UNA-Atlanta members join Planet Atlanta members, neighbors and friends for a garden party at the Atlanta home of Molly Read Woo, UNA-Atlanta member and founder of Planet Atlanta. By Nalat Phanit Black, Vice President of Education
On April 13, 2024, underneath a canopy of newly sprung leaves of an old garden, UNA-Atlanta members, Planet Atlanta members, and other caring citizens listened to some heart wrenching stories from Ukrainian immigrants. Olga and Valeriia, who proudly wore their traditional floral embroidered dresses, spoke of the atrocities of war and the devastation that their family members now have to cope with. Lack of water, food and basic sanitation are prevalent in the war-torn areas of Ukraine, and the traumas of war will surely last for lifetimes. Despite such dismay, Olga and Valeriia smiled of hope and gratefulness. They are grateful for the generosity of Americans who have donated to humanitarian efforts and to those who would listen to their stories. They are grateful that the Ukrainian war has not been forgotten and that their families are not alone in this long journey to peace, that they have friends across the Atlantic Ocean who are helping with what they can.
I was humbled by Olga and Valeriia’s stories. Truth be told, I did not forget about the Ukrainian war, but I felt hopeless. It’s a war that I thought was going to end in weeks, at most months, but now it is over two years. Hope was dwindling. Perhaps the universe thought that I needed a reminder to always hold on to hope. My schedule was unwillingly re-arranged so that I could attend this gathering of hearts and minds. The garden gathering was hosted by Molly Read Woo, a longtime member of UNA-Atlanta and a wonderful friend and mentor. Molly invited her friends, neighbors, friends of friends, to spend a spring afternoon in her garden. It was an international potluck of meals and stories. And as always, Molly’s garden was an oasis of love and progressive ideas.
The garden party turned into a Giving Party. Molly had put out some of her collections of books, board games, office supplies, arts and crafts, woven baskets and furniture to be taken home by her guests. Molly asked that a donation of any amount to be given, or no donation at all is fine too, to help fund HelpingUkraine.us, the organization that Olga and Valeriia volunteers at to bring critical support to the Ukrainians affected by the war. This was a Giving Party that keeps on giving.
Photos/Molly Read Woo
(L-r): Valeriia, Molly and Olga. Valeriia and Olga pose while proudly showing off their traditional floral embroidered dresses.
Party attendees enjoy a beautiful spring day in Molly's garden.
