meeting held on October 11, 1998 in Cleveland, Ohio. This endowment program is a time-honored method of creating a fund which is to last forever and invested to earn income. It is only that earned income that will be used to support the work of the Lithuanian-American Community, Inc. The principal will always remain invested in order to perpetuate the fund. It is a most effective way to ensure the continued existence of the Community.

Monies allow the Community to offer better programs and services. Presently, LAC’s operating budget allows us to get by; but, this endowment fund, when funded, will allow us to fulfill our mission with the best quality programs and services. The Community serves the interests of over one million Americans of Lithuanian heritage.

The Community fosters Lithuanian culture by regularly sponsoring such events as folk dance festivals, Lithuanian language theater groups, symposiums on arts and sciences, and song festivals. It publishes books and magazines about Lithuania’s cultural heritage, and provides cultural interaction between America and Lithuania.

The Community sponsors the regional Lithuanian Heritage and Language Schools, which provide classes to Lithuanian-Americans of all ages. It is LAC that publishes BRIDGES and Lituanus, a journal of arts and sciences. For the younger set, the Educational Council publishes Eglute.

The Community’s Human Services Council provides services for its senior citizens and needy members. It sponsors two senior citizen centers and a senior monthly magazine – Pensininkas. Since the re-establishment of Lithuania’s independence, LAC’s Human Services Council has expanded its services to provide medical and financial assistance to Lithuania’s children. "Lithuanian Children’s Hope" provides specialized medical treatment not available to children in Lithuania. "Lithuanian Orphan Care" allows our members to foster a child in Lithuania.

LAC’s Economics’ Council promotes business and investment in Lithuania. It sponsors conferences and trade shows.

LAC’s Public Affairs Council has worked to support the independence of Lithuania, and the growth of democratic institutions and economic reform in Lithuania. This Council keeps you, our membership, and our U.S. government advised as to what progress Lithuania has made in each of these areas, and where it stands regarding Lithuania’s admission to NATO.

LAC is a non-profit community-based organization. It has 70 local chapters, including Hawaii and Alaska, in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Members participate in their own local chapters as well as in nation-wide events. Should you like to become involved, contact our national office in Reston, Virginia at 11250 Bacon Drive, Suite 17C or phone (703) 397-0950, and talk to Audrone Pakstys.

Should you wish to give a gift to LAC, Inc. to fund this endowment program and support our work, you may do so outright or deferred. An outright gift should be sent to our LAC, Inc. Treasurer, Ramas Pliura at 1927 West Boulevard, Racine, Wisconsin, 53403. It is a tax-deductible gift. Your one gift will turn into a legacy long into the future. You may also pledge to give each year to show your continued support and defer your gift by a bequest in a will to the "Lithuanian American Community, Inc. Endowment Fund". Your gift will assure the future of the Community and its mission as well as enhance the quality of our opportunities to serve you. Leave a legacy for the future Lithuanian-American generations – your gift.