On Saturday, November 1st, 2003, in the Buffet Crystal at 5285 Henri Bourassa West, Ville St. Laurent, over 200 guests took part in the 38th Annual Scholarship Ball of the Canadian Slovak Professional and Business Association (CSPBA). This annual ball is a formal event with live music and dancing. The Scholarship Ball, since its inception, has always been a dignified event and the climax of the Montreal Slovak Social Calendar. Cocktails, with delicious hors d'oeuvres and Champagne, started at 6:00 PM.

CSPBA Anual Ball

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At 7:00 P.M., the emcee for the evening's festivities, Dr. Steve Hreha, introduced the twelve scholarship winners and their escorts. The twelve scholarships awarded this year amounted to $7000. The members of the CSPBA are proud of the fact that during our 41 year existence, the Association has awarded scholarships to 325 students of Slovak descent, who pursued their education beyond high school, for a total of $172, 000. The President of the Organization, Dr. Joseph Brody, introduced the honorary guests, his Worship, the Mayor of Montreal, Mr. Gerald Tramblay and his wife. The Mayor took pride in spending a few moments with every single one of our 200 guests. His warm attitude created a special atmosphere, which was positively received by everyone attending the Ball. It is worth mentioning that although the Mayor was, that same evening, invited to participate in two other significant events, including the diner dance of the Lakeshore General Hospital, he preferred to spend practically the entire evening at our Ball. After a short introduction of other dignitaries, among whom were included Mr. Štefan Rozkopál, Slovak Chargé d'Affaires, and Peter Bencurík, the commercial attaché of the Slovak Republic, the excellent five course dinner with wine was served.

The main event of the evening, the awarding of scholarships to students, took place during the serving of the desert. Mr. Edward Baluch, one of three trustees of the CSPBA Scholarship Fund, introduced the other trustees Dr. John Chomay and the President Dr. Jozef Brody, along with the recipients of this year's awards. Among the twelve scholarship recipients, five attend CEGEP and seven were from various universities from the Montreal area. Dr. John Chomay introduced the nine students who received $500.00 each, after which Mr. Ed Baluch called upon the Chargé d'Affaires of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Štefan Rozkopál and the Mayor of Montreal, Mr. Gerald Tramblay, to take part in bestowing the three special awards:

1. Mr. Pierre Brunet, the owner of eight McDonald's franchises, awarded the Pierre and Celine Brunet scholarship in the amount of $750 to the best university student, to Martin Irman, a student at McGill University.
2. Adam Ciepli of Marianopolis College, the best student from CEGEP, was presented with a $750 Scholarship from La Maison Slovaque by Mme Eva Petráš, the President of La Maison Slovaque.
3. Steve Šimkovic, son of the late John Šimkovic, presented the $1000 John Šimkovic Memorial Scholarship to Martina Kosticka from Concordia University, the best overall student.

After short speeches by the valedictorian, Martina Kosticka, the Slovak Chargé d'Affaires Mr. Štefan Rozkopál and His Worship, Mayor Gerald Trambley, who addressed everyone attending the Ball. Immediately following the speeches, Harold Birkens' Band began to play dance music. After a short while, the outgoing first woman president of the CSPBA, Mme Eva Petráš, introduced the new, first Jewish president of CSPBA, Dr. Joseph Brody then addressed the Ball with a short report on the "State of the Association". He emphasized that this year's 38 Scholarship Ball was the first one in the Association's history to make a profit. This surplus was created thanks to the contributions of our generous donors, and not at the expense of our guests. Dr. Brody also pointed out that the Mayor's visit gave the Slovak community the recognition, which it richly deserves. The fact that the CSPBA elected a Jewish president showed that in these turbulent times, we created a microcosm of tolerance and respect which welcomes all members of our Slovak community with open arms.

At Midnight, the draw of seven door prizes made a number of people happy. Mr. Kuzík, the director of the Czech Airlines in Montreal, presented the main prize, which was a return airline ticket for two to Bratislava, the capital of Slovak Republic. Among the other prizes were:

1. 4 monthly suppers for the entire year, donated by Mr. Pierre Brunet, owner of the eight McDonald's restaurants in the Montreal area (Cote-des-Neiges, Cavendish Mall, Queen Mary, Westmont, Decarie, Wal-Mart, Beaumont and St. Jacques).
2. An ink-jet color printer, donated by Mr. Victor Pospodinis from Canacomp Systems Inc.
3. Two dinners (worth $100) at the La Sarcelle restaurant in Bedford (tel. 450-248-4440) donated by Mr. And Mrs. Aladar Galbavý. This is an outstanding establishment, which in a lovely environment serves delicious Slovak, middle European and French food.
4. Two lunches at the Vieux Mozart restaurant in Old Montreal (tel. 514-871-0717), donated by owner Mr. Peter Noga. This Slovak restaurant is a very fine establishment of which our community should be proud.
5. Mr. Peter Krc, our local Slovak artist, donated a beautiful painting.

After the door prizes were presented Harry Birkens and his band played on 'till the small hours of the morning when everyone, after an evening of good food and fine entertainment, said good night and "See you next year at the same place, on November 6th, 2004, at the 39th Annual Scholarship Ball".