How the local restaurant industry has responded to the war in Ukraine.

By: Ellis Santoro and Justin Degan

The local Connecticut restaurant industry has used its influence to support Ukraine by holding fundraisers for charity and raising awareness of the Russia-Ukraine war.

In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Alexis and Myron Seniw, owners of A.M. Bagel in Derby, Conn, hosted a fundraiser on March 5 with the allure of special blue and yellow bagels, with all proceeds going to The United Ukrainian American Relief Committee.

“For us and our family it has been something that helped not only mobilize our community but as an output for all of our emotions whether it was sadness, frustration or anxiety about what’s going on with out loved ones in Ukraine,” Alexis said. “Not only does it help the people there, but it’s helping the community here that is grieving.”

The Russia-Ukraine war hits close to home for Myron, who was born in Ukraine

“For us this fundraiser is huge,” Myron said. “It gets people aware of what’s actually going on. It shines a light on Ukraine and everything we have gone through as a culture and as a heritage.”

Following the event, A.M. Bagel's Instagram account announced a total of $21,809 raised. The event was advertised by the shop on social media, but the turnout was even bigger than expected.

“We’ve never seen anything like it. The line was wrapped around the building for hours. We made 3,500 bagels which is insane for us and we still sold out,” Alexis said. “It’s incredible. People just wanted to show support for something that they feel helpless about. I think they were able to contribute.”

Longtime customer and Derby resident, Jerone Glasford, volunteered to help organize and direct traffic during the event.

“Humanity is what’s missing in the world today. I think if we put aside all of the other stuff and we start caring for each other and caring for people, that’s what’s missing,” Glasford said.

Freskos in Hamden, Conn. had a similar plan to A.M. Bagel, holding an all-day event in which the greek restaurant handed out free gyros and donated the cost of each to Nova Ukraine, a charity that aims to help women and children in Ukraine.

“Pay it forward, if you will,” said Peter Vouras, owner of Freskos in Hamden, of the motivation behind the fundraiser.

Further motivation behind the fundraiser comes from the large greek community and greek history in Ukraine.

“I think it's extremely important to hold these events,” Vouras said. You have to give back. There are people suffering over there and whatever we can do to raise money for them would be awesome.”

Local Hamden residents were happy to express their feelings and give support towards work that Fresko’s is doing.

“I figured I’d help out any way I can for Ukraine,” said Hamden resident, Gina Magnetti. “I think that people should take the opportunity to contribute the most that they can to these restaurants and venues that are willing to have these kinds of events.”

Similar to A.M. Bagel, there was a large turnout for the event.

“I’ve never seen this many people in the restaurant before,” said Connecticut native, Ryan O’Connor. “It seems like it’s bringing attention to the situation. Maybe some of these people weren’t fully aware of the situation, but they see this and might look into it a bit more.”

After the event, Freskos announced on their instagram a total of $5,325 raised for Nova Ukraine.

While supporting Ukraine from our home 4,000 miles away in Connecticut may seem futile to some, local eateries have combated those feelings by making a positive impact.