Dutch American Heritage Gala 2006

The Fifteenth Annual Gala to celebrate Dutch American Heritage Day was held on Saturday November 18, 2006 in the elegant grand ballroom of the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. J.C. Huizenga, entrepreneur, manufacturer and educational reformer from Grand Rapids, Michigan was honored and inducted into the Dutch American Hall of Fame. President Bush extended his congratulations to Mr. Huizenga and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa honored Mr. Huizenga with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the City of Los Angeles. Noted Dutch pianist Michiel Borstlap supported by Darek Oleszkiewics and Peter Erskine provided entertainment. Melina Gerges, soprano, entertained us with several arias.
Some 170 people, including a large contingent from Michigan, attended the event. Thanks to donations and the silent auction, the event raised over $24,000 to benefit the NESSO and the Dutch studies program at UCLA.