We invite you to be part of improving the Lithuanian World Center for today’s community and future generations.
As the Lithuanian World Center celebrates 38 years of serving the Lithuanian community, we thank you for being an integral part of our success. We hope you have had the opportunity to read our 2024 Annual Report. This year, we are carrying out several important facilities improvement projects to create a safer and more welcoming space for our community. We invite you to support the 2025 Annual Appeal to help offset the cost of these initiatives.
To supplement the information below, we have prepared a short video highlighting three of this year’s major capital improvement projects at the Lithuanian World Center.
Thanks to generous donors and ongoing community support, the Lithuanian World Center is able to carry out facilities improvement projects year-round. Funds raised through the 2025 Annual Appeal will help offset the cost of the following projects that are currently underway or planned for completion later this year:
The 6,000-square-foot roof over the west end of the Lithuanian World Center was in poor condition and was beyond repair. It needed to be replaced to prevent further water damage to the Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Mission sacristy and “Pas Prelatą” meeting room, the Lithuanian Foundation administration office, the Lithuanian World Center administration offices and newly renovated conference room. The roof was replaced this spring and is awaiting inspection. Project cost: $150,000.
The folk art wing of the building, including the Lithuanian Folk Art Institute of Chicago Gallery and the Lithuanian Museum of Art reading room and woodcarving gallery, is currently at risk of fire due to the absence of sprinklers. The State of Illinois requires sprinklers to be installed. This upgrade will help to ensure the life safety of our visitors and prevent total loss of priceless cultural artifacts in the event of a fire. Project cost: $50,000.
The old wooden steps leading up to the Hill of Crosses have been replaced with beautiful flagstone steps and a decorative granite boulder wall. These improvements have greatly enhanced the beauty of this important religious sanctuary and cultural landmark, with the final phase of landscaping around the steps soon to be completed. Project cost: $35,000.
These investments are part of more than $600,000 in Facilities Stewardship projects that are currently underway or planned for completion later year. Other planned capital improvements include the replacement of deteriorating water pipes in the Lithuanian Museum of Art and renovations to our picnic grounds, as well as ongoing repairs and maintenance of our 125,000-square-foot building.
Funds raised through the 2025 Annual Appeal will directly support these critical investments. We invite you to make a generous gift to the 2025 Annual Appeal today and be part of improving the Lithuanian World Center for today’s community and future generations. Every donation, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Learn about the many different ways to financially support the Lithuanian World Center.
Make a one-time or monthly donation via credit card, bank transfer, Venmo, or Paypal.
Set up an automatic monthly donation via credit card or bank transfer.
Fill out a paper donation form and send a check to the Lithuanian World Center.
Donate via Zelle by directing your contribution to the email address [email protected].
Ask your employer if the Lithuanian World Center is eligible for a matching gift.
Work with our partner CARS to donate your used vehicle and support the Lithuanian World Center.