The 75th anniversary celebration of the Organization of Democratic Ukrainian Youth (ODUM) concluded in Bloomingdale, Illinois, bringing together hundreds of participants from across the United States around Ukrainian culture, community, and philanthropy.
This was reported by the official ODUM Chicago page.
The event lasted three days – from August 29 to 31, 2025 – at the St. Andrew the First-Called Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Bloomingdale. Participants gathered to honor ODUM’s legacy, meet old friends, meet new people, and rally around support for Ukraine.
On Friday, August 29, the celebration began with an evening picnic in the open air: music, karaoke, children's films, volleyball, darts, badminton, as well as delicious Ukrainian snacks created a cozy atmosphere for all generations. A bar and snacks were available for a nominal fee, and the area for children was equipped with special care.
Saturday morning, August 30, was active - a golf tournament in Bensville, sports activities, as well as several creative workshops for children and adults. One of the central events was a glass painting class, which was held by craftswoman Olena Dyadenko. A fair of Ukrainian handmade products was held in a parallel space.
The evening banquet and entertainment that took place on the same day attracted particular attention. Live music by the band “Accord” (Andriy Chuyko), a concert program by “Vodohrai” and the ensemble “Haydamaki” from the Academy of Ukrainian Folk Dance at the parish of St. Andrew, the ensemble of Bandura Women of North America, and performances by Ukrainian figures gave the holiday a solemnity. The guest of honor was Natalia Pavlenko, head of the Union of Ukrainian Women of America. «Водограй» і ансамблю «Гайдамаки» від Академії українського народного танцю при парафії св. Андрія, ансамблю Бандуристок Північної Америки та виступи українських діячів надали святу урочистості. Почесною гостею була Наталія Павленко, голова Союзу Українок Америки.
On Sunday, August 31, during the Divine Liturgy, a large number of ODUM members held flags and prayed for the repose of the souls of all the fallen soldiers-defenders, for victory and peace for our country. After the requiem-panahida, the solemn raising of the ODUM flag took place, a concert program with the participation of dancers, bandura players and vocalists, as well as an open-air fair. The celebration ended with a joint dinner and lowering of the flag by the bonfire, which became an emotional finale of the three-day meeting.
All proceeds from the event were donated to purchase bandages and help animals in Ukraine.
Photo: ODUM Chicago
Author: Inna Mikhno