Community turns out for local Ukraine fundraiser

Over the weekend, several businesses participated in the “Palmer for a Purpose” fundraiser to benefit the World Central Kitchen and their ongoing work to provide hot meals to the refugees as they flee Ukraine.

At The Fern, located in Palmer, the line was nearly non-stop with patrons coming in, a good sign for the new business and for the fundraiser as 50% of the sales this past Saturday went to World Central Kitchen (WCK). While some had been stopping in for smoothies, Acai bowls, or coffee since the shop opened in January, others were coming in for the first time, motivated by the Ukrainian fundraiser.

“I’ve heard really good things about this place, and then seeing that they were part of this (fundraiser), that motivated me to come out today. I’m really happy to do something, even though it’s small, to help them out,” said Dani Biersteker while waiting for her order.

Jeff Devon, owner of The Fern, said he couldn’t not get involved especially after receiving a call from other business owners participating in the fundraiser.

“We have customers that come in that have families back in Ukraine, one who sister just fled Ukraine and is now in Alaska, and this was a good way to give back,” Devon said.

His thoughts were echoed by 203 Kombucha owner David Boortz, who not only donated half of their sales, but also hosted a silent auction and entertainment on Saturday.

“When the call came in to see if we wanted to help, and seeing what WCK does, it made sense to help,” Boortz said

It’s too early to know the exact amount raised for World Central Kitchen as businesses like Turkey Red and Bleeding Heart Brewery continue to tally up sales, and donations are still coming in. But with the goal being $10,000, Boortz feels confident they will reach their goal, and thanked the community for coming out to participate.

“We love it when people come together, ready to help. It’s nice there isn’t competition, just the opportunity to see businesses come together for a good cause,” Boortz said.

Midnight Sun Yoga will continue to donate 50% of its sales to WCK throughout the rest of the week. People can still participate in “Palmer for a Purpose” by going online to wck.org.donate/palmer for a purpose

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Katie Stavick at katie.stavick@frontiersman.com