Local women use baking, organizational skills to help Ukrainians
Leigh Baxter and Pam Howryla, horrified by the television coverage of the desperate people fighting to stay alive in Ukraine, felt helpless to assist the victims of the war-torn country.
“Finally, I was like, ‘I’ve got to do something, so I’m going to do what I know how to do, and that’s bake,’” Baxter said.
She called the Howrylas, who have a baking-related business, to ask if Pam could help sponsor a huge bake sale.
Howryla’s husband, John, is a second-generation Ukrainian, as his grandparents emigrated from the country.
“She said, ‘I will be there,’” Baxter said.
The women have been planning the #CookForUkraine event for the past several days, and all while working at their regular jobs.
The huge bake sale and basket raffle will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot at Cabot United Methodist Church, 707 Winfield Road in Winfield Township.
Donations of baked goods are being accepted at the church from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Baxter said.
#CookForUkraine is a hashtag circulated on social media that was created by two chefs to entice anyone with cooking skills to organize a food-related Ukrainian fundraiser.
In addition to delicious baked goods for sale Saturday, a number of high-end cakes will be raffled, as will a number of food-related and restaurant baskets.
Dottie Slomer, 86, of Butler Township, will donate 300 handmade teddy bears and a few afghans, which will be available for sale.
“Every person who has ever made eye contact with me is either donating or baking for me,” Baxter said. “We have people coming from Pittsburgh to drop off baked goods.”
Some of the items to be raffled include $200 in gift certificates from Thoma Meat Market in Saxonburg, dinner for two plus three signature cakes from Clifford’s Restaurant in Connoquenessing Township, a dozen specialty cookies from Coffee Brake in Evans City, a United Kingdom-based basket and a cake from Oakmont Bakery.
Donations also will be accepted at the event.
Proceeds from #CookForUkraine will benefit ShelterBox, an international organization that has twice been nominated for the Nobel Prize for its humanitarian relief work around the globe.
Baxter said ShelterBox will use the funds to provide Ukrainians with basic and vital necessities like food, water, blankets, clothing and medical supplies.
“My heart aches every time I turn on the TV and I can’t imagine what these Ukrainians are going through,” Baxter said. “And it’s not just me. I’m finding that everyone wants to help.”
Jonathan Fehl, pastor at Cabot United Methodist Church, said many church members are planning to donate baked goods for #CookForUkraine, and the event was promoted in the church bulletin Sunday.
“It’s such a humanitarian crisis in and around that nation right now with the invasion, and our hearts are broken,” Fehl said. “We want to do whatever we can to help support the people of Ukraine.”
Those looking to support the people of Ukraine can buy baked goods or participate in the raffles on Saturday at #CookForUkraine.
Baxter can be contacted at Ukrainefundraiser031922@gmail.com.
