The MSMS community lent its support to war-torn Ukraine through a silent auction organized last month by Russian I, Russian II and Russian Club students that raised almost $1,700 earmarked for aid donations.

About 50 attendees bid on a myriad of goods, including goods and experiences with MSMS faculty. International souvenirs sold at the auction included beaded jewelry from Ukraine, colorful wool shawls and handmade wooden toys from Russia and a hand-painted ceramic bell from Poland, among others.

MSMS faculty members also personally donated goods. Music instructor Dawn Barham donated a guitar; science instructor Tina Gibson donated a handmade crochet blanket displaying sunflowers, an important Ukrainian symbol; English instructor Thomas Richardson donated two copies of his book “How to Read;” and interim director Rick Smith offered to sew a custom-made bowtie. 

Experiences with faculty included teach-for-a-day opportunities in math instructor Lauren Zarandona’s classes, a horseback riding lesson with engineering instructor Danielle Grimes and a nature walk with science instructor Jason Palagi. 

Outside of the items up for auction, the event featured goods for sale at fixed prices, including homemade pryaniki (spicy Russian cookies) made by Russian II student Avian Rose; pirozhki (Russian meat pastries) made by language instructor Margaret Mary Henry; raffle tickets for a $50 Amazon gift card; and a $50 gift card to Harvey’s.

The proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Operation Ukraine, a Columbus-based non-profit that has sent aid to Ukraine since the late ’90s. The local organization sends containers with everything from nonperishable foods to personal items a family might need.

The idea for the fundraiser came from Russian II student and Russian Club President Sydney Cooksey. Cooksey and fellow Russian II students Rose and Vineeth Vanga were the event’s primary organizers. Cooksey proposed the idea right before spring break. The Russian students, along with the help of the Strings Club for background music brought on by Russian I student and violinist Elsa Pfrenger, put together the event in two weeks. 

Cooksey said she and other organizers wanted to “to show others that anyone can have a hand in helping a cause with the right determination and support.”

“As we were watching the news updates on Ukraine in Russian II, Vineeth shared how he wished we could show our support and actually have an impact,” Cooksey said. “As the Russian Club, it is important for us to share that Russia is not just Putin. Though [Russia] is the aggressor in this situation, many Russians are risking their lives to protest the invasion and war. We want to shed light on the Russians standing with Ukraine.”

Henry, the Russian Club sponsor and instructor, said the fundraiser was successful overall, given the number of people in attendance and the amount of money raised for Ukraine relief.

“You always hope for a big turnout, but we realized that this was a super busy time of year. Although more people could have come, the ones who did come were generous indeed, and we are so grateful to them,” Henry said. “We were overjoyed and amazed when we realized that we had not only made our goal but gone beyond it.”

Russian I student James Talamo said he was satisfied with the auction’s impact on its attendees.

“A good portion of the student body came out, if not to participate in the auction, to learn something about the Ukraine situation,” Talamo said. “I think the turnout exceeded my expectations, as I figured people would be uninterested during a weekend; however, the MSMS student body and faculty impressed me. I feel like the attendees walked away understanding more than they did before, which is all we could ask.”