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FFNY History
As is well known, or supposed to be known, there are many Finlandia Foundations. There is the original organization founded in 1953 and known today as Finlandia National with headquarters in Pasadena, California. It is considered the parent organization of subsequently formed local chapters, of which there are twenty-three in states across the country. California, Oregon, and Washington can each claim to have three separate local chapters. The New York City Metropolitan Chapter was founded April 12, 1954 by a group of four activists, Reino Aarnio, Dr. Raymond K. Luomanen, Jean Pellinen, and Britta Simpson. Today, the New York group is probably the largest single chapter with a membership approaching 300.
It may be assumed the aims and purposes of all the Finlandia Foundation local chapters are relatively similar and are meant to encourage and support cultural exchange between Finland and the United States. The New York chapter would probably offer a good indication of what they all endeavor to provide for their membership. However, it should be stated at the onset that membership is not limited to Finns or Finnish Americans. All those with an interest in Finland or Finnish culture are eligible, regardless of ethnic background, as are those with a particular interest in the activities of the foundation itself. The New York chapter prepares a series varied programs for its membership meetings which include guest speakers and recitals of music or dance. During the past season, the members had the opportunity to hear an official of the Consulate General’s office speak on the status of Finland’s dual citizenship law and on another occasion to see the latest fashions presented by a Finnish clothing designer. Over the years the foundation has kept a close relationship with the office of the Consulate General of Finland. It has been a mutually satisfying and rewarding association.
The Finlandia Foundation of New York has a total of twelve executive board directors and four officers. Current officers include Petra Tabry, President; Leena Toivonen, Senior Vice President; Tuulikki Leino, Secretary; Martin Alperin, Treasurer. A slate of four officers and four directors is elected to office each year by foundation members.
Activities
Annual Gala Awards Dinner Dance. All the net proceeds for this event benefit the foundation’s scholarship fund. A partial listing of past recipients of the foundation’s Arts and Letters Award include the late Senator J. William Fulbright, orchestra conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, soprano Karita Mattila, former New York Times journalist and author Werner Wiskari, and composer Charles Wuorinen. The annual awards dinner dance, a black tie event, is usually held in March in New York City.
Artist Debut Series. The purpose for this activity is to sponsor young Finnish artists and provide them with a New York recital debut. Past debut artists include, among others, mezzo-soprano Monica Groop, baritone Jaakko Kortikangas, soprano Helena Juntunen, pianist Tuija Hakkila, cellist Anssi Karttunen, and pianist Laura Mikkola. The event is regularly scheduled during the fall season.
Scholarship Awards. The awarding of scholarships to American and Finnish students for study and research abroad is awarded annually. Individual grants may range from $500. to $5,000. There are six separate funds, and the total scholarship money given comes to about $30,000 per year. Awardees are chosen by a committee from a list of candidates during May.
Finnish Independence Day Commemoration. On a Sunday closest to December 6 th the foundation takes the occasion to commemorate Finnish independence. The annual program includes an invocation, a speaker from Finland, greetings from the Consul General, and performances of music and poetry. Recognition is given to Finnish war veterans in attendance.
Membership Meetings. Besides the above mentioned events, there are four membership meetings held on November, December (Christmas party), April, and May (Annual Meeting). Each contains a program of a type described earlier, followed by a social hour with refreshments. It is also an opportunity to renew acquaintances kept over the years and to form new ones. Other activities during the year include special events sponsored in conjunction with other New York based groups such as the Sibelius Society, the American Scandinavian Foundation, Finnish American Women’s Network (FAWN), and the American Scandinavian Society. Any written inquiries to the foundation may be addressed to: Finlandia Foundation, New York Metropolitan Chapter, Box 2590 Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163. |
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