145th Anniversary Gala

The First Serbian Benevolent Society (FSBS) celebrated its 145th anniversary with a grand gala on May 3, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. This milestone event featured a cocktail hour, a formal dinner, awards presentation and lively dancing accompanied by music from Orkestar Srbija.

The FSBS Gala was attended by a distinguished group of guests:

Attending Clergy

Rt. Reverend Archbishop MAXIM of Los Angeles and Western America

Very Reverend Protopresbyter-stavrofor Vasilije Cvijanovic - Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Moraga

Very Reverend Protopresbyter-stavrofor Djurica Gordic - St. John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco

Very Reverend Protopresbyter Vidoslav Vujasin - Holy Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Saratoga

Reverend Presbyter Marko Bojovic - St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson

Attending Dignitaries

Damjan Jovic - Deputy Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia

Marko Nikolic - Counsel General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago

Aleksandar Djordjevic - Vice Counsel General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago

Ken Gonzales - Mayor of Colma

John Munsey - Chief of Police, Town of Colma

One of the many highlights of the evening was the performance of our Bay Area Folklore Group Mladost led by Paul Bunjevich. Our president, Paul Vuksich spoke about the founding and its historyThe Consul General of Serbia spoke of the FSBS and history of supporting the Serbian people. Stevan Davidovich presented to President Emeritus, Milorad Golubovich, the Dusan Silni Legion of Merit Medal on behalf of the High Degree of Dusan Silni for his many years of dedicated service to the FSBS. Milorad acknowledged the award and spoke of the accomplishments and history of the Society emphasizing the last 45 years. Steve also presented the Dusan Silni award for Meritorious service to Milutin Perovich for his contributions to the Serbian Cemetery and Serbian Culture. His award was accepted on his behalf by his wife Nadine. It was a festive night that was enjoyed by all in the wonderful city where the FSBS was founded in 1880.

This event would not have been possible without the effort of our chairperson Marko Spremo with support from his wife Branka and committee members Branko Perazich, Paul Bunjevich, Stevan Davidovich and Zachary Antovich.

We look forward to the society continuing for another 145 years with many more celebrations to come!

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