Fundraiser for Ukraine

By Mila Krol with Eric Bressler

After Russia's war on Ukraine began, Mila Krol organized an interesting and unusual fundraiser on April 17th to benefit Minneapolis Jewish Federation's Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund. Here's her story.

(EB) Thanks for chatting with me, Mila. The “Blankets Of Peace” fundraiser was fun and social, and I have a black and white chunky blanket to show for it! How did you get the idea to do this kind of fundraiser?   

(MK) In 2015 I wanted to do something special with my Mom for her 60th birthday, so we went to a “paint and sip” event.  All I knew of the industry at the time was that there was painting and there was wine.  We went.  We loved it! I saw that everyone was celebrating something: a bachelorette party, dates, children and families enjoying their time together. Then it clicked - I could use my business acumen and create a place of celebration and connection through creative expression.  So I quit my IT job and started Pinot’s Palette in St. Louis Park.  The next 5 years were filled with building and running the paint-and-sip and blanket-making business.  My team and I were very successful and loved bringing fun and creativity to our community.  But in March of 2020, COVID-19 forced businesses like mine to shut down physically, so I made the very difficult decision to close in July of 2020. Eventually I sold and donated what I could of the inventory like paint, paintings and canvases, but the yarn remained at my home. 

When Russia began the war in Ukraine, I was shocked and heartbroken.  I really wanted to do something, anything that would feel like I was helping, which is difficult to do when you are powerless to actually stop the war.  We held lots of fundraising events at Pinot’s Palace, so I set up “Blankets of Peace” as a great use of the leftover yarn and my talent for teaching blanket-making to do some good. We raised $3,190 and donated many blankets in addition to the wonderful blankets that now warm up our congregants, their pets or their loved ones. 

(EB) Your connection to Ukraine involves some childhood friends. Tell us that story.

 (MK) I have a very personal connection to Ukraine.  Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia were all part of the Soviet Union when my family and I moved here in January of 1990 from Belarus.  We were escaping prejudice and antisemitism.  Immigration is not an easy process, and fitting in when you are 13 and don’t speak the language or understand the culture is also a bit “dicey.”  I met my friends Julie Maines and Sasha Sakurets in 7th grade, and they became my lifeline as we bonded over our similarities.  Even though I was from Belarus, Sasha from Ukraine and Julie from Russia, we felt no cultural divide between us.  We did everything together and became very close, very fast.  Adapting to my new world became much more fun with those two girls around!  As we grew up and aged we never lost touch or our special sisterly bond.  When the war started we were absolutely horrified that the countries we considered bonded like us were at war.  We felt bewilderment, disbelief, horror and anger at the situation.  We each sprung to action in our own way; Sasha got involved in a medical humanitarian mission to the Ukraine border.  Julie supported a Ukrainian refugee and her American Host with acculturation and friendship. And of course they both came to support me at “Blankets of Peace” at Bet Shalom.

(EB) It was great meeting them at my table in the social hall. How did the fundraiser promote relationships at Bet Shalom?  

(MK) In addition to the emails sent by Bet Shalom, I advertised and promoted the event in my social circles.  It was so heartwarming to see how many people responded. I saw some friends I haven’t seen in a while. Joe Fredkove stopped by after he dropped off his granddaughter.  Growing up, all of us were very good friends with Joe’s son, Bet Shalom member Dave Fredkove.  Jenny Lewandowski and I met at BBYO at the Sabes JCC way back in high school; she brought her daughter and her friend, who happened to be the daughter of another old acquaintance Ariel Londer who was my boss at my first official job at McDonalds! Some Bet Shalom friends who couldn’t come donated money. One friend asked for info about the religious school and information to join. 

(EB) And I met your friend Julie Hurewitz and her husband Matt who are now participating in the Wine Tasting Club with you and me! Tell us about your family and their involvement and connections at Bet Shalom. 

(MK) Bet Shalom has been a constant companion in the lives of my family and me.    My husband Lenny went through religious school and confirmation here.  My in-laws, Maria and Semyon Krol, were members for a very long time, and Lenny and I got married here 20 years ago when this building was brand new!  We also went to high school with Rabbi Locketz. We have many friends in the congregation and feel very at home here.  Our daughter, Maya, goes to religious school and is on track to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah and read the Torah at Bet Shalom on March 18th, 2023. 

(EB) If our readers want to support Ukraine, too, what can they do?

(MK) Of course they can still donate to the Federation's Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund. And check out the “Stand With Ukraine MN” website for other ways to help like giving newcomer assistance, advocacy and donating to the Ukrainian American Community Center.

Molly Bryant