A lively community event turned into a vital fundraiser, with music, food and an auction drawing enthusiastic supporters.

In Staten Island, one of New York’s boroughs, the 13th Ukrainian Charity Festival took place, drawing hundreds of participants from the diaspora and serving as an important platform for raising funds for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The festival traditionally took place on the grounds of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity.

The celebration began with the Divine Liturgy, after which the main charitable and cultural venues unfolded.

This event is one of the largest regular Ukrainian community gatherings in this part of New York.

Character of the Festival and Diaspora Involvement

Guests were treated to performances by Ukrainian artists, local children’s creative groups, and folk dance ensembles. The concert’s headliner was Serhiy Lazanovskyi, winner of the television show The Voice of Ukraine, who sang alongside the frontman of the band Grindzholy, Roman Kalyn.

Also on stage were Iryna Sakhariyeva, Maria Shchupak, the duo “Kryla” (Andriy and Yaryna Zatonsky), the band “Charki,” and Solomiya Ivanotsko. Individual numbers were presented by pupils of Kryla Vocal & Art Studio, the dance group “Youth,” and the children’s choir “Young Thought” under the baton of conductor Vasyl Hrechytskyi.

In addition to the festive concert program, visitors could sample dishes of traditional Ukrainian cuisine, visit themed photo zones, and participate in the 50/50 lottery. The centerpiece of the fundraiser was a charity auction, where among the main lots were raffled memorable items linked to Valeriy Zaluzhny and Ihor Lapin.

Organizers from the Staten Island community emphasized that absolutely all funds raised during the festival would be promptly transferred to frontline units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The event underscored the importance of uniting the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States and supporting Ukraine’s defenders who daily serve on the front lines and need attention and assistance.

These initiatives demonstrate the strength of the community and its commitment to helping those who defend the country’s sovereignty.