The Rev. Dr. Eduard Shestak, a native of Ukraine and Byzantine Catholic priest, expresses his gratitude toward the community on behalf of Ukraine.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Paulette Costa sings the national anthem.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
From left, are Gerrie Carey, Clarks Summit council president, Artie Frank, Clarks Summit EMA director, and Paulette Costa, singer.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Alex Groysman, left, native of Ukraine, and Michael Cowley, of Cowley Law Offices, spearheaded the fundraiser.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Gerrie Carey, left, walks toward the finish line with her friends Sandy and Clarence Lamanna, of Clarks Summit.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
SCRANTON — The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail became host to the inaugural Scranton for Ukraine 5K. Through the 305 runners and walkers as well as raffle baskets, a total of $16,018 will be going to the World Central Kitchen Ukraine Fund. Prior to the national anthem sung by Paulette Costa and the Ukrainian national anthem sung by Patrick Marcinko, the Rev. Dr. Eduard Shestak expressed his gratitude to the community.
“I’m very proud to stand here and mind you who still remember about Ukraine and the suffering of the people,” he said. “I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”
Clarks Summit resident Sandy Lamanna did the walk with her husband Clarence and friend Gerrie Carey, Clarks Summit council president. Sandy expressed her concern for the current plight of Ukraine.
“I’m astonished and appalled that a peace-loving, democratic country could be attacked,” she said. “There’s no reason whatsoever.”
The 5K was spearheaded by Michael Cowley of Cowley Law Offices LLC and Scranton resident Alex Groysman, a native of Ukraine. They started the event as a result of walking together in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Scranton. They coordinated a group to raise awarenesses of Ukraine.
“Based on the enthusiasm of the crowd along the parade route, it was clear people wanted to help,” said Cowley. “And since we have both participated in 5K’s and half marathons, that was the route we took because it was natural for us.”
Cowley mentioned that they were able to put together a race committee that blended together seamlessly. He attended a Clarks Summit Council meeting to ask council members to support the cause. He credited the members for publicizing the fundraiser including posting the event on the electric billboard on Northern Boulevard.
“I was surprised by their enthusiasm for the effort,” he said. “They were ready to help. All I did was give them a structure to do it, and they jumped in immediately.”
According to Cowley, Groysman provided a level of inspiration and connection to Ukraine.
“It was a natural thing to me to do a fundraiser,” he said.
Alex’s daughter designed the trophies for the runners using blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
“It’s really been fun,” she said.
Clarks Summit EMA director Artie Frank made a wooden Ukrainian flag, in which he donated to the race committee on behalf of Clarks Summit borough. He also gave medals to the participants.
“They (race committee) put in a lot of work,” he said. Raffle baskets donated by local businesses and the community also raised funds for the Ukraine. The Curiosity Shop donated reusable bags, which were sold to raise money. Cowley hopes this fundraiser will continue next year.
“About every single culture in Lackawanna County got here as a result of suffering in the places that their ancestors came from,” he said. “Some because of war. Some because of genocide. So when we see other communities struggle as a result of oppression, we need to remember where we came from. We need to reach out to provide friendship and support.”
