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If you’re looking for a way to help war victims in Ukraine, you’re invited to take part in a fundraising gala at the Caruso Club April 9. 

Proceeds from this gala will be donated to the Ukrainian Seniors’ Centre and charities in Ukraine. Bill McElree from Absolute Wedding partnered up with the Ukrainian Seniors’ Centre to make the event possible. McElree only started planning two weeks ago, but he’s already garnered support from members in the Sudbury community. 

“There are people here in Sudbury (who are) hurting,” McElree told Sudbury.com in a phone interview. “Somebody just suggested, ‘You should host a gala.’ And the rest has been the last two weeks of my life. So everybody I called didn’t just say, ‘yes,’ (but they also said) ‘How can we help more?’” 

While the wedding planner usually has a few months in advance to plan events, the shorter amount of time to plan this gala hasn’t been too difficult. He said the enthusiasm and support from the community has made it easier for him. 

“We’re going to get this done and we’re going to make a difference. We shouldn’t wait. Let’s just do it. Now,” McElree said. 

“The majority of funds raised will go to the local Ukrainian Centre to support their efforts to help those suffering from a pointless war,” a press release wrote.

The gala is also planning on having Oksana Potapova join the gala from Germany through a live Zoom call. 

Potapova is a refugee from Ukraine who has gone viral online. She’s garnered almost 30,000 followers on Facebook and is planning on speaking to the gala about her experiences and what the greatest needs are. 

The gala will also serve a variety of hors d’oeuvres, and guests attending can finally dust off their favourite gowns and suits that have been sitting in their closets over the pandemic. 

Three local bands — Flashback, Restored and Pop Machine, as well as DJs Alex Reed and Richie Rich will be there to perform and entertain guests. The event is on April 9 and starts at 7 p.m. at the Caruso Club. 

Tickets are available here and are $100 (not including tax) per person and a table can be bought for $800. 

McElree is still looking for sponsors to cover costs for the event as he continues the process of planning the event. For those who would like to sponsor the event, please email [email protected]

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