COPERNICUS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

  BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
NAME – Nazwisko
OF –  Miejsce
BUSINESS
 President  Mario Mikoda
Schiller Park
Chicago Society
 Vice President  Pending election
 Treasurer  Ted Przybylo
Glenview
Harmony Catering
 Secretary Robert Groszek
Chicago
Groszek Law Firm
 Managing Director  Ted Przybylo
Gllenview
Copernicus Center
 Chairman of the Board  
 Hubert Cioromski
Park Ridge
Troy Realty
 Board Member Dr. Benny Cziszek
Wood Dale
Advocate Medical Group
 Board Member Don Gutowski
Norridge
 Board Member Agata Paleczny
Crest Hill
Warsztaty Teatralne
 Board Member Wayne Przyby
Chicago
WR Events
 Board Member Kamila Sumelka
Franklin Park
Herbamed Inc.
  Advisory Board                  

Honorary Board Members

& Past Presidents
   Bogdan Bosak  Don Gutowski 
   Ewa Cholewinska  Bob Flor
   Nick Cioromski  Gregg Kobelinski 
   Zenon Kurdziel  Hubert Cioromski  
 John Wojciechowski

The Copernicus Foundation ( Fundacja Kopernikowska ) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Chicago, Illinois.

The foundation was founded by Poles in Chicago in 1971 in order to raise funds towards raising a monument in honor of Polish astronomer Nicolas Copernicus on the 500th anniversary of his birth.  Successful in their goal, the monument was erected in front of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago [1973].

The Copernicus Foundation’s board then used excess funds from the monument project towards the purchase of a cultural center.  Even with an immense Polish population in Chicago, a cultural center did not exist.

Following much research and searching, the board located a building and parcel of land owned by a bankrupt theater [Gateway].  Groundbreaking for the new Copernicus Center at 5216 W Lawrence Avenue took place in 1979.

Due to the historic nature of the old theater housed inside the new property, the Copernicus Foundation’s Board decided to preserve the theater while remodeling around it.  Years later, additional renovations further preserved the appearance of the theater, but MODERNIZED the space to accommodate current technology. This included the addition of a “thrust stage,” updated stage lighting and sound systems.  Additional expense was approved for dressing room improvements and seating improvements:  Proudly complying with newly enacted handicap seating laws in Chicago.

Many commuters see the Copernicus Center’s “Solidarity Tower” from the Kennedy Expressway.   It is amusingly mistaken for a church tower, however, it’s a facade designed to duplicate the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland.  This tower, with Polish eagle on top, is a replica of the clock tower of the Polish castle, complete with “trumpeter door.”

The Board underwrites MANY activities taking place at the Copernicus Center:

  • The Taste of Polonia Festival – yearly, Labor Day [our festival is one year older than the “Taste” of Chicago]
  • Mayfest – or Polish Fest
  • January charity event – WOSP (Fundraiser for children & seniors with medical needs)
  • The Copernican Award – Honoring outstanding Civic & Cultural leaders
  • Multi-Cultural Events –  True to its “community” loyalty, the Board celebrates all Cultures in Jefferson Park
  • Modern Music Events – True to its mission to support the “Performing Arts” – especially for youth
  • Community Events –  The Board recognizes the need for “Community Centers” & has supported innumerable events

Read more about the Copernicus Center history ……  CLICK HERE

BECOME A FOUNDATION MEMBER TO SUPPORT THE NON-PROFIT  WORK OF OUR BOARD → MEMBERSHIP

Interested in becoming a Board Member?  Please email the Managing Director:  [email protected]