Chef's Menu, Created With Love For Ukraine, Raises $17K+

NORTH FORK, NY — A North Fork chef who poured his heart into creating a special menu for Ukraine was able to donate more than $17,000 to relief efforts — thanks to a caring community who turned out in droves to help.

"Last month, the Hellenic did something that would have been impossible without you," George Giannaris, a chef for 37 years and the owner of his family business, Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant, said in an email to his clientele. "Through your generosity we were able to raise $17,730 to help the citizens of Ukraine suffering from the devastating consequences of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war on their country."

As a member of the Greenport Rotary, Giannaris said he was assured by the Rotary’s International Disaster Relief Fund that 100 percent of the donations garnered will go directly to helping individual Ukrainians in need.

"And for this, words cannot adequately express how grateful I am to all you," Giannaris said.

Reflecting on the event, Giannaris said those who attended on Tuesday, March 8, saw firsthand how packed the restaurant was. "There were cars parked on the street going all the way up the block!" he said. "My service system can handle about 200 orders at a time yet — at most points during the service — it was completely full and we were unable take any more orders, in-person or over the phone. Please accept my sincerest apologies if you tried to get a table or if you called in and were unable to get through; we were inundated."

The outpouring will never be forgotten as the North Fork once again rallied for people in need, even if a world away, he said.

"I am so thankful that together as a community, we were able to unite around a common cause for good and to make a difference," Giannaris said. "Again, thank you for your kindness and your generosity."

A crowd of about 700 turned out for the all-day fundraiser, featuring a special menu created with lovefor Ukraine.

Giannaris posted a video, "Together We Can Help Ukraine," on his AwareHouseChef YouTube channel.

Giannaris said he was "in shock and outraged, that in this millennium, a government could execute such a cowardly attack on innocent civilians," the people of Ukraine. "I feel so moved to help in any way that I can," Giannaris said.

For those that do not live close to Hellenic, a link was also provided to donate and will remain live as long as needed, Giannaris said.

"Let's hope and pray for a fast resolution, and for this unnecessary tragedy to come to an end," he said.

When asked why he felt such a compelling need to help, Giannaris explained the deeply personal reason for his mission.

"My grandmother told me a story about her fifth child," he said. "She was pregnant with her fifth during the occupancy of Germany in Greece. She did not have enough food to feed her four children, so she tried to abort her baby by jumping down the stairs. Her fifth child was my father."He added: "I understand that there is corruption and that there is real and fake news. I also understand that there are people suffering needlessly who are permanently displaced from their homes and from their loved ones. This is about doing something for them."