The Ukrainian Museum's Malanka brings out supporters and donors (03/02/03)

The Ukrainian Museum's Malanka brings out supporters and donors

by Katria Czerwoniak

NEW YORK - The cold spell that gripped the nation the week before January 25, the day of The Ukrainian Museum's Malanka, in no way hindered the 300 guests in assembling at The Tavern on the Green in Central Park in New York City.

Most were from the tri-state area, but those who flew in from Toronto and from distant states like California, Nevada, Wisconsin and Florida, testified to the fact that this event, as the museum itself, is gaining in popularity and support across the country and in Canada. At 8 p.m, as cocktails were served, the elegant establishment reverberated with joyous greetings of friends and acquaintances glad to see each other again.

The exuberant feeling could hardly be contained even when guests entered the Crystal Room for dinner. This space is aptly named. The crystal chandeliers and decorations, the glowing tapers in their tall silver holders on the well-appointed tables, the luminous reflections on the glass walls and the glittering lights on the trees in the night outside evoked a sense of elegance and magical beauty.

Roman Kyzyk, the master of ceremonies for the evening, welcomed everyone to the fourth museum Malanka. He introduced the ambassador of Ukraine to the United Nations, Valeriy Kuchinsky and Mrs. Kuchinsky; the consul general of Ukraine in New York City, Serhii Pohoreltzev and Mrs. Pohoreltzev; and the rector of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Prof. Viacheslav Briukhovetsky and Mrs. Briukhovetsky.

Also introduced were the president of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America, Iryna Kurowyckyj; the honorary president of the UNWLA, Anna Krawchuk; the former president of The Ukrainian Museum, Ivan Luchechko; the president of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America, Dr. Ihor Voyevidka; the architect of the new museum building, George Sawicki; the director of The Ukrainian Museum, Maria Shust; and the president of The Ukrainian Museum's board of trustees; Olha Hnateyko.

In turn, Ms. Hnateyko extended her welcome to all and noted with joy that a very large number of the guests were young people. The presence of these young professionals is proof of the vitality of the museum and a guarantee of its growth in the future, she noted. She stressed the importance of expanding the museum's membership roster, adding that the size and growth of museum membership reflect the community's need for, interest in and esteem for the institution. It is also one of the deciding factors in the allotment of moneys to the museum by city, state and federal agencies. Ms. Hnateyko thanked everyone for the munificent and unfailing support of The Ukrainian Museum.

Orest and Marta Kebalo, attired in embroidered shirts, recited the age-old "vinshuvannia," wishing all good health, prosperity and happiness in the New Year. This was followed by the dance, with the guests swaying and twirling to the lively music of Yurij Hrab's Montage band.

The museum is fortunate to have caring sponsors who from year to year greatly facilitate the planning and organizing of the Malanka with their contributions. Julian and Maria Baczynsky, Orest and Lidia Bilous, Dr. Areta Podhorodecky and Zenon Chernyk, Lydia Ficalowych, Dr. Arthur and Irene Hryhorowych, John and Deanna Hynansky, Prof. Jaroslaw and Alla Leshko, and Dr. Ihor and Alexandra Sawczuk were Malanka's 2003 generous sponsors.

Andrea Alyskewycz Mejias designed the elegant invitation to the Malanka 2003. The Ukrainian National Association donated a door prize - a weekend at Soyuzivka, which was won by Olha Kryzaniwsky.

There was much excitement among the guests about the new museum facility that is daily increasing in size and volume on Sixth Street, in the "Little Ukraine" area of the East Village. DiGiacomo and Son plan to complete the building before the end of 2003. The equipment and furnishings of the new museum, as well as the opening exhibitions, will require extensive funding. Understanding that need and taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the jubilant evening, the Baczynskys, the Hryhorowyches, George and Anisa Mycak, Ihor and Tamara Vitkovitsky, and Nigel and Lidia Wilson made generous donations to the museum.

The Special Events Committee was responsible for the organization of this year's Malanka with the help of the museum's administration. Tatiana Tershakovec, chair, thanked everyone who helped make Malanka 2003 a success and spoke of the generosity of the sponsors and donors with special gratitude.

Too soon, it seemed, the tapers in their elaborate holders were dimmed as were the lights of the crystal chandeliers. Reluctantly, the revelers, having danced the last dance, filed out into the cold, dark night, saying their farewells and "bon voyages." The trees around The Tavern on the Green were ablaze with myriad twinkling lights, a stately reminder of a lovely and elegant evening.

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