Chicago women's group raises funds to help Gift of Life Program (12/18/05)

Chicago women's group raises funds to help Gift of Life Program

by Chrystya Wereszczak

CHICAGO - The Alla Horska Branch of the Women's Association for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine (WADFFU) in Chicago on September 30 held a fund-raiser called "One Heart to Another" to benefit children in need of heart operations under the Ukrainian Gift of Life Program (formed in 1994 under the Rotary 7250 Gift of Life Program).

The Ukrainian Gift of Life Program has a partnership with the Ukrainian American Freedom Foundation and the Sobornist Foundation in Kyiv.

The benefit event was held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Chicago. During the first hour, over 200 guests had the opportunity to view the silent auction table, purchase raffle tickets for an array of themed baskets, purchase "Willie Wonka" chocolate "prize" bars, and partake of cocktails and a large variety of appetizers. Classical works on piano and flute were performed by Irena Dychiy and Marianna Skavinska.

Chrystya Wereszczak, master of ceremonies, opened the program with a warm welcome to all present. A visual presentation about the Ukrainian Gift of Life Program followed. Dr. Vassyl Lonchyna, a local cardio-thoracic surgeon who has gone to Ukraine on various medical missions, shared his experiences in Ukraine and gave attendees insight into the state of medical facilities and programs in Ukraine.

The evening's entertainment began with the Vinok vocal ensemble of the Mykola Pavlushkov branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM). Particularly touching was their first number, "Gift of Life," specially written for this occasion by their director, Wolodymyr Popowycz, and performed in conjunction with a slide presentation of children who have already undergone surgeries under this program. Piano students Anna Maria Bagan and Marianna Krasko performed works by Schumann and Saint-Saëns.

The evening's humor was provided by "Prof. Marmalyga" (Myron Kulas) whose satirical monologue about the Ukrainian community invoked an immense response from the audience. A comedy skit by the theater ensemble "Spalenyi Teatr" entertained à la "Saturday Night Live." The final number, choreographed by Kateryna Kulas, was a presentation by young girls to the song "It's a Hard Knock Life" from the musical "Annie."

The tremendous response by the Chicago community to this event is but one example of how deeply the community is connected to Ukraine. The evening's proceeds in the amount of $33,287 will save the lives of many children in Ukraine. There are plans to expand this program from Kyiv to include Ternopil, Lutsk, Odesa and Kharkiv.

Throughout its many years of multi-faceted activity, the Alla Horska Branch of WADFFU has dedicated much attention to aid to Ukraine. It has adopted a senior citizen under the program organized by the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee and sent shipments to help orphans.

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