Page 85 - May-June-July Life In Naples Magazine

went to work. By 2001, the organization had grown to

58 paid memberships. Rev. Stephan Nagy conducted

a Hungarian language service in the new chapel of

the First Presbyterian Church. It was the very first

service held in the new facility. The Club began to

hold dinners with Hungarian food and music in the

Naples Depot on 10th street, the Glen Eagle Country

Club and Forest Glen Country Club where the club’s

first “Night in Budapest” was held.

By 2002, the Club had expanded its mission and

was attracting visitors from around SW Florida to

its cultural events. The Erno Kallai Orchestra was

brought in from Hungary to perform along with

Prima Donna Ibolya Nagy. Count Gyula Széchényi

was feted with a dinner. A commemorative

program honored those heroes of the failed

1956 Hungarian Revolt who fell while fighting

the Soviet Union for the return of freedom to

Hungary. The Hungarian Philharmonic Orchestra

visited Naples. A special project was undertaken to

help support the building of a water supply system DANCERS IN TRADITIONAL COSTUME PERFORM A FOLK DANCE PROGRAM DURING THE FESTIVAL OF FOLK ARTS.
to small ethnic Hungarian villages in Transylvania PHOTO CREDIT: ANNTO

neglected during Soviet occupation and by the complex to await the completion of the park. It was dedicated on Sunday, December
subsequent Romanian government. 3rd,of that year in civic ceremony followed by a huge reception at Three Oaks in Estero.

Every October a wreath-laying ceremony is held at the site annually to honor all those

who fall in the fight for freedom. In 2010, the Hungarian government awarded the

Cross of Merit to five club members - Frank Dobos, Andrew Evva, Phyllis Evva,

County Commissioner Donna Fiala, and County Commissioner Frank Halas – for

their efforts on behalf of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters Federation.

Since its inception, the club has grown to over 250 members. These members are

generous in support of local charitable drives as well as international efforts in keeping

with the club’s purposes, such as relief efforts for flood victims in Hungary and support

for the establishment of the Museum of the Hungarian Language in Széphalom,

Hungary. The club kicked off

2015 activities with a donation of

$2500 to the Freedom Memorial

Foundation toward completion

of the monument in Freedom

Park. Dinner dances at local

country clubs continue with

emphasis on traditional dishes

and entertainment,often brought

in from Hungary or Canada.

The Rajko Orchestra and the

Magyar Kalman are favorites of

the crowd.

In 2005, the club joined forces with Andrew and All people who are interested in Hungarian culture are welcome to become

Phyllis Evva and their American Foundation for members. Membership includes many local businesspeople, political figures, artisans,

Hungarian Youth and Culture to raise funds to build and professionals.The club has many 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation Hungarian members

and maintain a monument to the common spirit of and spouses, many of whom no longer speak the “language of the angels” but want

freedom that drove the revolutions in America and to see their heritage preserved. Events are open to the public by reservation. Since

Hungary. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the Evvas some events are restricted by size, reservations are accepted on a first come, first served

and many club members, the statue, created by the basis. Various venues are used throughout the year - dinner-dances at local country

artist Harrison Covington, was finished in 2006. clubs, fundraisers for needy causes, religious services and luncheons at local churches,

Originally scheduled to be placed in Freedom Park, historical presentations at the main library, or picnics at local parks. The club offers at

it was given a place in the main county government least five or six events each season (October thru April).

Life in Naples | May • June • July 2015 85