In February 2022, when Russia declared a full-scale war against Ukraine, our group of LA-based friends had the urge to act. We felt pain and despair and we wanted to help the people of Ukraine in whatever way we could. 

 

The idea was simple–we hosted a small home party to raise money for children in Ukraine. On that day we cooked over 1,000 vareniki (traditional Ukrainian dumpling-like dish) for our friends and neighbors. We expected ~30 people to show up and support our cause, and how surprised we were when more than 100 people came and we raised over $3,000!  

But it did not stop there. The news about our fundraising effort spread further and people and companies started to send us additional donations. 

 

Wow! In a few days, we were at USD 20,000!

 

This is when we realized that our impact can go beyond a small backyard party. And that's how Kulbaba organization was born.