Christy’s Corner: Spring 2015

Winter is nearly over and spring and all of its growth and newness is just around the corner! With a new year comes new challenges, experiences, and projects — and the UCAA Fundraising Committee and I are more than ready to tackle them all!

In November of 2014 we hosted a very successful and fun “Masquerade Ball and Silent Auction” where we raised $5,602.04! It is only with your attendance and generosity that we had such success and for that we are thankful beyond words! The money raised at this event was to be used for the various travel expenses associated with Kashtan’s 2015 European Tour. Given the current political climate in Ukraine, and subsequent lack of participation in the tour, the UCAA executive board has made the challenging – but necessary – decision to put the tour on hold in order to not only ensure the safety of our performers, but also to preserve Kashtan’s performance integrity and reputation. We will continue gath- ering and sharing information regarding a future tour abroad, but in the interim, we are committed to securing performanc- es and opportunities for our students throughout the United States. The money raised at the “Masquerade Ball and Silent Auction” has been allocated specifically to a travel account which will be used to defray the costs of students who par- ticipate in upcoming and future performances which involve travel accommodations.

With new experiences on the horizon, we have and will con- tinue to fundraise. We hope that you have enjoyed yourselves at our past events, and plan to join us for upcoming ones! On January 29, 2015, the UCAA along with the gracious support system of Oleh Mahlay and the Ukrainian Cleveland Happy Hour, hosted a Pub Night Fundraiser. The evening of food, libations, raffles, prizes, music and dancing was enjoyed by all, and because of you, we raised and amazing $1,000.00 which have been added to our travel fund.

The upcoming months bring new and exciting projects! Plans for a “Dine and Donate” are being made for March 26th, 27th and 28th–dine at the Bob Evans on Rockside Road during any of these “UCAA Days”, and 15% of your bill will be donat- ed back to us—make your meal count! More information and details regarding this and other upcoming events will be shared with the community in the coming weeks, but feel free to contact me with any questions!

The UCAA and Kashtan Ukrainian Dance Ensemble strive to enrich the lives of our Ukrainian youth and community by promoting the importance of our dance and culture. We would cease to exist without you – so from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your past, present, and future contributions and support! It is our priority that the UCAA’s fundraising events and efforts continue to be well communi- cated and transparent! Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time!

Christy Bohuslawsky-Brown
UCAA Executive Board Member – Fundraising Committee cmv.brown.1@gmail.com
216.287.9166