New York, NY (October 25, 2011) -
Amid the pomp and circumstance of a historic evening,
Nordic-American friendship was on full display as
Scandinavian Heads of State, European royalty, top
diplomats, and distinguished members of the U.S. and Nordic
cultural, educational, business, and philanthropic
communities celebrated the 100th
Anniversary of The American-Scandinavian Foundation at its
Centennial Ball in New York City.
Some 1,200 guests attended the black-tie affair in
recognition of the ASF's 100 years of building cultural and
educational bridges between the United States and the Nordic
countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Special Guests
of Honor were: Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and
Queen Silvia of Sweden; Their Majesties King Harald V and
Queen Sonja of Norway; His Excellency Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson,
President of Iceland, and Mrs. Dorrit Moussaieff; Her
Excellency Tarja Halonen, President of Finland; and Their
Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess
Mary of Denmark.
"The
Centennial Ball offered us an opportunity to reflect on the
100-year history and achievements of our unique organization
and
to celebrate the mutual respect and understanding between
the United States and Nordic countries,”
said
Edward P. Gallagher, President of The American-Scandinavian
Foundation. “We were deeply grateful for the presence of our
honored and distinguished guests at this extraordinary
celebration.”
On behalf of the Scandinavian royalty, King Carl XVI Gustaf
of Sweden – the ASF's longest serving Patron – spoke about
the
strong links between Nordic countries and the United States,
and the organization's work in furthering “understanding and
appreciation of Scandinavian thought and culture in the
U.S.”
"That we all cherish our relationship with the United States
may not be surprising when considering the fact that there
are 11 million Americans of Scandinavian ancestry here in
the U.S., sharing fundamental values to our societies,”said
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. “The desire to protect and
enhance these common bonds was the basis for the founding of
the American Scandinavian Foundation,” said King Carl XVI
Gustaf.
The ASF has served as a leading cultural institution in
promoting Nordic culture in the U.S. since its founding in
1911 by
Danish-American industrialist Niels Poulson and a small
group of Scandinavians and Americans. King Carl XVI Gustaf's
great-grandfather, King Gustav V, served as a founding
Patron of the ASF, with King Haakon VII of Norway and King
Christian X of Denmark.
Richard E. Oldenburg, Co-Chair of the ASF’s Board of
Trustees, presented each Guest of Honor with a crystal
commemorative statue to celebrate the 100th
anniversary and in appreciation of their presence at the ASF
Centennial activities.
The Honorable Barry White, US Ambassador to Norway,
delivered welcome remarks and extended congratulations to
the ASF on its 100th anniversary from President Barack Obama.
A special videotaped message was delivered by President
William J. Clinton, and a letter of congratulations was
presented from President George W. Bush on the milestone
celebration.
Proceeds from the
evening gala will support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts
to promote Nordic-American exchange and culture. ASF
President Edward P. Gallagher announced the Second Century
Fund, which builds on the previously established ASF
Centennial Fund, to dramatically expand the organization's
programming into the next century. “In the coming year, we
will be continuing to grow this Fund, to ensure the
continuing vitality of all our programs of educational and
cultural exchange,” said Gallagher.
A special video presentation of former Fellows and Interns
who have participated in the ASF programs highlighted the
exchange programs' tremendous impact around the world. Each
year, the ASF awards nearly $1 million in fellowships and
grants to individual students, scholars, professionals, and
artists for study and research in the United States and
abroad. To date, more than 30,000 Americans and
Scandinavians have participated in the ASF exchange
programs.
Tony Award winner and powerful baritone Brian Stokes
Mitchell performed American classics, including “The
Impossible Dream” from the Broadway show
Man of La Mancha.
Actress Liv Ullmann served as Masters of Ceremonies for the
Centennial Ball.
Following the program, the
Ball concluded with a festive party of dancing led by Crown
Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
ABOUT:
Since its founding in 1911, the ASF has been dedicated to
promoting mutual understanding through educational exchange
between the U.S. and the Nordic countries.