While the war in Ukraine continues, so does the effort to help people effected by it.
People in Traverse City packed the City Opera House Wednesday night for a fundraiser benefiting those involved in the war. The fundraiser was put on by Northwestern Michigan College, along with the International Affairs Forum and the National Writers Series. The Director of International Affairs Forum, Jim Bensley, says all the money is going towards a good cause.
“You’ve certainly seen, there’s a lot of fundraisers for Ukrainians out there. We though what can we do that’s especially akin to what we do normally. And that’s being a voice for global affairs in the Traverse City area,” Bensley says.
Nearly two months removed from the start of the war and many fundraisers later, people are still finding ways to help show their support.
“We obviously have a Ukrainian population in our area. So they’re our neighbors. We see them on our streets, certainly at the college. We’ve had students from Ukrainian families, so we know them. We have the chance to help support something that they have no control over,” Bensley states.
Wednesday’s fundraiser included musicians, popular Ukrainian appetizers and many guest speakers. The speakers included the former Minister of Health for Ukraine Dr. Ulana Suprun, who joined from Kyiv. CNN Senior International Correspondent Arwa Damon also joined after recently reporting in Ukraine. The event also included speakers from colleges around Northern Michigan.
The fundraiser sold out after all 600 tickets were purchased. The Executive Director of National Writers Series, Amanda Ruud, says it was more then just an event to raise money, but to share information. She says it’s awesome to see people still showing support.
“I think it’s really inspiring that the community is coming together in this way. Especially during a time when so much seems very split and divisive,” Ruud states.
All money gathered from the fundraiser will go towards groups actively working in Ukraine and helping resettle refugees in Grand Traverse County.
Organizers say the generosity from the people of Traverse City is a testament of the power a community can have.
“We live in a very gracious community and people do turn out for things like this because they care. It may be small in the great scheme of things, but it’s still very important for our town, our area, and those that are benefitting from it,” Bensley explains.
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