The 2016 AmCham Thanksgiving Ball on Žofín Island
Žofín Palace, Prague, CZ
November 2016
#175
Title: Making It Happen, 2016 Artist: April Popko Location: Prague, CZ Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas Dimensions: 160x100cm Created especially for the charity work of the American Chamber of Commerce through the representation of Coca-Cola Czech Republic in the Silent Auction at the Žofín Palace Gala, November 2016. |
"Thanksgiving--Community is built on the backs of those individuals who combine rare talent with the desire to benefit not only themselves but others. We give ourselves to those individuals in our community who have committed their time to making a better place for each of us to live and work. This goes with the one world, many voices-- Active participation in our communities is not only beneficial for our society, but also helps to build trust among people, which is crucial for each democracy. For this reason, the AmCham continues in its philanthropic program: One World, Many Voices. From 2013, the program's aim has expanded from the support of communication in English to the support of school projects that benefits local communities and builds relationships with local governments." - as mentioned on the AmCham Thanksgiving Ball program.
American artist, April Popko, has lived and worked from her Prague 5 studio since 2003. She focuses on transferring strong energy through painting to bring positivity and light. Popko’s international debut solo exhibits were an immediate success in Prague (Color Flash, Spring 2016; Branching Out, Autumn 2016). Born in Massachusetts, Popko has also presented her work in group exhibitions at the renowned Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA, the country’s oldest art colony.
The American Chamber of Commerce, Prague organized the Silent Auction Gala to support One World Many Voices. AmCham's One World, Many Voices activities aim at improving how our communities cooperate to improve our country's quality of life. AmCham initially provided language laboratories to elementary and middle schools throughout the country. During the 2002 floods, they worked with local non-profits to provide industrial dryers to villages. Since then, they have provided funding to local schools for student projects that increase community participation. This year, AmCham has chosen two projects that fit two of our long-term priorities--a modern workforce an good government. All money raised at the Gala was contributed to the projects.
Projects:
NFNZ - Nadační fond nezavislé žurnalistiky - NFNZ - The Endowment for Independent Journalism (www.nfnz.cz) and the www.VsechnyZakazky.cz Project, a public procurement initiative focused on transparency, are teaming together to establish a grant to support systematic media coverage of public procurement. AmCham asks you to contribute to the grant that will help Czech reporters to highlight best practices in public procurement on local and municipal levels and devote their energies to serious issues in this area b way of investigative journalism. AmCham financially supported the creation of the www.VsechnyZakazky.cz online database for government procurement.
Dejme Dětem Šanci - LET'S GIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE help prepare young people from children's homes for the start of their individual lives. The aim of the scholarship program is to give these children an opportunity to carry on with their studies so that they can attain qualifications that increase their chances on the job market and at the same time to strengthen the development of their personalities. We will also provide equipment some children may need to embark on their chosen careers.
The American Chamber of Commerce, Prague organized the Silent Auction Gala to support One World Many Voices. AmCham's One World, Many Voices activities aim at improving how our communities cooperate to improve our country's quality of life. AmCham initially provided language laboratories to elementary and middle schools throughout the country. During the 2002 floods, they worked with local non-profits to provide industrial dryers to villages. Since then, they have provided funding to local schools for student projects that increase community participation. This year, AmCham has chosen two projects that fit two of our long-term priorities--a modern workforce an good government. All money raised at the Gala was contributed to the projects.
Projects:
NFNZ - Nadační fond nezavislé žurnalistiky - NFNZ - The Endowment for Independent Journalism (www.nfnz.cz) and the www.VsechnyZakazky.cz Project, a public procurement initiative focused on transparency, are teaming together to establish a grant to support systematic media coverage of public procurement. AmCham asks you to contribute to the grant that will help Czech reporters to highlight best practices in public procurement on local and municipal levels and devote their energies to serious issues in this area b way of investigative journalism. AmCham financially supported the creation of the www.VsechnyZakazky.cz online database for government procurement.
Dejme Dětem Šanci - LET'S GIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE help prepare young people from children's homes for the start of their individual lives. The aim of the scholarship program is to give these children an opportunity to carry on with their studies so that they can attain qualifications that increase their chances on the job market and at the same time to strengthen the development of their personalities. We will also provide equipment some children may need to embark on their chosen careers.
Note from the artist:
As an American, living in Prague, being part of American holiday festivities such as something as traditional as “Thanksgiving”—my favorite-- has been very special to me. When I was asked to be part of this charity auction (through Coca Cola), I felt honored. As an American artist, teacher and mother, supporting the needs of children with whom that the Chamber of Commerce is associated has been a great honor.
As an American, living in Prague, being part of American holiday festivities such as something as traditional as “Thanksgiving”—my favorite-- has been very special to me. When I was asked to be part of this charity auction (through Coca Cola), I felt honored. As an American artist, teacher and mother, supporting the needs of children with whom that the Chamber of Commerce is associated has been a great honor.