Rock and Blues Benefit Concert for Alex B Trust

Rock & Blues Benefit Concert for Alex Blaczscuk Trust

Edited by: Ania Jablonowski

On Thursday March 28^th, Chicagoans gathered together at Vertigo Sky Lounge for an evening filled with Rock & Blues and positive energy to support The Alex Blaszczuk Trust. Quon Global Health Initiative and First Generation American Project hosted the benefit concert mixer with Rock musician guitarist Dr. Nadim Akhter, also known as Quon, who shared the stage with Dr. Dan Ivankovich and his band, Chicago Blues All-Stars.

The goal of the benefit was to raise funds and increase awareness for Alex Blaszczuk, a law student at Columbia University in New York, currently finishing up her second year of studies. After graduating next year, she’ll be working in New York as a transactional lawyer, pursuing her passion for international law. While this dream is becoming increasingly possible, this was not the case not very long ago.

A car accident in 2011 left Alex paralyzed from the chest down due to a very high, complete cervical spine fracture. Despite intensive physical therapy at the Rehab Institute of Chicago, Alex will be wheelchair-bound and unable to use her wrist and hands for the foreseeable future. The only way Alex could return to New York, rather than staying under the full-time care of her parents in Chicago, was through amazingly generous donations to her Special Needs Trust.

It’s this generosity of friends and strangers in Chicago and beyond that has allowed her to take on the challenge of returning to school and becoming independent once again, even though she needs complete assistance with everything from turning in bed to taking notes. The path, financially and emotionally, remains challenging – but each donation is not only a very practical and essential part of helping Alex stay in school and on track to her goals, but also an amazing vote of confidence in her ability to do so.

Rock and Blues Benefit Concert  – Photo by Arkadiusz Krason

Through the collaboration of gifted doctors, musicians, artists and entrepreneurs, the event raised a total of over $3,000, which was directly deposited to Alex’s Special Needs Trust. Alex’s accident was deemed “no fault” and as one can imagine, costs not covered by insurance such as home modifications, adaptive equipment, additional physical therapy, full-time care giving, specialized transportation and other such immediate needs are very expensive and require continued financial aid.

Alex Blaszczuk was introduced to Dr. Akhter in 2012 during an art gallery benefit held for her at The Society for Arts, hosted by photographer Kasia Jarosz and Ania Jablonowski, founder of First Generation American Project. Dr. Akhter was touched by Alex’s story and expressed his interest in teaming up with friend and former colleague Dr. Ivankovich to put on a concert.

In the confusion that erupts within today’s modern world, both doctors are a throwback to what is perceptive in society. Although both are qualified American doctors, having treated in excess of 25,000 patients between them, it is their spirituality in delivering their message and healing powers through their musical talent that makes them unique.

Dr. Akhter MD received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from DePaul University and was recognized as Outstanding Graduating Senior. He then went on to Rush Medical College and completed his Residency at Rush University Medical Center. Through 2008, he treated patients at a private practice focusing on long term care for the critically ill. Since then, he has performed Rock n Roll worldwide at venues such as Whisky a Go Go, Hard Rock, Shrine, Martini Club, among others. Dr. Akhter has been featured in Cannes Film Festival for directing The Love Within, and also highlighted as Artist of the Month for October 2012 in Raga to Rock, India’s Premier Music Magazine. His passion to help patients and play music has merged in a perfect way this past week, alongside his friend and former colleague at Vertigo Sky Lounge for Alex Blaszczuk Trust.

Dr. Ivankovich MD is an American orthopedic surgeon, media personality, humanitarian, and blues musician with the Chicago Blues All-Stars. He is from Chicago, Illinois where he is known for his efforts on behalf of the under-served in Chicago’s inner city via The Bone Squad, a consortium of surgeons, primary-care doctors, and other medical professionals who treat the city’s low-income population. Dr Ivankovich is also a medical director of OnePatient – Global Health Initiative, Chicagoan of the Year award recipient, and a Katie Couric Hometown Hero. His national recognition for his work and international fan base for his music truly make him a one of a kind.

