By Josip Bogovic
NFCACF was established in 1993 to promote Croatia’s independence, its values, and its people’s achievements. The organization is led by the tireless, positive-minded Steve Rukavina. Mr. Rukavina and Vedran Nazor thanked Ms. Young for her continuous support of the organization throughout its existence. NFCACF sponsored a dinner at the Rudar Club in Astoria, NY, to celebrate the occasion. Neda’s two sons, daughter-in-law Megan, close friends, and six of the eight grandchildren were present to celebrate a remarkable globally mined woman.
Neda Young, her late husband Albert Young, her sons Michael and Anthony, and her daughter have financially supported all constructive efforts in relation to the Croatian State, its institutions, and its people. Mrs. Young and her family helped restore churches, sent relief aid during the Croatian War of Independence, donated to cultural institutions and individuals, and continue to do so. This week alone, Mrs. Young helped sponsor an exhibition of works by Croatian modern artists at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in NYC.
Neda Young was born on the beautiful Croatian island of Korčula. She left Croatia at 16, moved to the USA, married, and raised three children. Mrs Young worked in direct marketing and owned several companies in that area of work. As her children started college, she decided to go to university herself. Neda graduated with a degree in History of Art and Psychology. Through her love of art, she became an art collector, establishing the “American Initiative for Croatia ” during the war of aggression on Croatia. Collecting money, food, clothes and sending them to the homeland, as well as visiting Croatia, Bosnia & Hercegovina to bring forth stories about sexually abused women, which led her to support a number of organizations dealing with such issues. She donated funds to repair historical monuments such as Trogir’s Cathedral, St. Duje Church in Split, and the Diocletian Palace; helped improve the quality of kindergarten care; and purchased medical equipment for numerous children’s hospitals throughout Croatia. Mrs. Young is currently donating master’s degree scholarships to Croatian physicians so that they can improve and implement their skills when they return to Croatia.
“Respect where you come from and incorporate those good qualities in yourself. Share, love, do constructive things, and sacrifice yourself for greater good. I never heard my parents say anything negative about other nationalities or cultures. I cherish that ideal/attitude and live by it. I believe in my culture and my people and continue to promote those special, specific qualities,” said the feminine world’s graceful, happy, hardworking matriarch.
Despite a few negative experiences, she continues giving, loving, and sharing to make the world—Croatia and America—a better place for everyone. Long live Neda and the expanding Young family.
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