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Date: 1/4/2023
SPRINGFIELD – While Spirit of Springfield is enjoying another prosperous Bright Nights season, the community-based organization also continues to support Ukrainian illustrator Max Stasiuk through proceeds from the Spirit of Springfield book, “Little Frog and the Bright Lights.”
Like many in Ukraine, Stasiuk had to separate from his family during the Russia attacks on Ukraine in February 2022. His wife, two children and aunt left the country for safety as Stasiuk stayed behind to work and support his family.
Stasiuk’s homestead is in the center of Ukraine. Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt said Stasiuk hears the constant sounds of air alarms as much of his home region as been destroyed by the war’s impacts.
“He sent us a note last week; they had 90 rocket attacks overnight,” said Matt in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
The Spirit of Springfield was introduced to Stasiuk through his partnership with Northampton-based author Michele Dufresne. He and Dufresne began their collaborations in 2007 before both were selected by the Spirit of Springfield in 2021 to create the organization’s third children’s book “Little Frog and the Bright Lights.”
Once Matt learned of the hardships Stasiuk faces in Ukraine, Spirit of Springfield quickly organized a fundraising campaign to support the illustrator. The campaign, which debuted in March 2022, donates 100 percent of the proceeds from sales of “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” to support Stasiuk and his family.
“We’ve been communicating with him quite a bit … We’re trying to keep that connection with him,” said Matt.
Matt said the fundraising effort enjoyed immediate success, leading to the sale of over 1,000 editions of the children’s book across 2022.
The Spirit of Springfield also supported Stasiuk through one of the live auctions during the annual Bright Nights Ball. Matt asked Stasiuk to prepare an illustration that displayed love, which was then auctioned off to the highest bidder. All proceeds went to Stasiuk and his family.
Stasiuk will also be continuing his partnership with the Spirit of Springfield through their latest children’s book. The book will continue the Bright Nights at Forest Park theme through the perspective of a giraffe.
“He’s doing this year’s as well. It’s about a giraffe we have at Bright Nights,” said Matt.
Matt shared that Spirit of Springfield will also continue donating 100 percent of proceeds from “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” to Stasiuk’s family in 2023.
Matt expressed gratitude for the continual support the fundraiser is receiving. She said the funds have gone a long way in support Stasiuk and his family.
“I’m so glad we keep sending him money. It means a lot to him, it’s supporting his brother’s family and his brother-in law’s family [as well],” said Matt.
Readers can learn about the “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” fundraiser for Stasiuk at https://spiritofspringfield.wufoo.com/forms/bright-nights-childrens-book/.