The Rock & Blues benefit concert for Alex Blaszczuk was an inspiring success, thanks to event attendees and sponsors. Local eateries Indian Garden and Oak Mill Bakery donated appetizers and pastries; Kamil Bartoszcze of KBE Entertainment guest DJ’ed, photographers Arkadiusz Krason, Rubin R. Roche, and Neal Agustin volunteered their time and talent; Flip Foto setup a filmstrip photo booth; Olivia Geyelin captured video footage; and AR TV Chicago provided live streaming for the whole event, allowing Alex to be part of the event through a Google Hangout session. Guests greeted Alex on a large projection screen as she thanked everyone for their support. Many Chicago businesses also donated raffle and silent auction prizes that raised additional funds, including a special painting created by Iwona Duniec of InDeco.  Polish American Chamber of Commerce and Connect.Inspire.Grow helped promote the event to their networks, and Holy Name Cathedral even featured information in their Young Adult Newsletter.

There was definitely a palpable sense of love and kindness for Alex throughout the evening. Between the heartfelt tunes, smiling faces, and giving spirits, there one could feel a certain magic in the air. Moments from the event can be viewed on Facebook including photos, video, and guest feedback.

Event coordinator and First Generation American Project founder Ania Jablonowski is determined to continue supporting Alex on her journey. The two women have formed a new-found friendship through these events, and Ania plans to visit Alex in New York this summer. Both are first generation Americans of Polish descent and will be working together to document the experience of growing up “FGA” in the States through video interviews and ultimately a chapter in an upcoming book at the end of the year.

Contributions to The Alex Blaszczuk Trust are continuously appreciated and can be made on Alex’s website www.alexbtrust.org

Special thanks to Chicago Rewia for featuring our event in your April issue!

First Generation American Drinks and Dialogue with Gino Bartucci

First Generation American Project “Drinks & Dialogue” in studio at AR TV Chicago on May 11, 2013.  Ania Jablonowski interviews  Gino Bartucci, General Manager of Vertigo Sky Lounge on his experience of growing up first generation in the United States.

Article as published in Chicago Rewia on May 17, 2013
By: Ania Jablonowski

When it comes to food and entertainment, Gino Bartucci is one of Chicago’s top experts. As a recipient of the David Award for excellence in business sales and promotions by the Italian National Union Foundation, Gino has built a solid reputation in the food and beverage industry. It’s not a surprise that his success has flourished from a lifetime career that was inspired by his family.

This first generation American, whose full name is MarcAntonio Gino Bartucci, is the General Manager of Vertigo Sky Line.  Located at the Dana Hotel in downtown Chicago, Vertigo was named one of the “Top 3 Hotel Bars in America” and #1 Event of the Year for their “Zombie Apocalypse” party by Nightclub & Bar Awards, and is also named “Top 12 Bars in the Nation for After Work Drinks” by the Huffington Post. Throughout his career, Gino has owned, operated, and or consulted over 20 reputable venues in Chicago. He has accommodated all types of celebrities like Jeremy Piven, Steven Spielberg, the Kardashian’s, Kanye West, and athletes from the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, among many others.

First Generation American Gino Bartucci at Vertigo Sky Lounge

Gino’s roots in the industry stem from his parents’ experience. His mother and father moved to Chicago from Italy in pursuit of work and a better life. “Italy is shaped like boot, so my parents are from the toe and the heel of the boot. One was a fishing village and the other was a farming village in the mountains. It’s beautiful there.” Coming from a country where food was the pride of the culture, his father immediately immersed himself in what he knew best. “Naturally the food business was one of the first jobs my dad was able to get in America. Italians have a passion for food, so it just fit. Food was not only something to sustain and eat, but it was a focus of conversation, something to do on a Friday or Saturday night.”

