By Kyra Price
Donations: "Aid Relief for Ukrainians via CARE," photo taken by Kyra Price
A number of community members and musicians came together to show support for the citizens of Ukraine. On March 25, the Benefit Concert for Ukraine was held at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts from 7 to 9 p.m. The event was free, but donations were encouraged to help with the relief efforts.
Eau Claire-based band, Home Grown Tomatoes performed to help spread awareness for the cause.
Community members who were not present at the Benefit event but are still involved spoke out.
A Ukraine native, Olga Kasatkina was there to provide support and connect with others. “I am very worried about the people suffering and sad,” said Kasatkina. “I am scared that it will turn into nuclear war.”
Olga Kasatkina: speaking out, photo taken by Olga Kasatkina
Ukraine-born math lecturer at UW-Stout, founder of Swan Lake Ballet Studios and Ganna Ensemble, and Kasatkina’s daughter, Ganna Berge was also at the event. Her thoughts were concise. “It is scary,” Berge said.
Ganna Berge: speaking out, photo taken by Chris Cooper
Kasatkina agreed. “It is very sad that children are suffering, dying, injured, and separated from their parents,” she said.
Kasatkina wants to send a message to raise awareness of the events taking place in Ukraine. “Let’s all stand up for peace and humanity,” said Kasatkina.
Donations were made to Care, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and social injustice. Details about their work can be found at https://www.care.org.
The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts is located at 205 Main St E.