Macedonia2025 Raises $1.3 Million at Chicago Gala – Diaspora Support Fuels Leadership, Education, and Macedonian Business Development

Chicago, 23.09.2023 – Over 400 guests, including Macedonians from the diaspora, friends, and supporters of Macedonian democracy from the USA and Canada, attended the Macedonia2025 gala dinner in Chicago under the motto “The Path to Prosperity.”

The event, organized by Macedonia2025, was donor-focused and successfully raised $1.3 million, which will be directed to strengthening and expanding existing programs that build the capacities of the business community, develop leadership and education initiatives, and support Macedonian businesses.

Michael Chklamovski, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Macedonia2025, addressed the audience, recalling the organization’s beginnings and the vision set by founder John Bitove Sr., who, upon the invitation of former President Boris Trajkovski, united diaspora leaders to support Macedonia’s development with their knowledge and networks.

Nikica Mojsoska-Blazevski, Executive Director of Macedonia2025, highlighted the organization’s achievements in leadership development, youth talent programs, and business support, noting that currently over 10 programs are being implemented, with more than $300,000 annually allocated for the largest educational program through the Atanas Bliznakov Foundation.

Mojsoska-Blazevski emphasized the crucial role of the diaspora and supporters from the USA and Canada in building national capacities and human potential, while also pointing to challenges such as slow economic and democratic development. She stated:

“The potential for a prosperous future is real, but it requires urgent and focused attention, and unity. We call on everyone here to collectively create and realize the Macedonian dream – a developed, democratic, and prosperous Macedonia, good for us, the Balkans, and the world.”

The funds raised at the gala will be exclusively directed to Macedonia2025 programs, contributing to strategic goals in areas such as:

• Leadership training acceleration

• Expanding opportunities for young talents

• Strengthening business growth

• Engagement of experienced experts

• Advancing digitalization in Macedonia

• Deepening connections with the diaspora and digital nomads

President Stevo Pendarovski, a longtime partner and supporter of Macedonia2025, was the guest of honor. He highlighted the importance of cooperation and strengthening ties with the diaspora.

Under his patronage, in collaboration with Macedonia2025, initiatives such as the Ohrid – High-Tech Excellence Camp, educational programs, and other activities through the Presidential Center for Political Education have been implemented.

During the gala, President Pendarovski presented three awards:

• Two recognition awards to diaspora members – Stanley (Nace) Thomas (Canada) and Vlatko Andonovski(USA) – for their exceptional contributions.

• The highest state honor, the Order “8th of September,” was awarded to David Calhoun, CEO of Boeing, for his contribution to strengthening Macedonian-American relations.

David Calhoun expressed gratitude and pledged continued support for Macedonia through collaboration with Macedonia2025. In an interview conducted by Mike Zafirovski at the event, Calhoun spoke about the importance of effective leadership, priorities in managing companies and countries, and the role of NGOs in supporting socio-economic development.

Nevenka Dimitrova, Board Member of Macedonia2025, welcomed the attendees, expressed gratitude for their support, and emphasized the organization’s role in shaping a prosperous future for Macedonia.

The gala celebrated Macedonian culture, tradition, and cuisine, featuring performances by renowned Macedonian artists with international careers. Duke Bojadziev (piano), Krste Rodzevski (vocals), and Ismail Lumanovski (clarinet) created an unforgettable musical experience. Guests also enjoyed traditional Macedonian dances (ora) and the national anthem performed by Alexandra Pileva Chadieva, a Macedonian singer based in the USA.

This gala marks Macedonia2025’s second major fundraising event, following the first in 2015 in Ohio, USA, further strengthening diaspora engagement and support for Macedonia’s development.