Mr. Bartucci’s first business, Gino’s Italian Imports, was located on the north side of Chicago. The deli sold homemade sausages, cheeses, and traditional Italian ingredients. The family also opened up Pasta Fresh, a pasta factory that has been in business for about 30 years, providing fresh homemade pastas and sauces on a daily basis to residents and restaurants throughout Chicago. Gino notes, “Our quality products are not only as traditional as it comes, but when people come from Italy they really connect with it, it’s beautiful to see. It’s more than food.”

When asked about his first job, Gino laughs, “To say you have a first job, you’d have to say you actually get paid!” He was about seven years old when he began running around his father’s restaurant as a “curly haired kid in a suit,” smiling at everyone and thanking for them for coming in. The restaurant staff especially loved this, since customers would tip a little more generously.

Another restaurant opened up by the Bartucci family is Nonna Carmela, named after Gino’s late grandmother from his father’s side. There, Gino began bussing tables, assisting guests, and helping with all of the general responsibilities. He says, “It all comes down to service. We treat our business like we treat our homes. Anyone coming in is welcomed with arms wide open, and it’s very warm. Guests feel that they want to come back.” This is a motto that has carried on and is pressed upon his current staff at Vertigo.

He reflects on how the family’s deli and restaurants impacted his childhood experience of bringing a lunch to school. “I had roasted chestnuts, weird stinky cheeses wrapped in foil, random fruits, giant Italian subs that weren’t very popular yet – it was the days before Jarred made Subway cool. None of the kids wanted to trade with me, I wasn’t getting the chocolate pudding. I had a can of sardines, who wants to trade with that?” He appreciates being able to look back and joke about the memory now.

Gino’s first language was English, as his mother wanted her kids to become “strong Americans.” However, preserving the Italian culture was still very important to both of his parents, so he spent the majority of his early childhood surrounded by family and friends who spoke Italian and kept the traditions alive. “There was a little bit of an Italian school, but there wasn’t an actual school structure. It was set up through friends of the family at the cultural center. The kids attended to be with other kids their age, in a cultural setting.” He attended the school on weekends through about seventh or eighth grade.

Naturally, I asked Gino to teach me some Italian 101. He starts off with, “It’s all in hand motions, and you have to speak passionately.” As I motion my hands around like an orchestra pit conductor, I request for him to share three words or phrases. “Carne. Formaggio. Pasta. …Meat, cheese, and pasta – the three staples of what we revolve around, the staples of life.”

Gino also makes a point to mention that he is a diehard soccer fan, or perhaps – Fútbol. He grew up watching the sport with a love for Gli Azzurri, the national Italian team, which he refers to as “the pride of the country.” He notes that it helped him identify with his roots as an Italian-American, and has played the sport since early childhood. He chants, “Forza Azzurri!”

He then shares a fascinating experience that happened during high school. “A couple months after everything was still in an uproar after September 11th, I received letter from the Italian government – just two days after I turned 18 – that I need to report to Torino for duty and serve in the Italian army.” His family had to prove that he was a fulltime US student to absolve him from duty. “It was scary. Here you are in America, worried about getting drafted for the US army, and then you get a letter from Italy.” This happened due to his dual-citizenship, which his parents filed for in his early years. He states that it is a privilege to have citizenship in both countries.

It was truly remarkable to learn about Gino’s experience of growing up first generation American in the States. We have known each other since high school, and never quite knew how much we related based on our FGA upbringing. Recently, we connected on an even greater “first gen” level, when we co-hosted the “Rock and Blues” benefit concert for Alex Blaszczuk. Gino is also excited to host our future “Drinks & Dialogue” event at Vertigo on June 25th at 7pm.

To connect with Gino and learn more about Vertigo Sky Lounge, visit http://www.vertigoskylounge.com

Ania Jablonowski interviews First Generation Americans Dr. Joanna Slusky, O.D., from Halsted Eye Boutique and Gino Bartucci, General Manager of Vertigo Sky Lounge

First Generation American Project “Drinks & Dialogue” in studio at AR TV Chicago on May 11, 2013.  Ania Jablonowski interviews Dr. Joanna Slusky, O.D., from Halsted Eye Boutique and Gino Bartucci, General Manager of Vertigo Sky Lounge on their experiences of growing up first generation in the United States.

