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14911 127th St, Lemont, IL 60439 | (630) 257-8787 | admin@lcenter.org | | | | |
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We Invite You to Support the Lithuanian World Center 2026 Annual Appeal
Dear Friends of the Lithuanian World Center,
Thank you for your continued support and for helping strengthen our community. Your generosity helps keep space affordable for more than 50 Lithuanian organizations and ensures the Lithuanian World Center remains a vibrant home for faith, education, sports, and the arts.
This Year’s Annual Appeal
The goal of the 2026 Annual Appeal is to raise $1 million to support operations and capital improvement projects at the Lithuanian World Center. In the accompanying video, Executive Director Elena Reklaitis and President Dainius Petronis share this year’s priorities and the projects that depend on community support. We also encourage you to read the 2026 Annual Appeal letter here.
How You Can Help
Since its beginning, the Lithuanian World Center has been supported by generous donors whose contributions have allowed our community to flourish for 38 years and counting. We invite you to take part in this year’s Appeal by making a donation today. Every gift, no matter the size, helps sustain our shared Lithuanian home. Ačiū!
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Lithuanian World Center R. Riškus Hall Vestibule Digital Advertisement Program
Are you looking for a way to promote your business or an upcoming event? Advertise on the digital screen in the vestibule of R. Riškus Hall at the Lithuanian World Center. This high-traffic space—frequented by athletes and other visitors—welcomes approximately 40,000 visits each year, giving your message strong visibility.
Ads rotate every 5–15 seconds, depending on the length you choose, and longer spots are also available. With a total rotation time of no more than 10 minutes, your ad will appear at least 90 times per day. The screen supports both static images and video with sound. Rates start at $25 per month.
To reserve your ad, contact Šarūnas Daugirdas at daugirdas@lcenter.org or (630) 257-8787.
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Help the Lithuanian World Center Reach Its Goal of 25 New Monthly Donors in 2026
More than 70 donors support the Lithuanian World Center with monthly gifts. In 2026, we are looking for 25 more community members willing to give $5 or more each month and become sustainers of the Center. Thank you to our fifth new monthly donors this year – Viktorija and Darius Siliūnas!
The support of our monthly donors helps to maintain the Center, benefiting 50 organizations and thousands of individuals and families that gather here to celebrate Lithuanian life through faith, education, sports, arts, culture, and other activities. Thank you!
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Lithuanian World Center
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Lithuanian World Center Office
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Catholic Mass at Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Mission
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m.
Lithuanian Museum of Art
Summer hours by appointment only
(773) 704-0093 or admin@sielagallery.org
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Lithuanian World Center and Go Vilnius 2026 Pink Soup Fest
Saturday, May 30, 12:00 p.m.
Lithuanian World Center
14911 127th St, Lemont, IL
The Lithuanian World Center brings the spirit of Vilnius to Lemont with Pink Soup Fest—a lively celebration you won’t want to miss.
Join in on a full day of fun, including a “šaltibarščiai” contest, a fun run, trivia, relay races, and a competition for the most creative pink-themed costume. Step onto the field for a game of pink soccer, or learn traditional Lithuanian dances alongside performers preparing for the 2026 Dance Festival.
Enjoy a vibrant mix of activities for all ages, including a craft fair, an interactive community art project, and a dedicated play area for children. Throughout the day, guests are also invited to visit the Matulaitis Mission to share their personal wishes and aspirations.
Tickets – $20 adults, $10 children ages 4 to 14, free for children up to age 3. Participation in the Pink Soup Fest Race – $5.
| While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome! | | | | | |
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Lithuanian World Center 2026 Charity Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 20, 12:00 p.m.
Old Oak Country Club
14200 Parker Rd, Homer Glen, IL
We invite you to join us in supporting the Lithuanian World Center 2026 Charity Golf Tournament – an exceptional day of community and golf taking place on Saturday, June 20 at Old Oak Country Club. This is our most enjoyable event of the year, helping to raise funds for the maintenance and operations of the Lithuanian World Center.
The good news is that all golfer spots have already sold out. However, there are still many ways to get involved! The success of this event depends not only on the golfers, but also on the generosity and support of our sponsors. Sponsorship is a great opportunity to showcase your business, strengthen your connection with the community, and directly support the mission of the Lithuanian World Center. Your support makes a real and meaningful difference. Become a sponsor today!
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Lithuanian Museum of Art Creative Camp for Girls “My Time”
Monday–Friday, June 1–5
Lithuanian World Center
Lithuanian Museum of Art
14911 127th St, Lemont, IL
This summer, the Lithuanian Museum of Art is launching its first creative camp for girls, “My Time.” As we thought about what young girls need most today, one idea kept coming up—they need a space where they can be themselves, create freely, feel safe, make new friends, and build confidence. This camp is designed not just around activities, but around the overall experience.
During the week, participants will:
- Create, draw, and sculpt
- Practice relaxation through yoga and meditation
- Learn about etiquette and communication
- Explore photography and posing
- Discover their personal style
- Prepare light snacks and learn basic table etiquette
It will be a week focused on creativity, friendship, and growing self-confidence. The camp is open to girls ages 12–16. The fee is $400. Registration: (773) 704-0093 or (708) 699-1517.
