Knowing how to help those in danger as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its second month can be difficult.
Here in Juneau, the idea to help by holding a charity event Friday evening, the Fundraiser for People of Ukraine, began with a vision and a meeting.
“We want to make an impact. We want to do more. Olena (Zyuba) attended our peaceful protest on the steps of the Capitol and connected with her. She said she was inspired to take more action,” Lisa Puananimohala’ikalani Denny, one of the organizers of the auction and dinner. “This event is her vision. She wanted to raise money that would directly support Ukrainian people in need and host a classy event where we share Ukrainian culture with the people of Juneau.”
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Zyuba, who grew up in Cherkassy, in central Ukraine, and also lived in Kyiv, was looking for a way to help out those still living there.
“I still have a lot of friends and family there. It’s been really terrifying and depressing, watching it and knowing there’s little you can do,” Zyuba said in a phone interview. “I feel really helpless being far away and having little kids, not being able to join the troops and help out.”
Juneau has played host to two public events, one protesting the invasion days after it occurred and one asking the state to divest itself from investment in companies involved in the Russian war machine. But people wanted to do more, Denny said. And Zyuba said she didn’t want it to be a casual gesture.
“I don’t want to simply ask people for money. I want to cook something, to make something, to entertain them. I want people to have an experience like they just went to Kyiv in one of the best restaurants,” Zyuba said. “I’m enjoying this. It’s really stressful, but it’s driven energy. Having these amazing people reach out and asking, what can we do, how can we help, it’s really inspiring.”
Local businesses donated merchandise and services to a fundraising auction and dinner for children in Ukraine. (Michael S, Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Zyuba and others are preparing hundreds of varenyky, or Ukrainian dumplings, as well as other Ukrainian staples while musicians ready themselves to play music, including the Ukrainian state anthem. The dinner and tickets will benefit the UNICEF’s mission aiding children and others in Ukraine.
“It will be a very beautiful event and it will be a very cultural experience,” Zyuba said.
Alongside the dinner, there will also be an auction of local goods, services, and art that was donated, Denny said. Alaskans Stand With Ukraine partnered with Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, which donated use of Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall and its facilities for the event, and the Juneau World Affairs Council, which is acting as the nonprofit to channel donations to UNICEF.
“We’re using their website and their organization to collect donations,” Zyuba said.
T.K. Macguire’s will also be helping out providing a bar for the event. The proceeds on drinks donated by local companies and sold at the bar will go towards the fundraiser, Denny said.
There’s been an overwhelming response from the community and local businesses,” Denny said. “I’m amazed about how well it’s going. The community of Juneau has really come together. And we need to. We need to come together to help our fellow humans.”
Businesses such as Alaskan Brewing Co., Alaska Robotics Gallery, Alaska Seaplanes, Amalga Distillery, Devil’s Club Brewing Co., Chilkat River Trading and more have donated goods, services, gift cards and more to the auction, Denny said, in addition to Tlingit and Haida donating the use of the space. Many local artists also donated art, Zyuba said.
“A lot of artists from Juneau and Sitka sent us their art. Beautiful paintings, some earrings and necklaces,” Zyuba said. “We also have services from local businesses.”
The dinner and auction will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, 320 W. Willougby Ave.
Tickets are $65 for presale, available online at jwac.org/ua, or $70 at the door.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
