Five to one! That’s the leverage of purchasing power Tom Schroeder was able to achieve with donated funds at the Ukrainian Aid fundraiser held in Downers Grove on May 14. For every one dollar donated, Project Cure will be able to supply five dollars of medical supplies that will be distributed in Ukraine.
In addition, a dozen pallets of supplies collected by the event will be shipped to Ukraine by George Cepynsky, CEO of Precision Parts– a Downers Grove electronics firm. The event was held in downtown Downers at Wasabi restaurant and was co-organized by Suzanne Jessen. The event drew a nice size crowd as well as local TV coverage for speeches, songs, and a rally in support of the Ukrainian people.
Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett spoke of the “can do” spirit of Downers, and he and the organizers noted the great turnout by local businesses in support of the fundraiser. The event raised over $13,000 dollars as well as the twelve pallets of supplies that were donated by the community at numerous sites throughout the city. The event organizers worked with churches, the Downers Grove Park District, and the Rotary of Downers Grove to provide these drop-off points. Live music also filled the air Saturday night.
Participating sponsors for the event included F45 Fitness Training, Watts of Love, Bar Chido, kw Experience, Perspire Sauna Studio, Oakley Home Builders, Orange & Brew, Support D58, Beil & Stromberg Insurance, Matthies Builders, The Foxtail, Rotary Club of Downers Grove, Cadence Kitchen, and Pierce Tavern. Hosts for the event were Wasabi Restaurant, 1126 Entertainment, and Precision Circuits.
