Friends gather at tavern in support of Ukraine

By Alberto Gilman
Posted 3/15/22

Patrons and supporters gathered at North Plank Road Tavern last Wednesday for the Ukrainian Relief Fundraiser to raise awareness and relief funds for the conflict in Ukraine.

A donation total of …

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Friends gather at tavern in support of Ukraine

Posted

Patrons and supporters gathered at North Plank Road Tavern last Wednesday for the Ukrainian Relief Fundraiser to raise awareness and relief funds for the conflict in Ukraine.

A donation total of $7,576 was collected.

Orange County Historian Johanna Porr Yaun acted as master of ceremonies for the evening and thanked supporters for coming out to support the event.

“I feel like we need to do something to show that we’re not ok with this. I think it’s important that anyone who’s able to, can try to support the Ukrainians at this time,” Porr Yaun said. “I’m watching the news and just so distraught over the images that are coming in.”

Zachary Costa, assistant manager of the tavern hurried through the venue working on preparations for the food, drinks and raffles. A $20 recommended donation upon entry was asked of those attending according to Costa.

“I reached out to friends and family and at breakneck speed, normally this would take us like two months to plan, it’s been about nine days maybe, maybe even less,” Costa said. “We’re standing on a pivotal in western history. We need to stand together and the world needs to send the message that this sort of violence is not acceptable.”

Kyle Gilligan of Stoli Vodka shared that while he does not have direct ties to Ukraine, he shared that he is humbled and proud to be at the event representing his organization.

“No matter how big or small you can contribute and how much you can help or how little it can help, it all goes a really long way,” Gilligan said.

As the evening continued, Porr Yaun along with Rabbi Jacob Rosner of Congregation Agudas Israel, Rev. Yaroslav Kostyk of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Gilligan and Food Historian Sarah Wassberg Johnson shared several words and reflections on the event and the current situation in Ukraine.

The Newburgh Jewish Community Center will donate proceeds to their selected charity, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society [HIAS]. St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic Church will donate funds to their charity of choice. North Plank Road Tavern and Stoli will donate their funds to their charity of choice, World Central Kitchen.