Tarasova Nich   ...

Night of Taras

On September 19, 2009, the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko hosted its first fundraiser “Night of Taras” banquet and dance at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.  This fundraising event was held to promote the Kobzar Literary Award and to build the Kobzar Literary Award Endowment Fund.  The Kobzar Literary Award was established in 2003 to encourage and support the proliferation of literature that examines, depicts and includes the Ukrainian Canadian experience through a variety of literary genres.

As guests arrived that night, they were welcomed toasting one another with iced vodka. The traditional music of the bandura, played by artist Angie Chabluk greeted the guests as they entered the hall.  Rt. Rev. Monsignor Michael Buyachok gave blessing and Hoosli Men’s Choir sang The Lord’s Prayer to open the formal dinner.  Master of Ceremonies Chrissy Troy from Hot 103 “Winnipeg’s #1 Hit Music Station” kept the program moving along.  Shevchenko Foundation President Andrew Hladyshevsky Q.C., brought greetings from the Board of Directors.  Danny Schur, past recipient of the Kobzar Literary Award spoke about the award.  The guests were entertained by Hoosli Men’s Choir directed by Bill Solomon and by Slava! Ukrainian Contemporary Dancers under the choreography of Larrisa Semchyshyn.   After dessert, a live auction started, led by auctioneers Andy and Jason Kaye, and the dance floor opened to the music of the Ron Paley Orchestra.  Guests enjoyed the evening by dancing into the wee hours and bidding on items donated by our generous sponsors!

The Shevchenko Foundation extends its sincere and profound appreciation to the numerous donors, corporate sponsors, entertainers and individuals who supported this event.  A special thank you goes to Bob Harris and Peter Ginakes for their generous surprise gift of $20,000.

This inaugural event was a huge success thanks to the immeasurable efforts of  the organizing committee chaired by Marta Harris and members Diana Semchyshyn, Irka Mendela, Irka Semaniuk, Katrusia Chuchman, Marijka Diakiw and Marcy Romaniuk.

Through their efforts, dedication and commitment, this volunteer group of individuals was able to raise over $65,000 for the endowment fund of the Kobzar Literary Award.  Thank you!

The Foundation’s mission is to preserve and promote Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage and advancement of a flourishing Ukrainian community for the enrichment of Canada.  Promoting our mission through fellowship, the sharing of good food, laughter and fun with a dash of charity – works for us.  It takes a community of believers to support and raise funds for a worthy cause.  Bless our community of believers.