Elegant celebration of 30 Years of Austrian American Council in L.A.
On September 17, 2011, the Austrian-American Council West (AAC) celebrated its 30-year jubilee in a splendid ceremony at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Country Club.
The elegant affair was attended by more than 120 guests who celebrated under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Christian Prosl, Austrian Ambassador to the United States and The Honorable Dr. Karin Proidl, Austrian Consul General of Los Angeles.
The “In Recognition of Extraordinary Service” awards were handed out in a special presentation. Lena Strauss and Dr. Robert Ward were honored as 2011 Members of the Year. Guests were then entertained with a musical tribute to Walter Jurmann performed by soprano Monica Schober and tenor James Carlin along with the enchanting music of Professor Laszlo Cser’s Quartet on a Blüthner piano generously made available by Helga Kasimoff.
More than 30 years ago, Austrian-born Professor Fritz Molden, of Molden Publishing house, whose mother wrote the lyrics for the Austrian anthem, conceived the idea of combining the Austrian societies in the US under one umbrella organization, the Austrian-American Council (AAC). Six regional councils were proclaimed during an official visit to New York by Austria’s President in 1981. The AAC facilitates and promotes friendship, cooperation and outreach between Austria and the United States.
One of the greatest successes is the recognition of the Council’s tremendous contributions by President Bill Clinton, who proclaimed September 26 to be Austrian-American Day in 1997.
The proceeds of this year’s event benefited a renowned charity: SOS Children’s Villages founded by the Austrian Hermann Gmeiner in 1949, and one of Angelina Jolie’s favorite charities. – By Sonia Laszlo; Photo: Tshombe Sampson.
For more information on the Austrian-American Council West visit www.aacwest.com
Have fun browsing the photo gallery below. All photos by Tshombe Sampson for German World.