Charity Luncheon Marks Another Meaningful Year for “Lithuanian Children’s Hope”

The Lithuanian community in Los Angeles gathered once again in support of a meaningful cause, marking another successful year of service by “Lithuanian Children’s Hope”. The annual charity luncheon, organized under the leadership of Rasa Šilkaitis, offered an opportunity not only to reflect on projects completed in 2025-2026, but also to highlight the continued impact of community support on children in Lithuania and beyond.

Held at St. Casimir Parish, the event brought together longtime supporters, volunteers, friends, and members of the broader Lithuanian-American community. Alongside fellowship and celebration, the program focused on the organization’s mission and the practical ways donor support continues to improve children’s lives.

Support Making a Tangible Difference

A major portion of the program was dedicated to projects supported over the past year, particularly in pediatric healthcare.

Among the initiatives highlighted was financial support toward pediatric laser equipment for Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics Children’s Hospital, helping expand treatment options for young patients with vascular conditions and related medical needs. Support was also provided to Klaipėda Children’s Hospital for the purchase of Hamilton Medical ventilator equipment designed for transporting critically ill pediatric patients.

These projects reflect the organization’s longstanding emphasis on support that is practical, sustainable, and directed where it can have meaningful long-term impact.

Expanding Support Beyond Medical Care

The luncheon also highlighted how the organization’s mission has continued to grow beyond traditional medical assistance, reaching broader areas of child wellbeing.

Support for the initiative “No One’s Children” helped fund the training of 24 new volunteers in Klaipėda, who spent six months supporting 52 children in hospitals and rehabilitation centers who needed emotional companionship.

Support was also provided to “Children of the Rain” for a specialized summer camp serving children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. In addition, guests heard about assistance for the organization “We Live”, whose program in Lithuania supported orphaned children displaced from Mariupol through therapy, activities, and essential care.

Together, these initiatives demonstrated how support can reach children in many different ways, medically, emotionally, and socially.

A Continuing Story of Care

Also recognized during the presentation was longtime patient Vladas Dapkus, whose treatment journey remains one of the organization’s ongoing commitments.

Following severe burn injuries, Vladas continues to undergo annual laser procedures performed at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston by Dr. Branko Bojovic, MD. For many years, “Lithuanian Children’s Hope” has assisted the family with travel and accomodation expenses for these treatment visits. Three additional laser procedures are planned again this summer as part of his continued recovery.

His case remains an example of the organization’s long-term commitment to the children and families it supports.

From Assistance Projects to Community Education

Rasa Šilkaitis also spoke about an evolving area of the organization’s mission that increasingly includes the wellbeing of younger generations in the Lithuanian diaspora.

With healthcare access in Lithuania continuing to improve, the organization has expanded attention toward prevention and education initiatives within the local community. A recent first aid training session for parents at St. Casimir Lithuanian School was presented as one example of that effort, helping strengthen awareness around child safety and health preparedness.

Looking ahead, there is hope to expand similar programs into other Lithuanian communities throughout the West Coast, broadening access to these important skills.

Following the presentation, the event’s honorary guest, Lithuanian Consul General in Los Angeles Sandra Brikaitė, offered remarks praising the organization’s sustained work and the meaningful impact it continues to have in the lives of children. She noted that such initiatives not only provide real assistance, but also strengthen the values of community and shared responsibility.

A Cherished Tradition Returns

A highlight of the afternoon was the return of the beloved Lithuanian dumpling luncheon tradition.

5,000 handmade dumplings were prepared through the efforts of the “Lithuanian Children’s Hope” team, joined by family members, friends, scouts, and members of “Knights of Lithuania”. Traveling from Chicago, Dainius Petronis, President of the Lithuanian World Center, brought his culinary expertise to the event, adding a special flavor to this part of the celebration. 

For many attendees, the meal was more than a favorite tradition returning. It was a celebration of heritage and community, and a reminder that traditions often play an important role in bringing generations together.

The Strength of Community

As the event concluded, the message was clear: a committed community can accomplish remarkable things together.

Over the years, “Lithuanian Children’s Hope” has grown into more than a charitable organization. It has become an example of how the Lithuanian diaspora can maintain a meaningful and practical connection to Lithuania through service and support.

Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every community gathering contributes to something larger than a single event. Together, they reflect an ongoing story of generosity, responsibility, and hope, one that continues to make a difference in children’s lives and points toward many meaningful efforts still ahead.If you would like to contribute and support children’s medical care, emotional well-being, and meaningful initiatives in Lithuania, we invite you to make a financial donation to “Lithuanian Children’s Hope”. Every contribution, large or small, becomes real help for those who need it most. To learn more about the organization’s work and ways to donate, please visit the “Lithuanian Children’s Hope” website.

Event photo gallery: