This past summer Texas Czechs from Wharton County and from the San Antonio area successfully organized fundraising events for the benefit of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, Inc. in La Grange, TX. In late June, the various Czech organizations in Wharton County raised $13,000.00 and the Czechs in the San Antonio area raised $14,000.00.

On June 30, the various Czech organizations in Wharton County put together a day filled with entertainment for all. Their second fundraising event for the TCHCC included a meal of barbeque chicken and trimmings, during which time the Wharton County Czech Singers entertained those attending. A pastry and kolache table was set up to accommodate everyone’s sweet tooth. In addition to a silent auction, a live auction was conducted early in the afternoon along with a very successful raffle. Booths had been set up by various organizations displaying various aspects of Texas Czech culture. The Bobby Jones Czech Band played for everyone’s enjoyment during the afternoon.

On August 23, Texas Czechs in the San Antonio organized their fundraiser dinner/dance at St. Luke’s Catholic Church Family Parish Hall. The event began with a “social hour”, during which time a strolling accordionist played everyone’s favorite Czech melodies. A silent auction and special silent auction peaked the interest of everyone in attendance, while a raffle encouraged people who were unable to attend to be a part of the fundraising event. Featured guest speaker was Fayette County Judge, Ed Janecka. A delicious meal of roast pork and sausage, tossed green salad, new potatoes with onions and butter, green beans, and dessert was prepared by Knights of Columbus Council 410. For everyone’s dancing pleasure, the Ed Kadlicek Band offered a wonderful variety of music that ranged from polkas and waltzes to Big Band to the Chicken Dance.

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, Inc. wishes to extend its sincerest thanks and appreciations to all of the hardworking volunteers from Wharton County and from the San Antonio area, too many to identify individually, who helped make both of these events true successes. The success of these two events is most certainly indicative of the statewide interest in the project that is under development. The TCHCC is a developing multifunctional facility that is serving to preserve and promote the history, language, culture, and heritage of Texans of Czech ancestry.