On Wednesday April 27th, the Auditorium was filled with members who enjoyed a wonderful fundraising luncheon to support seniors fleeing the war against Ukraine.
The brainchild of Cathy Kiss, Cathy and her fellow organizers and countless volunteers made sure the event was excellent! Over 120 people came out in support of the cause.
The luncheon began with a moving speech from Daria Anico-Taveras who emigrated from Ukraine to the Coast 18 months ago. It was heartbreaking to hear of her hometown being attacked and people fleeing carrying only a backpack.
Before lunch began, JoAnne Bentley sang three beautiful folk songs a capella. Lunch of cabbage rolls, potato pancakes and beetroot salad was next. During the delicious lunch, we watched a recorded message from HelpAge Canada. CEO Gregor Sneddon shared information about the situation in Ukraine and the work being done to assist seniors. He reminded us why we were there and said he wished he could be with us to enjoy Emily’s cabbage rolls!
Martini Madness Trio, Kevin Crofton, Andy Amanovich and Graham Walker, entertained us concluding with a song “Ukrayina” written by Kevin about Ukraine.
Special Ukrainian guests joined the luncheon who are part of our Sunshine Coast Community: Daria Anico-Taveras, Daria McMorran, Yuri and Mira Keschak, Alex Minets and Olga Liubenko.
To assist in fundraising, there was a 50/50 draw, raffle tickets and a silent auction.
Thank you to all of our generous donors, including Gigi Holler, Blue Ocean Golf Club, Tuwanek Hotel and Spa, Daniel McPherson, Krystinas, Gourmet Girl, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, A Little Brit of Heaven, IGA Madeira Park, Ann Lynn Flowers, Ricky’s Restaurant, Jill Bellisimo, The SSAC Tuesday Quilters Group, Carol Maynard, Isobel Gibson, Evelyn Harker and Sew Easy.
Our sponsored donors Claytons Heritage Market and Wilson Creek IGA each donated $500 to cover the cost of food and the marvelous flowers that adorned each table.
As always, Emily and her remarkable kitchen crew worked tirelessly to prepare an awesome meal and dessert. The organizers and volunteers, including Cathy Kiss, Gill Poulton, Alison Kowalewski, Mark Garland, Vicki Wilson, Lois Pickard, Diana Young, Sylvia Hockley, Helen Ward, Norma Pruden, Sally Watson, Viktor Kiss, Chris Kuck, Irene Jankovitz, David Marsh, Sue Brown, A/V guru Larry Baker and everyone who pitched in to set up and take down the room in lightning speed, are truly appreciated.
So many people made donations too. The final tally is being calculated and will be posted in the Centre and in the next Echo. Dyakuyu!