First Generation American Project Interview with Tina Janczura, Director of External Communications at Leo Burnett

Article as published in Chicago Rewia on May 10, 2013
By: Ania Jablonowski

As the Director of External Communications at Leo Burnett, Tina Janczura is an expert in taking a message and projecting it accordingly to her respective audience. This is not just a talent that she picked up during her schooling at Valparaiso University and Cambridge; it has been ingrained in her psyche since early childhood.

Tina Janczura, First Generation American and Director of External Communications at Leo Burnett

Tina and her brother Tom are first generation Americans whose parents came to US from Bielsko-Biała, Poland in their early twenties. Though their parents lived near each other in their homeland, they met in Chicago and “came here with a blank canvas,” she says, admiring the fact that her family was able to start a new life with a new environment, culture, and of course – language.

Mr. and Mrs. Janczura were proud of their Polish heritage and made sure that their children grew up with a strong cultural experience, submerged in their roots, while adapting to the States. Growing up, Tina and Tom would travel to Poland for the summer each year, and like many of us “first gen’s” they attended Polish school on Saturdays. This certainly helped Tina connect to her heritage on such a special level, that she was recently seeking to join an organization that allows her to give back to her culture and considered calling the Polish embassy in Chicago to get involved. She jokes that it was serendipity that a mutual friend of ours to introduced us to each other for this interview.

First Generation American Project “Drinks & Dialogue” Studio Interview.  From Left: Ania Jablonowski and Tina Janczura

With a highly successful career at Leo Burnett, Tina explains that she has been primed for this role her entire life. “I’ve been a spokesperson since I was a kid, since I would take messages, interpret them, flip them to another language, and carry them through.” She spoke Polish at home with her family, English with her friends and classmates, and translated from one language to the other. This came naturally to Tina. She recalls, “It was just something we would do and not even think about it. Looking back, it was a great experience. I feel so much more prepared for what I do for a living.”

“I never felt like I couldn’t succeed as a woman,” says Tina, noting that her inspiration stems from her parents’ hard work and determination to build a solid future for their family. In 1981, Mr. and Mrs. Janczura started R&J CNC Works, Inc., a quality manufacturing and machining company in Franklin Park. They happily employed Tina when she turned 16, and she laughs that her dad was “the toughest boss” she ever had. He handed her a big book of clients that he wanted to work for, and Tina got her first taste of marketing and sales by cold calling prospective clients.

Tina underlines that her Polish background helps her connect with Leo Burnett employees and clients all over the world. The global advertising agency is headquartered in Chicago and has about 10,000 employees and 96 offices worldwide. “My job is to protect and promote the agency, so I’m taking the stories from the agency and sharing them externally, whether it’s with press, with speeches, with leadership. So it’s like I’m serving as this communication liaison, this reputation manager, throughout my entire life.”

When working with Leo Burnett’s global offices or clients, Tina is able to embrace her culture in a way that first generation Americans can relate to and appreciate. “You have 15 seconds to sell your story because everyone is so busy, and they’re writing stories. They’re on deadlines. My 15-second sales pitch was explaining how to say my name. I would call and say, ‘Hi, this is Tina Janczura. Yes, it’s a C, a C-Z. The C, the C is silent.’ I didn’t even get to what I was trying to sell them. So what I started doing, and actually, it’s working really well, I have the phonetic spelling of my name in my email signature stamp.”

Tina says her ethnic name also acts as a door opener by catalyzing conversations about cultural values and traditions with people around the world. She even communicates with Leo Burnett’s Warsaw office by speaking and writing in Polish. “I do call my Mom or Dad, and ask, ‘OK. Can you just make sure I’m saying this right?’”

In addition to her PR career, Tina is also an avid photographer. “Photography was a passion that my parents and I shared growing up and still do today. What’s beautiful about photography is that regardless of your culture or nationality, images speak a universal language.”

