Hopeful hearts raise nearly $250,000 for Ukrainian war relief

AMENIA — As Ukrainian lives continue to be ravaged by war, residents of northeastern Dutchess County and beyond have come together this March in support of Ukraine and to shed a light on the Ukrainian people’s struggle overseas.

A prime example of that support could be found at the fundraiser for Ukraine held at Troutbeck in Amenia from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. It was sort of a reboot, as the first fundraiser was held at the RE Institute art gallery in Millerton on Saturday, March 12, and drew about 55 guests despite a mid-March snowstorm. It was therefore rescheduled for this past weekend.

Troutbeck offered the perfect setting for Ukrainian fare, live music, drinks and breathtaking artwork up for bid.

Local chefs handpicked and donated food that tasted of Ukraine, from stuffed cabbage cooked by Champetre’s Michel and Patricia Jean of Pine Plains to private chef Matthew Lodes’ shiitake and ricotta varenyky (pierogies) to a Ukrainian stew prepared by Jerry Peele of Herondale Farm in Ancramdale. Drinks were donated by regional tea makers, distilleries and wine companies, and local markets and bakers provided snacks and sweets.

Guests circulated, writing down bids for the silent auction, mingling with others and admiring the artwork on display. Yet amid the cheerful talk, they all understood their motive for gathering.

“It’s an international, political, legal response to address this grotesque violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law,” said Lawrence Moss, a senior advocate for the United Nations and a part-time resident of Ancramdale.

Calling the local response to the Ukrainian crisis “very gratifying,” Moss said, “Americans are always interested in foreign affairs… Over the repercussions of this crisis, I hope this interest in international affairs continues.”

Halfway through the event, the fundraiser’s organizer drew everyone’s attention.

“Thank you, thank you for coming,” said André Wlodar.

An immigrant from Warsaw, Poland, Wlodar and his wife now split their time between Millerton and NYC. He said he’s been asked his motive for helping Ukraine.

“I think [in] this moment in history, we are all Ukrainians,” he said. “We have to do something.”

Following Russia’s declaration of war on Feb. 24, Wlodar spoke of the endeavors he and his colleagues have carried out in response to the conflict.

He introduced several people who have been working in support of Ukraine and supported Sunday’s fundraiser.

Moss spoke before the crowd about the U.N.’s efforts in trying to broker peace, both in the past and during this current conflict.

An auction was held, to raise additional money for the cause. More than $80,000 was raised through an art auction that kicked off last week, and another $42,000 was raised through donations and the live auction.

Since he began fundraising in support of Ukraine, Wlodar said he has raised close to $250,000 to help Ukrainians in their fight for freedom.