Over 80 distinguished guests attended a reception for Chicago 2016 hosted by Russian Foundation of Chicago (RFC) at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique on March 25. The reception brought together prominent Russian-speaking professionals and representatives from government, business and the arts, to learn about Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics, and to be introduced to RFC and its goals.

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous selection of food and drink, including Russian and Greek specialties and sushi, while socializing and listening to speakers Mike Murnane, Alexander Etman and Aleksandra Efimova.

Mike Murnane, Chicago 2016 director of community relations, spoke about Chicago’s plans and the Olympic bid process. Currently, Chicago 2016 is preparing for the April 2nd visit by members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In October, representatives of bid cities throughout the world will gather in Copenhagen for final presentations and the IOC’s decision. President Obama is expected to accompany the Chicago delegation.

“Chicago is a vibrant, ethnically diverse city, making it a superb location for the Olympics,” said Aleksandra Efimova, RFC president and a member of the Outreach Advisory Council of Chicago 2016.

In a welcome address, Alexander Etman, founder and publisher of Svet Russian Media, focused on the Russian-speaking community and its participation in planning and hosting the Olympics, including the potential involvement of Chicago’s previous Olympic athletes. The reception was the first official event for the Foundation, which was founded to promote and enrich Russian-American contributions to the Chicago community, in political, social, artistic and business spheres.

“We want to bring people together, to unite them in projects that benefit our community, creating bridges among organizations and individuals” said Efimova. “The Foundation will encourage collaboration, inform the Russian-speaking community about important organizations and events, and enhance the public’s awareness of Russian-speaking culture and contributions.”

Support for the Olympic bid and the Foundation’s goals came from guests including representatives from the governor’s office, the Chicago Association of Russian-speaking Physicians, The Field Museum, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Lifeway Foods, Inc. (the first Russian-owned, publicly-traded U.S. company), and many more. The reception was sponsored by Cartier, Russian Standard Vodka, Russian Tea Time Restaurant, The Dime Group, Venus Greek Restaurant, Lamirage Restaurant, Lion Distributors and Foodville Sushi. Media sponsors included Chicago Social Magazine, Svet Russian Media, 1240 AM Russian Radio OSA, Kontinent Media, Chicago Sun-Times and What’s Happening Community Newspapers.

Russian Foundation of Chicago promotes and enriches Russian-American contributions to the Chicago community, in political, social, artistic and business spheres. The Foundation aims to help establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships between citizens and organizations, through projects that are beneficial to the community at large.

Svet Media Group was founded in 1991by Alex and Emily Etman to serve the Russian, Ukrainian and Lithuanian communities of the Chicago area. It is the Midwest’s oldest publishing and advertising company dedicated to the Russian-speaking population. With two free newspapers – Daily Novy Svet and Weekly Saturday Plus, the Russian-American Yellow Pages and a Sunday radio show on 1240 AM.

Russian Pointe Dance Boutique is the retail location of Russian Pointe, Inc., a celebrated importer of Russian ballet shoes since 1998. Russian-born company president Aleksandra Efimova is a prolific supporter of the arts, and created the Boutique as a meeting place as well as a retail store. Located in a historical landmark building on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the Boutique’s decor includes velvet curtains, French crystal chandeliers, English antique velvet theater seats, and a small stage used for presentations and fittings.