Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel 2012 PAPRIKA!
Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel 2012 PAPRIKA! The Global Trek
The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel, under the leadership of its president Marika Megyimori, hosted the 22nd annual Paprika! event on March 3, 2012 at The Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Marika Megyimori
Ms. Megyimori and Elizabeth Papp-Taylor served as Chairs of the sumptuous event.
Elizabeth Papp-Taylor
This year's theme was "The Global Trek" in honor of keynote speaker Albert Ratner, the force behind the Global Cleveland project.
Arriving guests were escorted into the event by young people from the Csardas Dance Company in traditional costumes.
The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who attempt to promote and support educational and cultural ties between Americans and Hungarians. They "provide assistance and the exchange of ideas for Hungarian projects in the area of commerce, education, health and human services."
The emcee for the evening was David Wittman, anchor of Channel 19 Action News.
David Wittman, anchor of Channel 19 Action News
Master of Ceremonies David Wittman introduced Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer of the Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Roizen told a story about actor Robin Williams who said that everyone should get the chance to wake up in Cleveland.
Dr. Michael Roizen
Dr. Roizen then introduced the evening's honoree, Albert Ratner.
Mr Ratner seized the opportunity to joke about his introducer and friend Dr. Michael Roizen.
Mr Ratner's deceased first wife and current wife are both of Hungarian descent so he shared some humorous stories about Hungarian women and their husbands.
Albert Ratner jokes about Hungarian married couples
Albert Ratner talks about Hungarian women
Mr Ratner spoke about immigrants and their choices and how the US is a melting pot.
He also spoke about the Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel.
