In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the seventh annual culinary festival “Borshch-Off for Ukraine” took place, organized by the community organization Wisconsin Ukrainians, Inc. The event, which has already become a beloved tradition for the local Ukrainian community, gathered dozens of participants and hundreds of guests at Turner Hall. Nearly $3,000 was raised to provide Ukrainian defenders with winter equipment. All proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing thermal underwear and chemical hand warmers for Ukrainian soldiers.
This was reported by by the Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc.
This year’s competition featured 22 participants, each presenting their own variation of the beloved Ukrainian dish. Guests were invited to taste all the borshch samples and then anonymously vote for their favorite recipes in two categories — meat and vegetarian.
According to the results, Anna Rodriguez won first place in the meat borshch category, while Vira Kozlovska took second. In the vegetarian category, the winner was Luella Dooley-Menet, with Fausta Urboniene taking second place.
The organizers thanked all participants for their creativity and culinary skill, as well as Emilio De Torre and the Milwaukee Turners for their support and for providing the venue for the event.
“As we sit in our warm homes this winter, we want to know that our defenders are warm too, wherever they may be,” said Yura, a volunteer with the organization, emphasizing the goal of the fundraiser.
In total, the event raised about $3,000, which will help equip at least 100 Ukrainian soldiers with winter clothing and supplies.
The festival also featured the sale of Ukrainian baked goods, coffee, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. Guests enjoyed an atmosphere of Ukrainian hospitality, music, and fellowship. The event once again demonstrated the strong solidarity of Wisconsin residents with Ukraine.
Photo: by the Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc.
Author: Danylo Pievchev