Chef's Menu, Created For Ukraine, Draws Crowd, Raises $15K

EAST MARION, NY — Cars filled the parking lot and lined the road outside the Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant in East Marion Tuesday as a crowd of about 700 turned out for an all-day fundraiser for Ukraine.

Last week, George Giannaris, a chef for 37 years and the owner of his family business, Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant, 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.

On Tuesday, Giannaris opened his heart and showed his deep concern through the universal language of love and nurturing — food. A special "I Stand With Ukraine" menu was offered at Hellenic, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the people of Ukraine.

As of Tuesday night, Giannaris said his customers supported the event in a big way — he raised almost $15,000, both from online donations and in-house meals.

Giannaris also wanted to thank his friend Anthony Capetola, the owner of Carltun on the Park in Eisenhower Park. "He came up with this idea," Giannaris said. "Not only is he running a Ukrainian dinner special for three weekends in March, he's matching all the donations."

At Hellenic Tuesday night, Giannaris, his wife Maria, and the entire Hellenic staff worked tirelessly to serve the crowd, all of whom said they'd come to support not just Ukraine, but Giannaris and his family — longtime North Fork business owners who have always put their hearts forward to help when anyone in the community was in need.

Waiting in line, some were wearing the colors of Ukraine, in support. And all agreed the "I Stand With Ukraine" was one way they could all do their part to help — and enjoy Hellenic's signature menu.

"I am humbled that the community pulled together," Giannaris said. "I couldn't believe that they were thanking me. I couldn't have done anything without them. We are in the best part of the world!"

The menu featured a choice of chicken or pork souvlaki, a beef gyro, a falafel sandwich, or an open-faced sandwich; a baby Greek salad, French fries, or rice; and fresh-squeezed lemonade or a soft drink.

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."