Local fundraiser response ‘incredible’
BUTLER — At 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Lyndora Hotel opened to customers for its Open Mic Night, offering takeout halupki, pierogies and kiffles, with proceeds being donated to those in Ukraine.
By 5:30 p.m., they were sold out of meals and “Stand With Ukraine” T-shirts, but people continued donating to the cause.
The fundraiser was intended by the restaurant owners to be a low-key affair for the community to contribute to Ukrainians affected by Russia’s invasion. In preparation, 650 halupki were made. A Facebook flyer advertising the food, T-shirts and the basket raffles promised at the event quickly circulated the website.
“The response from Butler has been incredible,” co-owner Mike Pawk said.
Customers crowded the bar and restaurant, urging waitresses to “keep the change” when paying their bills to contribute. Some left without food, stopping only to drop off checks for the cause.
Pawk said the money raised from the fundraiser would go toward the Brother’s Brother Foundation in Pittsburgh.
“I spoke with the president of Brother’s Brother, who said he was talking with the Ukrainian embassy,” Pawk said. “One hundred percent of the donations go to medical supplies, food and clothes for Ukrainians.”
Allen Hawk and Mike Shook, both of Butler, said they attended the fundraiser in support of those suffering during the invasion, and of the owners of the restaurant, who are Ukrainian descendants.
“The cause is really to help Ukrainians. I’d do it again tomorrow. I’ll give as much as I can,” Hawk said.
“There’s no political affiliation attached; it’s the humanitarian side of this. It’s the people we’re helping,” Shook said.
Mary Senge and her family waited in a long line to receive their food. She said it was wonderful to see a local business doing this for those in need.
“My grandparents came by boat and lived in Lyndora,” she said. “I hope for peace for Ukraine, and that Putin stops what he’s doing.”
Kim Reamer said she attended the fundraiser because she felt donating money wasn’t enough.
“We feel helpless; we want to do something for people. We donated, but we want to do more,” she said. “This is an opportunity to have a direct line to (Ukraine).”
“I hope they’re safe and that there is a solution quickly,” attendee Lindsay Gardner said of those in Ukraine. “They absolutely deserve anything anyone can give.”
Pawk said the success of the event prompted them to start preparing for a bigger fundraiser March 19 on the second floor of Lyndora Hotel. There will be more food, T-shirts and opportunities to donate. According to Pawk, local businesses have already said they would contribute.
“It’s been overwhelming,” he said. “I think everybody watching these images on TV of people fighting for freedom, fighting for their lives, for their land, (makes) people just want to do something. They want to help.”
