Another fundraiser, another success.
For the second year in a row, the White Rock Elks held an event to support those affected by the war in Ukraine, and the May 27 dinner and dance fundraiser was sold out before the doors opened.
While the total amount of funds raised was still being tallied, White Rock Elks president Al Burns said the event was extremely enjoyable, with the Elks hall decorated festively with the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine.
“Our main purpose was to help the Ukraine community – to help people fleeing from Ukraine – and to remind people this horrible war is still going on,” Burns said.
READ ALSO: White Rock-South Surrey community turned out for Elks’ Support Ukraine event
Elks third vice-president, Judi Hyrnenko helped organize the event with her connections to the local Ukraine community, while Moby Dick Restaurant co-owner Oleksandra Makogonska helped co-ordinated a team of local cooks who prepared traditional kubasa (garlic sausage), varuyky (perogies), and holubtsi (cabbage rolls) in the Elks kitchen prior to the event – which could be purchased frozen and taken home throughout the afternoon, Burns noted.
After performances from young children singing Ukraine songs and from an extremely talented guitarist and pianist from the local community, musician Lou Morocco provided tunes for guests to dine and dance to, while also bidding on a variety of silent auction items.
Last year’s event raised more than $20,000.
Burns said the Elks were grateful to the community for its support, and noted the sold-out crowd included several municipal and provincial politicians.
“It went really well,” he said, thanking those who attended and everyone who helped make the fundraiser happen.
@Canucklehedd
tricia.weel@peacearchnews.com
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