"Evening under the Stars" raises funds for SUM camp and resort (09/19/04)

"Evening under the Stars" raises funds for SUM camp and resort

by Dania Nauholnyk-Lawro

ELLENVILLE, N.Y. - On a starry evening Saturday, July 12, the national executive of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) together with its Committee to Preserve the Future for Our Youth and the SUM Camp and Resort in Ellenville, N.Y., launched their first intimate, by-invitation-only fund-raising event appropriately called "Evening under the Stars."

The purpose of this event was to raise funds for a variety of projects to be undertaken by Oselia SUM, the most important of which was to eliminate the burden of the current camp mortgage remaining from construction of the new youth camp several years ago.

This unique fund-raising event took place around the beautifully lit and breathtakingly adorned pool, against the backdrop of some of the Catskill's most scenic slopes. The 45 guests who attended were greeted by committee members with champagne and strawberries, and escorted into the atmosphere of a Ukrainian luau. Oysters and caviar were among other delicacies that were served throughout the evening while the guests danced to the enchanting music of the popular Cheresh band.

The guests reflected upon the photo collages displayed around the pool which depicted the efforts of their respected predecessors to whom deserving recognition was expressed for their procurement and construction of Oselia SUM, as it is known, this renowned summer magnet for Ukrainian cultural, athletic and recreational gatherings. The collages reflected the many wonderful moments experienced by SUM youths during summer camps at the resort, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year.

During the evening, the honored guests were entertained by SUM youths who were attending the ongoing counselor preparation camp. The head of the SUM's national executive, Bohdan Harhaj, officially welcomed the guests, after which the head of the fund-raising Committee, Dania Nauholnyk-Lawro, and the executive manager of Oselia SUM, Petro Kosciolek, shared a few words about the fund-raising campaign and its purpose.

Grateful recognition was extended to all who have helped to financially support Oselia SUM and SUM. Slawko Kiciuk of the SUMA Credit Union in Yonkers, N.Y., was warmly greeted and thanked in the presence of all attendees for the credit union's gracious donation of $50,000 to help pay off the camp mortgage. The Yonkers SUMA Credit Union has also promised to match all forthcoming donations until the mortgage is fully paid up. Dr. Yurij Bohatiuk was also thanked for his very generous contribution of $10,000 towards the satisfaction of this mortgage.

The fund-raising committee members included Iryna Nauholnyk-Cohen, Irka Tkachenko, Hania Myhal, Mr. Kosciolek, Nadia Naumenko and Ms. Lawro.

The Ukrainian American Youth Camp and Resort in Ellenville (Oselia SUM) plans to continue its fund-raising campaign, focusing on a variety of projects that will allow the SUM and its resort to continue to offer opportunities for personal growth and learning for children, as well as a place for them to make new friends and create lasting bonds with all Ukrainians. With continuous financial support also plan to provide an ever-improving environment where all Ukrainians can gather to relax and partake in a variety of activities.

Those interested in making a financial contribution to the Preserve the Future for Our Youth Campaign or seeking additional information may contact Oselia SUM at (845) 647-7230.

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