The third annual charity event, Sunflower Fest: A Benefit for Ukraine, was held in Boston, Massachusetts. The festival aimed to raise funds to support Ukrainian children with cancer and Ukrainian artists.Sunflower Fest: A Benefit for Ukraine”, метою якого було зібрати кошти на підтримку онкохворих дітей і митців з України.
This was reported by the festival organizers Aeronaut Brewing Company, Aeronaut Allston and Osnova.
The event took place at the Aeronaut Allston brewery. In partnership with the Lviv-based Pravda Brewery and the Osnova organization, the festival brought guests together to celebrate Ukrainian culture through music, food, and charity.
The festival featured performances by Midnight Motion, Planet Mercury, and other young talents. The central gastronomic highlight was the beer from Pravda Brewery, which was brought directly from Lviv for the guests to enjoy.
The fair portion of the festival featured a variety of handicrafts. Guests could purchase unique items by Ukrainian artists from Ukraine. Additionally, the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England presented handmade items and the bilingual cultural magazine UA Chronicles. NAAM Remisnyky offered Ukrainian textiles, handmade home goods, and toys. The Ukrainian Cultural Initiative presented exquisite wooden art, and Silsky Miasny Dom treated guests to smoked sausages made according to traditional recipes. The Osnova organization offered craft teas, Ukrainian books, and original toys.
"Through our joint efforts, we have raised important funds to support artists living and working in Ukraine, as well as to develop art therapy for children as a source of healing and hope. It is important to us not only to provide support but also to honor and share the beauty inspired by Ukrainian artists today," said the Ukrainian Cultural Initiative.
Local producers also supported the festival. The Fox Den prepared signature pies and dishes that combined culinary heritage with modern techniques. There were stands offering fresh craft cider from YSLA Craft Cider and wine from Brave Selections.
Special thanks were expressed to the local businesses that provided prizes for the participants. These businesses included Down Under School of Yoga, Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi, Solodko, Polonia Café, 241 Optical, Brave Selections, and Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance. The organizers also expressed their gratitude to Wagner Floral Designs for their traditional donation of sunflowers for the event's decorations.
According to the organizers, all funds raised will be donated to the Krab Foundation for Children with Cancer, which helps Ukrainian children receive vital cancer treatment. The Osnova organization is raising funds to purchase medical instruments. Additionally, some of the funds will support Ukrainian artists and provide art therapy for children and veterans in Ukraine.
Ukrainian communities, volunteers, and partner organizations in Boston have held the Sunflower Fest since 2022. It has now become an annual tradition of supporting Ukraine through culture, joint meetings, and charity.
Photo: Anya Dubovyk, Carl Sheline
Author: Inna Mikhno