United to win: Ukrainians in Chicago hold charity festival and raise over $4,000 for Ukraine's armed forces

Alvina Kaminska

The Taste of Ukraine charity festival took place in Chicago, bringing the Ukrainian community together. 

During the event, organizers raised more than 4,000 US dollars for the Protez Foundation and continued collecting funds for equipment for a Ukrainian service member, Rubryka reported, citing Vilni Media.

The two-day Taste of Ukraine festival took place on the grounds of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago's Ukrainian Village. The event combined Ukrainian culture, charity, and support for Ukrainian service members.

The festival opened with the raising of the Ukrainian and US flags and the performance of both countries' national anthems. Ukraine's Consul General in Chicago, Kostiantyn Vorona, addressed the guests, after which the cathedral's rector, Father Ivan Lymar, led a prayer for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainian families.

^{Photo source: Radio UA Chicago / Gazeta Surma, St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral}

Organizers set up a fair for visitors featuring:

• Items by Ukrainian artisans
• Books
• Honey
• Souvenirs
• Embroidered shirts and other goods

Visitors could also taste traditional Ukrainian dishes.

The concert program lasted two days. More than 100 participants performed on stage, including singers, musicians, dancers, ensembles, and creative groups.

During the festival, singer Dana Chepil received the "Ambassador of Ukrainian Song" award, presented by the organizers of the international festival "Sing in Your Native Language." Volunteer Liudmyla Shydliukh was also honored: Ukrainian service members awarded her the medal "To a Volunteer — a Person with a Big Heart."

One of the main goals of the event was to raise funds to help Ukraine:

• Organizers raised more than 4,000 US dollars for the Protez Foundation
• Festival participants also joined a fundraiser for a night-vision device for a Ukrainian service member, the husband of event host Nataliia Hladyn

^{Photo source: Radio UA Chicago / Gazeta Surma, St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral}

Background

It should be noted that in June, the charity organization Yolo for Ukraine held the Authentic Soul Barbecue Buffet, a culinary and art evening, in Davis, California. The event raised 7,000 US dollars to purchase vital medical supplies for Ukrainian service members.

Also in June, parishioners of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Saints Volodymyr and Olha in Chicago raised 13,000 US dollars for the treatment, prosthetics, and rehabilitation of seriously wounded Ukrainian service members.