Ukrainian Heritage Foundation ceases its existence, awards grants

CLEVELAND - The Ukrainian Heritage Foundation brought its existence to a close here on August 14.

In attendance at the executive board meeting were President Eugene Woloshyn of Poland, Ohio; Helen Shipka, vice-president, of Cleveland, Ohio; Estelle Woloshyn, secretary, of Poland, Ohio; Ann Maksymowich, treasurer, of Miami Beach, Fla.; Marian Senyk, art director, of Largo, Fla.; and Advisors Steve Zenczak and Judge Andrew Boyko, both of Cleveland.

The foundation had been established at a reunion of the Ukrainian Youth League of North America in 1983, by former members and officers who attended the UYLNA's golden anniversary celebration at Soyuzivka. The foundation announced in its mission statement that it was "dedicated to preserving Ukrainian culture."

Toward that end, the foundation produced a video that documents the contributions of Vasile Avramenko to the preservation of Ukrainian folk dances in North America. This video and accompanying posters have been widely distributed at no charge to Ukrainian dance groups, schools, universities and libraries.

Recently, grants totaling over $20,000 were awarded to various organizations for projects or efforts that would have been unlikely to occur without the foundation's support.

The Cleveland Ukrainian Museum has been chosen as the repository for all records of the Ukrainian Heritage Foundation. Former members of the Ukrainian Youth League of North America who have any records, photographs, etc., that they would like to contribute to the museum are asked to contact the museum at 1202 Kenilworth Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113.

At the foundation's final meeting, President Woloshyn expressed thanks to all officers, members and contributors over the past years, adding "Vichnaia Pamiat" (eternal memory) to those who had passed away.

For more information, Mr. Woloshyn may be reached at (330) 726-1937.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, December 12, 1999, No. 50, Vol. LXVII

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