Connect with Tina and check out her photography portfolio online at www.tinajanczura.com

Interview with Wojciech Kalembasa, First Generation American of Polish Descent

Each week, First Generation American Project’s “Drinks & Dialogue” column is featured in the Polish-American newspaper, Chicago Rewia. It’s truly an honor to be able to share the stories of inspiring FGA’s throughout the US in this publication.

First Generation American Project Live in Studio at AR TV Chicago 4.20.13

Article as published in Chicago Rewia on May 3, 2013:

First Generation American Project Drinks and Dialogue Column in Chicago Rewia Newspaper 5.3.2013

When Wojciech Kalembasa and I met in fourth grade, we immediately had something in common: we were one of the few first generation American students of Polish descent at our school, which had the privilege of attending two schools during the week. For any Polish-Americans reading this – you know exactly what I am talking about. We all fondly remember “English school” Monday through Friday, followed by Polish school on Saturdays. In my case, I certainly lamented over the fact that I could not participate in sleepovers on Fridays with my American friends because I had to stay home and learn wierszyki, but in Wojciech’s case he credits Polish school as a key experience that led to his success in starting his own business.

Wojciech is a Managing Director at LCP360, a virtual tour company that is recognized as a Google Trusted Agency, founded with the intention to provide business professionals with an easy and cost effective way to showcase their properties from anywhere in the world.

Like most first generation Americans, Wojciech says his parents came to the US in pursuit of greater opportunities for their family. Though they were living a comfortable life in Poland, the intention was to come here and build an even brighter future for Wojciech and his brother. At the age the age of one, he moved to Chicago from Kraków.

Naturally, Wojciech was submerged in the Polish culture from early childhood. He mentions, “My first language and my first culture that I learned about was Polish.” His parents spoke Polish at home, cooked the traditional cuisines, and even sent him to Poland every summer for vacation. He attended a public school in Chicago and explains how even his “English school” accommodated students with strong cultural backgrounds.

“It was kind of weird. A Chicago public school had a second and third grade class merged together, taught by a Polish teacher, and she spoke Polish half the time and English half the time. And we were all Polish. I mean, I don’t hear about those now.”

It wasn’t until moving to Park Ridge, IL during fourth grade that Wojciech says he was “thrown into this American culture.” He mentions that it was “a totally different world.”

After spending years in Polish-American classes, the English language was “not his strong point,” says Wojciech, so he was placed in classes like Resource, which gave students one-on-one attention with teachers to improve their reading and writing skills. Since he was one of the few students in the school that did not speak English very well, he says this was very helpful in learning the language, and he did not feel embarrassed about taking the additional classes. These days, ESL (English as a Second Language) is very common, and first generation American kids can truly benefit from the programs.

As Wojciech’s academic programs at Franklin Elementary School were all in English, his parents signed him up for Polish School at St. John Brebeuf in Niles on Saturdays. He states, “I think the most important part was that I was constantly around people that spoke Polish, so Polish school was more of this ongoing practice of speaking Polish and just keeping up with dialect or writing. That definitely helped keep the language alive.”

This certainly influenced his career. He says, “I started off as a mortgage broker, and 95% of my clients were Polish. They were referred to me through my Mom, a realtor. Thinking about it now, if I didn’t speak Polish, I wouldn’t be able to communicate with these clients because they only spoke Polish.”

His success in the mortgage industry gave him the opportunity to save up for his own business and also identify a need in the market: better quality indoor 360-degree virtual tours. He started up LCP360 in 2010, using a combination of state of the art camera equipment as well as cutting edge technology to create virtual tours and panel pictures. LCP360 clients include All State Arena, DePaul University, Hilton Hotels, Rush University Medical Center, among many others in all types of industries throughout the country. One venue that we are all very familiar with in the Polish community is Copernicus Center, whose website utilizes the tours as well.

Connect with Wojciech and experience a virtual tour online at www.LCP360.com