Veselka dancers draw a crowd at perogy supper

VILNA - Nearly 500 people took in the Vilna Veselka Dancing Club's annual perogy supper fundraiser on April 2 - a notable increase in attendance since the last time the club was able to host the event.

The supper was held at the Vilna Cultural Center, and featured a traditional Ukrainian meal, along with the talents of young dancers. 

For organizers, the support was overwhelming as streams of people stopped by to enjoy the supper and watch the performances.

“Before COVID, this perogy supper would average 300 people," said Club president, Donna Cherniwchan. She estimated that about 475 people attended the April 2 event.  

"It didn’t take long before we realized we had to set up more table and chairs. Seeing the Cultural Centre full of people was incredible," said Cherniwchan.

To prepare for the supper, the club held a perogy making bee where families and volunteers made three kinds of perogies - sauerkraut, cottage and cheddar - totalling nearly 10,000 perogies.  

In addition to the supper, the club also held a 50/50 raffle, as well as a silent auction. 

“We had over 70 silent auction items donated by families, community members and business. There was something for everyone”.

Then, the Vilna Veselka dancers performed for the large crowd. The performance was their first public performance since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

“Our club is so grateful for the community support. Watching the kids dance... just demonstrates that our little club is not only surviving but we are thriving," says Cherniwchan.