Authentic Ukrainian meal to raise funds for embattled nation

Members of Light to the World Church are spending this week preparing vats of borscht, mounds of stuffed cabbage and a beetroot salad known as vareniki. The traditional Ukrainian dishes and others will be served Saturday at a fundraiser to benefit churches in Ukraine helping residents affected by the war with Russia.

“Our main goal is to help the Ukrainian people through the Ukrainian churches that are helping people get the food and get the help they need, provide assistance in transportation and humanitarian support,” said Light to the World member Vick Strizheus. “They are trying to support the people and do their part in the midst of all the craziness that’s going on there.”

Strizheus’ father established Light to the World, a Pentecostal church, in 2010 and led it until his death in 2017. Its congregation primarily is made up of members who came to the United States from Ukraine and other Eastern European countries, Russia and Belarus. Sunday services draw 200 to 250 people, Strizheus said.

Light to the World meets at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where the fundraiser will take place.

Traditional Ukrainian food will be served, Strizheus said.

“We’ll be working around the clock Friday, so everything will be super fresh,” he said. The menu also will include whole potatoes with bacon and fried onions, braised cabbage with mushrooms, and pancakes with meat. Desserts also will be served, and traditional pastries can be purchased to take home.

A committee of church volunteers is organizing the event, said Strizheus, who sings in the choir and plays keyboard and piano. His wife teaches Sunday school.

Freewill donations will be accepted for the meal. One-hundred percent of the donations will support churches in Ukraine.

About the event

A fundraiser serving Ukrainian food will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3801 E. 26th St. It is hosted by Light to the World Church, which meets at Westminster Presbyterian. Freewill offerings will be collected. All proceeds will be donated to churches in Ukraine that are helping those affected by war.