Ukrainian pavilion gets two major sponsors (04/19/98)

Ukrainian pavilion gets two major sponsors

by Natalia Warren
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - After three days of meetings with EPCOT executives, both the Chopivsky Family Foundation, represented by George Chopivsky Jr., and American Friends for Ukraine, represented by Vira Goldmann, have agreed in principle to support the construction of a Ukrainian pavilion at EPCOT. The structure will be part of the Walt Disney World theme park's millennium celebration from October 1999 through January 2001.

According to Ireneus Harasymiak, who will be participating in an executive role for the CFF during the course of the project and will also be an architect and lead designer on the project, the two Ukrainian American organizations are in a preliminary contract phase with EPCOT. "Letters are being exchanged to clarify the concepts and confirm the understanding between Disney and the Ukrainian sponsors regarding the details of the design, construction and operation of the pavilion," he explained.

However, Mr. Harasymiak, who has worked as an architect and project manager for over 30 years, cautioned that although the two organizations have agreed in principle to the project, additional funding will be needed.

"The sponsorship provided by both the Chopivsky Family Foundation and American Friends for Ukraine will serve as a bridge until additional matching sponsorships are secured," explained Mr. Harasymiak, who declined to discuss specific dollar amounts until contracts are signed by all parties. The cost of the project has been estimated at between $800,000 and $2 million. "However, the CFF and AFU commitments have ensured that the project will progress while matching sponsors are linedup," he added.

Mr. Harasymiak's projects include a design for a TWA exhibit space for the Smithsonian's 150th anniversary traveling exhibit, a proposal for a Sea World entrance, the renovation of the Hotel Richard in Kyiv, and the design and construction management of the Holy Trinity Particular Ukrainian Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Md.

Taras (Jason) Harper, a Walt Disney World employee and president of the Ukrainian Project Fund, was appointed by EPCOT Vice-President George Kalogridis in December 1997 to spearhead the EPCOT Millennium - Ukraine Initiative He expressed optimism in reaction to the latest developments: "I am thrilled that people are stepping forward with these kinds of significant contributions."

In recent weeks, the 25-year-old Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute also has come forward with a considerable show of support for the Ukrainian pavilion project. Executive Director Dr. James Clem has offered the HURI's in-kind services as a research consultant. With endowed chairs in Ukraine history, literature and language at Harvard, the HURI has on its staff some of the leading experts in these fields.

"This is a chance to tell millions of people about Ukraine, and we want to help make sure that the message we tell is right," noted Dr. Clem.

It is estimated that up to 500 million people will be exposed to the pavilion structures since Michael Eisner, chairman of the board and CEO of the Walt Disney Co., has mandated that all branches of the company focus on EPCOT during the celebration.

Mr. Harper, who wholeheartedly welcomed Dr. Clem's offer, explained that "having an educational institution like Harvard on board as a research consultant will give the Ukrainian pavilion tremendous credibility."

During the 15-month celebration, EPCOT, one of four theme parks in the 44-square-mile Walt Disney World complex, will showcase 20 to 30 pavilions in addition to the 11 larger pavilions currently on display.

"It is wonderful to be showing the Disney executives how close the Ukrainian community is and how global its vision is," noted Mr. Harper about the CFF and AFU meetings with Mr. Kalogridis, EPCOT vice-president; Robin Chapman, director of creative development; and Danni Mikler, manager of international programs. "It makes me proud of Ukrainians, and confident that this project will be a tremendous success," he added.

Mr. Harper said that, although Ukraine's participation in the EPCOT millennium celebration has been established, he will continue to seek support for the project. "We will still need to find additional sponsors, whether they be in North America or in Ukraine, and we are continuing our efforts to obtain support from the Ukrainian government," he explained. "We're almost there. It's just a matter of a final push," he concluded.

Mr. Harper may be reached via telephone at (407) 827-4982; or via e-mail at home, [email protected], or at the office, [email protected].