Dr. Gábor Horváth Consul General of Hungary and Dinner Co-Chair reviewed that the key goal of The Grand Europe Ball is to convey the message that an enlarged European Union enhances the existing mutually beneficial partnership and trust between Europe and the United States. With all European Union Ambassadors and Consuls General expected to attend, The Grand Europe Ball promises to be an international occasion like none other. In addition to the impressive diplomatic presence and historic importance of the event, a diverse evening of entertainment will be provided.

Catherine Alapont, President of LaPont International-USA, Inc., founder and producer of The Grand Europe Ball said that on May 1^st, 2004 the Grand Europe Ball will be held for the first time in New York City, because it's the perfect home for the Ball. New York is not only the home of the United Nations, it is also the home of many Americans with European ancestry.

This signature event has been a huge success worldwide since 1993.

George Lang, Dinner Co-Chair of the Ball, renowned New York restaurateur and writer expressed his enthusiasm for the event.

Mr. Lang sees himself as a craftsman, who opened more than 200 restaurants all over the world, all different, and in 1990 he returned to Hungary to purchase, with his partner Ronald Lauder, the legendary Gundel restaurant in Budapest. He arrived to America in 1946 and eventually became also a passionate American. He feels that America was and still is the only place where if you want something, and you put work and time into it, you could make it. The very first job he held in New York was cleaning vegetables at Columbia University's restaurant, but eventually he got to the Waldorf and became the assistant banquet manager arranging banquet for Queen Elizabeth, among others.

Being a "great great father, son, cousin" of the Waldorf and to go back on May 1^st on this unbelievable event has fabulous meaning for Mr. Lang, who strongly recommends to do everything you can to bring people to buy tables, seats to help the first Grand Europe Ball in New York to become an extraordinary success.

Angel Carro Castrilla, Deputy EU Ambassador to the UN talked about the importance of this historic moment and urged everybody to participate actively celebrating enlargement of the European Union.

Professor  Volker R. Berghahn, Director of Institute for the Study of Europe History Department represented Columbia University at the reception. Columbia University will benefit from the Ball in recognition of the University's dedication to teaching European culture and history and also receiving European scholars and post-grads for various projects.

Anton Karlov Acting Consul General of the Bulgarian Consulate General, NY with Alex Donner, leader of The Alex Donner Orchestra which will provide music and entertainment at the Ball

Related links and reservations:

Grand Europe Ball NYC and Europe Week

Hungarian Consulate General, NY

Hungarian Consulate General @ gimagine