In Leander, Texas, Ukrainian volunteers from the Austin Bake Dream Team raised $1,543 during the Artoberfest festival to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. All proceeds will be donated to the Liberty Ukraine Foundation.
This was reported by Austin Bake Dream Team and volunteer Nadiya Zhurba..
The Artoberfest, organized by the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission, took place at Lakewood Park, combining family entertainment, creative activities, and an autumn atmosphere with a charitable purpose. The Ukrainian booth featuring homemade pastries became one of the festival’s culinary highlights.
For the second year in a row, Austin Bake Dream Team joined the festival at the invitation of the organizers. This year, the group welcomed new members — Kateryna Trusova, who continues the volunteer work of her mother Lesia Trusova, and Valentyna Schneider, known for her charitable initiatives.
“Organizing one of these bake sales takes anywhere from four hours to two days. We buy ingredients, bake, deliver, sell — and even buy back the leftovers to raise more for the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” shared Zhurba. She noted that despite the fatigue, volunteering alongside such dedicated women is deeply inspiring.
Among the homemade delicacies offered to visitors were raspberry pies, cranberry rolls, chebureky, sausage rolls, sweet cheese buns, varenyky, pancakes with cottage cheese, gluten-free muffins, compotes, cookies, poppy seed rolls, cinnamon buns, and other treats — all lovingly handmade.
“Our men and women on the frontlines are giving their lives for Ukraine — so can’t we give a little of our money and time? This is the minimum every Ukrainian abroad can do to be part of our shared struggle… We thank all the Americans and Ukrainians who came to support us and donated for our pastries,” the volunteers said.
Even from afar, the Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S. continues to unite around a common goal — to support Ukraine in its hardest times. During the festival, Austin Bake Dream Team raised $1,543, which will be transferred to the Liberty Ukraine Foundation to aid humanitarian projects.
The event organizers thanked all teams for their contributions, noting that initiatives like this make the festival a true symbol of unity and creativity.
“Thousands of you came to celebrate art, community, and vibrant colors — from strolling through the fairy-tale cottages to enjoying workshops, treats, live performances, and incredible kids at the Young Entrepreneurs’ Fair and Children’s Art Contest. You made this event special — thank you for being part of our creative and supportive community!” summarized the Artoberfest organizers.
Photos: Eugene Altyn, Nadya Zhurba
Author: Inna Mikhno