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Brothers Hospital Mothers Club. Last year, Branch 95 won first prize for its "Carpathian Naturals" theme. Two years ago, the gentleman who bid the highest for our tree gave it to his housebound Ukrainian grandmother. We were told that the sight of this Ukrainian tree evoked much emotion from "Baba". We also participate in other community events such as YWCA fairs, various church bazaars, food fairs, arts & crafts fairs, and pysanka demonstrations. A recent challenge Branch 95 undertook was very ambitious, somewhat risky, and took many weeks of intense planning, hours and hours on the phone, solicitation, angst, and countless sleepless nights. But in the end, the rewards far outweighed the difficulties, and Branch 95 attained one of its most important longtime goals, that is, to advance into the American milieu. On October 26, 1997, a Medieval Banquet and Fashion Show was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Best Western Conference Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. The event was hosted by Branch 95, played to a full house, and heralded local press coverage both before and after the actual date. This original and unique afternoon was lovingly planned by the 17 members of Branch 95 to raise funds for the UNWLA Chomobyl Fund. Although it was the first time the Branch would attempt an event on such a grand scale, the goals to raise funds and acquaint non- Ukrainians in the Poughkeepsie area with the UNWLA, its charity work, the Ukrainian culture and traditions were overwhelmingly successful. The Byzantine exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City was the inspiration for the ideas to carry through the "medieval" theme. The venue chosen was willing to cooperate to the fullest in creating the ambience of a medieval banquet hall. Tables were set in amphitheater style (a U-shape encircling the dance floor, with guests seated only on the outside of the tables facing in towards the dance floor), lighting was primarily candle light provided by large candelabras, tables were decorated with eucalyptus, periwinkle, large silver and burgundy bows, and urns overflowing with fresh fruit. Directly behind the dais was a large, lifelike painting of a Byzantine men's choir, exquisitely painted by one of our talented members, Marianna Szczawinsky. These personal touches contributed to the "oohs and aahs" of the guests when the doors to the ballroom were finally opened. Before entering the banquet hall, guests were given time to view the extensive Chomobyl exhibit in the lobby of the Inn and to bid for the two pieces or artwork donated for the silent auction. Once the gusts were seated, members of Branch 95 entered, each holding a candle lit in memory of the victims of the Chomobyl disaster. A no-cutleiy banquet was served French-style on pewter plates, while goblets of wine were poured. As flavored snow (sherbet) was served for dessert, branch president Mary Ann Zajac narrated a slide presentation (slides graciously provided by Dr. Ihor Sawczuk). Warm greetings from U.S. Congress woman Sue Kelly (who sent a representative to present a Congressional Commendation), from U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey, and from State Senator Steve Saland were read. The well traveled fashion show of historical costumes (borrowed from Branch 64) commenced on the candlelit runway while a professional harpist provided medieval background music. The costumes were modeled by students from Vassar College and several Branch 95 members. The event was then enlivened by a rousing performance by the Voloshky Dance Ensemble from Philadelphia. The Voloshky, who had celebrated their 25th anniversary the night before, traveled three and half hours to help Branch 95 in its efforts. The event was covered by a report and a photographer from the Poughkeepsie Journal and an extensive article appeared in the following day's edition. Media coverage before the event was extensive. The Middletown Herald Record carried an eye-catching preview entitled "Ukrainians are not just about Pysanky", the Social Editor of the Pough keepsie Journal voted the banquet as the "Event of the Week", a half hour interview with Alice Orlan (the event co-chair) was aired on a local radio station, and the Poughkeepsie Journal did a pre-event background report with the branch president. Since there are few Ukrainians in the Hudson Valley, this extensive exposure was indeed a coup. Besides complimentary feedback, fundraising goals were unexpectedly met even though expenses were high. Towards meeting these goals, we coordinated and published a 43-page journal which featured background information on the UNWLA, on Chomobyl, on Ukraine and Ukrainians. There were ads and sponsoring messages from local doctors, dentists, and businesses as well as listings of individual patrons and benefactors. In addition, fifteen gift certificates were donated by local vendors as door prizes. This program was indispensable in covering costs as well as providing information to our guests. A few examples of the rewarding and exciting feedback received after the Chomobyl fundraising event are worth mentioning. A 95-year old German lady traveled 35 miles by taxi to attend our event after reading previews in the newspaper. She stood by the Видання C оюзу Українок A мерики - перевидано в електронному форматі в 2012 році . A рхів C У A - Ню Йорк , Н . Й . C Ш A.
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