On September 18, 2026, the Old Mill Restaurant in Toronto hosted the Rákóczi Foundation’s annual Gala. The evening celebrated the strength of the Hungarian community, the preservation of its cultural heritage and the Foundation’s commitment to supporting younger generations. All profits from the Gala will benefit the Foundation’s youth initiatives, scholarships, school meal program and Students Without Boundaries Program.
The evening opened with an address by the Foundation’s President, Dr. Susan Papp Aykler, who highlighted its wide-ranging programs and achievements, as well as its decades of work supporting young Hungarians throughout the Carpathian Basin and strengthening Hungarian identity in diaspora communities.
The event was honoured by the presence of Miklós Lengyel, Ambassador of Hungary to Canada, who greeted the Foundation’s community of supporters and praised its dedicated service to Hungarian youth living beyond Hungary’s borders. Gábor Markocsány, Community Diplomat and Consul, also attended the Gala. Before dinner, Father Árpád Horváth offered a blessing.
Following dinner, the Rákóczi Awards were presented to four individuals whose professional accomplishments and community service have made a lasting contribution to preserving and passing on Hungarian culture.
Kalman Magyar is a musician, cultural advocate and international lawyer who has spent decades promoting Hungarian folk traditions across North America. As a co-founder of the Életfa Hungarian Folk Music Band and a musician with Toronto’s Gyanta Ensemble, he has introduced generations of audiences to the living musical heritage of the Carpathian Basin.
v. Péter Majthényi was born and raised in Ontario but has maintained a close connection to Hungary throughout his life. His family has supported the Rákóczi Foundation for generations and remains committed to helping young Hungarians in the diaspora discover their roots and experience a sense of belonging to the wider Hungarian community.
Dr. Ágnes Elekes, an ophthalmologist and researcher born in Csíkszereda, combines clinical and scientific excellence with a commitment to sustainable eye care. A former participant in the Students Without Boundaries Program, she has supported the Foundation and its young participants as a regional coordinator since 2011.
Dr. Zoltán Csadi is an actor, director, theatre historian and Artistic Director of the Bartók Chamber Theatre in Dunaújváros. After participating in the Students Without Boundaries Program in 2000, he became actively involved in organizing the Foundation’s programs. Today, he also serves as a board member and executive director of its partner organization in Hungary.
Although the four recipients represent different professions and life journeys, they share a deep commitment to Hungarian culture, community service and future generations. The Rákóczi Gala in Toronto once again demonstrated that our heritage remains alive when we preserve it together and pass it on to those who follow us.
Fotók: Perl Janos – Perl Creative