TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 6, the Ukrainian American Society of Tucson organized a reception and silent auction to benefit war-afflicted orphans in Ukraine. Taras Warvariv, honorary consul of Ukraine in the state of Arizona, and his wife, Dr. Monica Hauptman, hosted the event, which drew some 80 people – Ukrainians and many non-Ukrainians who generously supported the event.
Dr. Ihor Kunasz, president of the society, welcomed the guests and Mr. Warvariv shared information on the dire situation of orphans in Ukraine. The Rev. Dr. Andriy Chirovsky, pastor of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Tucson, led the evening with the singing of the “Lord’s Prayer” and the blessing of the occasion.
The evening proceeded with a sampling of varied Ukrainian foods and desserts prepared by members of the society. A committee was tasked to select some 36 silent auction items out of the many offered. The selection was eclectic, ranging from jewelry, art and paintings to a slot machine and a “tort.” The silent bidding was very active, and all items were bought.
Special thanks were expressed to Sven Olson, who worked at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv and has been a great supporter of the Ukrainian American Society. He organized the event invitations through Eventbrite – a very efficient system. The success of the evening was a testament to the hard work of the society’s members, and to the understanding and generosity of the guests.