Pasta dinner for Ukraine raises over $25,000

KINGSVILLE — It was only three weeks ago that Kingsville Councillor Laura Lucier came up with an idea to do what she could to help Ukraine as the invasion by Russian forces rages on.

She first reached out to council and administration with her thought of helping a country so many miles away.

“They said, sure go for it,” she said on Tuesday, April 5. “And this is the result.”

That result was a full house at Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre for the Kingsville Community for Ukraine fundraising pasta dinner.

LAURA LUCIER

The dinner and all of its other components raised $25,600 by preliminary counts.

With several service clubs — including Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Optimists, Pathfinders, Food Bank and Arts Society — involved, Lucier and about 50 volunteers pulled off a large community event.

In addition to the pasta dinner, there was a silent auction of about 54 pieces of art donated by members of the Arts Society of Kingsville. There was also a very popular bake sale which was furnished with tasty treats by members of the community. Several great door prizes were also available.

For Laura Lucier, she’s grateful that it came together without a lot of cost involved.

“This came together for under $1,000 so we think we did very well in that regard,” she said.

Other members of council were present, as were members of administration and Mayor Nelson Santos.

All proceeds will go to the Canadian Red Cross Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Appeal and donations were being taken at the dinner as well.

Lucier said several local businesses lent their expertise and donated door prizes to the cause.

“It’s a true community fundraiser and we’re thrilled with the turnout,” she said.

Mary Jane MacVicar gets her plate filled by volunteers at the PAsta Dinner Fundraiser for Ukraine on Aporil 5 at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centtre. Hundreds turned out for the meal, silent auction and raffles.

SUN photo