The First to KESKUS Leadership Donor Preview event took place on Saturday August 15th. After guests arrived at the KESKfEST Festival Tent on Madison Avenue, they were guided by Youth Delegates to the Jänes-Koppel Grand Hall where guests were greeted by a signature mocktail of black currant spritz inspired by Estonian flavours.
Tuuli Olo and her cello marked the first musical performance at KESKUS. The bright setting sun lit the interior and warmed the audience for the next hour. Ellen Valter, the KESKUS project lead, extended greetings and sincere thanks to all supporters of the project. She introduced key speakers including major donors Lembit Jänes, Andrew Prozes, Glen Leis, and Priit Hõbemägi of the Jaan Tõnisson Postimees Foundation. The Estonian Ambassador-designate Gert Auväärt warmly introduced himself. Ellen thanked Kai Virkus for providing guests with a special keepsake, literally from the foundation of KESKUS. Hälli, Sten, Källa and Tanner Puust, singing from high over the Grand Hall, graced the audience with the first vocal performance at KESKUS. Many including Rita Kütti remarked that,”the four voices were angelic and blew me away.” Nyla Tõllasepp had the honour of dancing the first ballet at KESKUS, a performance that was “beautiful and provocative” according to Mati Otsmaa. He also noted that “the glass walls in the atrium are a stunning statement of the strength of KESKUS.”
“I was surprised to feel so emotional when I got inside! I was proud to attend as an individual donor as well as on behalf of the Estonian Foundation of Canada…”
(Eva Varangu)
Just before sunset, the guests returned to the Festival Tent. Beautiful drapery, chandeliers, and mood lighting created an awesome venue. The NBCU Lounge served as an elegant place to relax. Drinks included the signature Põhjakask. Delicious “boatloads” of appetizers crafted by Susi Holmberg and the musical renderings of Kaja Reloaded caused toes to tap and led many to the dance floor, including the four “angels” who also demonstrated their dancing skills.
Mihkel Kütti, one of the next generation of donors commented, “The evening was a chance for friends to connect, admire the progress to-date, and recognize that there is still much left in order to get the job done.” Eva Varangu noted, “I was surprised to feel so emotional when I got inside! I was proud to attend as an individual donor as well as on behalf of the Estonian Foundation of Canada, one of the four Founding Organizations that made KESKUS happen.”
Photos and text by Peeter Põldre
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