On June 2, 2022, Morristown for Ukraine was held on the historic Morristown Green as a benefit concert and vigil, which raised over $15,000 in monetary donations and supplies.  The event was the brainchild of Council 359 Sir Knight Ryan Dawson, and a committee that included locals and fellow Council 359 Knights Jeffrey Simon, Peter O’Hagan, Jim Torney, and Grand Knight William Duggan, who were all concerned that community interest had waned in the months following the initial invasion of Ukraine.  An additional 50+ Council 359 Knights helped on the day of the event to ensure that it was a success, by assisting with equipment set-up and break-down, audio support, the collection of donations, logistical and informational assistance, and helping to ensure a safe event for all in attendance.

The 3-hour benefit concert and vigil was attended by 1,000 residents, with the first half focusing on performances from local musicians and speeches from members of our State Senate and Congress.  The second-half of the event was more somber, yet still incredibly inspiring, with prayers led by priests from both Assumption Church and St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church, a candlelight vigil, and musical and dance performances from members of the local Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey.

Ryan Dawson said of the event, "None of us on the committee were Ukrainian, we just wanted to help the Ukrainian people any way we could.  We came up with goals for the event and built an agenda that we hoped would highlight the humanitarian and war efforts in Ukraine and Ukrainian culture, and all of our objectives were met: community came together, we raised money and supplies, politicians met local families impacted by the war in Ukraine, and attendees were able to enjoy the cultural performances."  But by the end of the event, much more had been accomplished than simply raising funds.  Anastasia Siver, a Ukrainian who recently moved to Morristown, NJ and whose parents' home near Bucha had been shelled by the invading Russians, spoke of how Morristown for Ukraine surprised her, because she wasn't expecting to feel such support from a community in the US for a war all the way over in Ukraine.  The support of her community was a cathartic and healing experience, and allowed her and others to feel a sense of belonging.

In the coming months, the committee, with the support of Knights of Columbus Council 359, hopes to hold additional events in their continued support of Ukraine, such as a proposed screening of a Ukrainian film at a local theater, with proceeds benefiting the ongoing humanitarian efforts.