This past January 14th UAST hosted Malanka, our annual New Year's Eve celebration. Members and friends of Ukrainians in North Texas gathered at Hyatt Place in Garland for an evening of entertainment, fine dining and dancing. This is the 6th Malanka that I've had the pleasure of chairing. I really enjoyed the wonderful entertainment provided by Mark Krasij on the bandura during the cocktail/reception hour and the Veselka Singers during dinner. After dinner, Zorya excited the guests with their colorful costumes and lively dances. DJ Bigg Dave provided a wide variety of music styles for
our guests to enjoy and dance to. Party goers had the opportunity to bid on the silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets to win fun items.
The evening was a success and many thanks to the offerings of the Zaluckyj family and Alena Jacob's Ukie Style which made the silent auction a success.
Thanks to all that contributed to the raffle and to Darka Zaluckyj, Anne Blankenship and Kathy Falcon for handling raffle ticket sales.
Props to the Malanka Committee: Darka Zaluckyj, Chrystya Geremesz, Ron McClendon and Steve Sokolyk. A lot of work was done behind the scenes and you guys were great!
Hyatt Place did a wonderful job, as usual, and this marked our 6th year at such a great location and facility. I look forward to seeing everyone at Malanka 2018!
Sandy Kloberdanz
Malanka Chairperson