The camp will be held in the Lithuanian language.
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Chicago Lithuanian Table Tennis Club Tournament
Saturday, June 20, 9:30 a.m.
Lithuanian World Center
Multipurpose Room
14911 127th St, Lemont, IL
We invite you to register for the Chicago Lithuanian Table Tennis Club Tournament today! There is no age limit – everyone is welcome to participate. The competition will include singles and doubles divisions, divided into three different skill levels, so everyone will have a chance to compete for medals.
To register or for more information, call: (312) 522-7008.
While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome!
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Save the Date for LWC Events | | | | |
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Lithuanian World Center 2026 Summer Picnic
Sunday, August 30, 12:00 p.m.
Lithuanian World Center
Picnic Grounds
14911 127th St, Lemont, IL
Save the date for our traditional Lithuanian World Center Summer Picnic. Enjoy music, dancing, authentic Lithuanian food, drinks, children’s games, and a raffle. Everyone is invited to join this celebration of fun and community! Admission is free. Those interested in volunteering are invited to contact Diana Aleknaite at (630) 257-8787 or aleknaite@lcenter.org.
While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome!
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Lithuanian World Center and Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Mission 2026 Community Day
Sunday, September 13, 10:00 a.m.
Lithuanian World Center
Back Lawn
14911 127th St, Lemont, IL
Save the date for our annual Lithuanian World Center and Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Mission Community Day. This special event brings the entire community together for a day of fellowship and fun. The program will include an outdoor Mass, an organization fair and registration for Lithuanian activities and clubs, a family sports festival, food and refreshments, games, and more. Those interested in becoming an event sponsor are invited to contact Diana Aleknaite at (630) 257-8787 or aleknaite@lcenter.org.
While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome!
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Lithuanian World Center 2026 Charity Fashion Show “Above the Clouds”
Saturday, October 17, 6:00 p.m.
Lithuanian World Center
R. Riškus Hall
14911 127th St, Lemont, IL
Save the date for the Lithuanian World Center 2026 Charity Fashion Show “Above the Clouds.” Proceeds from the event support ongoing facility improvements and special projects at the Lithuanian World Center. We invite you to join us for an elegant evening in support of our Lithuanian community home. Tickets go on sale in September. Those interested in becoming an event sponsor are invited to contact Diana Aleknaite at (630) 257-8787 or aleknaite@lcenter.org.
While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome!
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Lithuanian World Center 2026 Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lithuanian World Center
R. Riškus Hall and Lithuanian Foundation Hall
14911 127th St, Lemont, IL
Save the date for the annual Lithuanian World Center Holiday Craft Fair. Enjoy delicious food and browse a festive selection of jewelry, ceramics, glass art, artwork, amber, baked goods, soaps, essential oils, wellness products, clothing, Christmas décor, books, and more. Vendors interested in participating are invited to contact Diana Aleknaite at (630) 257-8787 or aleknaite@lcenter.org.
While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome!
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Lithuanian Events Elsewhere | | | | |
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Ateitis Foundation Annual Picnic
Sunday, May 31, 12:00 p.m.
Ateitis Foundation
1380 Castlewood Dr, Lemont, IL
The Ateitis Foundation serves as a gathering place for members and chapters of the Lithuanian Catholic Federation “Ateitis.” You are invited to welcome the beginning of summer at the Ateitis Foundation Annual Picnic. Enjoy delicious food from “Lorka” and Lithuanian music in the courtyard. All are welcome!
While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome!
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The Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See and the Archdiocese of Vilnius Present the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy
From June 7 to June 12
Vilnius, Lithuania
The World Apostolic Congresses on Mercy are Catholic Church gatherings held every three years in a different country, dedicated to proclaiming and witnessing God’s mercy—His message of infinite love and hope for every person and for the whole world. These congresses attract thousands of participants from many countries. During the event, participants listen to testimonies, attend lectures, take part in cultural events and Holy Mass, and spend time in prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and missionary activities. All who are interested are warmly invited to participate!
| While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome! | | | | | |
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Lithuanian Scouts Association Invites You to Camp Rakas
The Chicago scouts' camp Rakas is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. All scouts (not just Chicago area scouts) are invited to camp at Rakas this summer. j.ps. fil. Maya Chiapetta will be the main scoutmaster of the camp. The camp will take place after the Dance Festival, from July 15 to July 25. Scouts wanting to participate must have paid their scout dues this year. Registration and further information can be found on the Camp Rakas website.
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Chicago Lithuanian Women's Club Annual Fundraiser
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.
Garden Chalet
11000 S Ridgeland Ave, Worth, IL
Save the date! The Chicago Lithuanian Women’s Club invites you to its annual fundraiser in celebration of 103 years of community support, volunteerism, and scholarship. Proceeds from the event continue to fund the Club’s philanthropic and educational programs. Additional event and reservation details will be shared later this year.
While some portions of this event will be held in the Lithuanian language, most of the experience is meant to be accessible and engaging for non-speakers as well. All are welcome!
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Join one of the largest Lithuanian communities outside of Lithuania at the Lithuanian World Center. | | | | |
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Catholic Mass »
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