Alisa Yurchenko
Events Organizer CEO, CCCA
21
May 24, 2025
Dear Friends, Families, Community and Guests of the Festival!
On behalf of the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs, it is my great honor to welcome you to the 21st Annual International Kids Festival!
This special day marks not just a celebration of childhood, but a vibrant showcase of the cultures, talents, and dreams that make our community so extraordinary. For over two decades, we’ve gathered here with one shared goal—to bring people together across backgrounds and borders, united by the joy of music, movement, art, and discovery.
Each year, I am reminded of how powerful community truly is. The laughter of children, the creativity of performers, the dedication of volunteers, and the generosity of our sponsors and partners make this event possible and meaningful. Thanks to your continued support, this festival keeps growing, evolving, and shining as a symbol of unity, hope, and inspiration.
As we celebrate today, let us open our hearts to the beauty of each tradition, each voice, each story. Let’s encourage our children to be curious, compassionate, and proud of who they are—and excited to learn about others.
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable experience. Let’s make it another magical day to remember!
Best regards,
Alisa Yurchenko
Alisa Yurchenko President
Council For Cross Cultural Affairs, Inc. 501(c)3 Non-Profit, Tax ID 45-4462435 (916) 483-5454 | CouncilForCrossCulturalAffairs.org
Doris Matsui
Member of Congress
May 24, 2025
May 25, 2024
Dear Community Members and Friends,
As the United States Congresswoman for California's Seventh District, I am honored to welcome you all to the 21st Annual International Kids Festival hosted by the Council for CrossCultural Affairs, with the support of Russian American Media, the Slavic Community Center of Sacramento, Community Outreach Academy, and the Slavic American Chamber of Commerce. This festival highlights the incredible diversity of the Sacramento region. Across our communities we share our cultural experiences, our struggles, and our hope to lift each other up. I commend the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs and its partners for their dedication to this festival and the cultural exchange it fosters.
I am proud to represent Sacramento. Our region is a special place with strong community bonds. We celebrate our diverse cultures, we uplift each other's stories, and we come together to share events like these. As Sacramento's Congresswoman, I have worked hard on key legislation such as the American Rescue Plan Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. As a result, America's economy has grown significantly, and our communities have thrived. I remain committed to defending these gains and delivering for the Sacramento region.
Thank you for attending the 21st Annual International Kids Festival and for supporting our diverse Sacramento community. For the latest updates on my work on your behalf in Washington D.C., please visit my website, www.matsui.house.gov. As always, please contact my office if I can ever be of assistance on any federal issue by calling 916-498-5600.
Sincerely,
Rich Desmond
Sacramento County Supervisor District 3
May 24, 2025
Dear Community Members and Friends,
As a local representative, I am delighted to see organizations such as the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs and Russian American Media working toward growing our economy. Through my involvement, I have witnessed their commitment not only to spurring economic growth throughout our communities but also to promoting diversity and inclusion across our region.
The 21st International Kids Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings together families from diverse backgrounds to foster inclusivity, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement. Through the efforts of its organizers, this event is truly making a lasting impact on our younger generations and the community as a whole.
This celebration plays a vital role in connecting multicultural communities on a shared platform while honoring the spirit of International Children’s Day. It continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and families throughout the Sacramento region.
Thank you to the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs, Russian American Media, and all the dedicated organizations that make the 21st Annual International Kids Festival possible. Together, we will continue to uplift and revitalize the Sacramento Region!
Sincerely,
Rich Desmond
Rich Desmond Sacramento County Supervisor, District 3
RogerSenator,Niello
6th District California State Senate
May 24, 2025
Dear Friends and Families,
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 21st Annual International Kids Festival, a celebration of community, culture, and the incredible potential of our youth. Events like these remind us of the strength we gain when we bring together families from all backgrounds to share in the joy of learning, creativity, and connection.
I commend the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, along with Community Outreach Academy, Russian American Media, and the Slavic American Chamber of Commerce, for their leadership in hosting this event and supporting multicultural initiatives throughout the region. Your efforts help ensure that every child—no matter their background—feels seen, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams.
The International Kids Festival is more than just a day of fun. It is an opportunity for children to explore new ideas, discover talents, and engage with the vibrant cultural tapestry that makes California so unique. It also serves as a reminder that building a stronger future starts with investing in our children today.
Thank you for joining in for this special occasion, and for being part of a community that values inclusion, education, and family. I hope you enjoy the festival and take pride in the unity and spirit it represents.
Roger Niello Senator, 6th District California State Senate
Angelique V. Ashby Senator, 8th District
May 24, 2025
Dear Community Members and Friends,
It is an honor to welcome you all to the 21st Annual International Kids Festival, hosted by the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs with the support of Community Outreach Academy, Russian American Media, and the Slavic American Chamber of Commerce. I commend the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs for its dedicated efforts to increase support for multicultural communities so that they can become fully integrated into American society. Their mission of unity and collaboration is more important now than ever.
For more than two decades, the International Kids Festival has brought together thousands of families from diverse backgrounds to share and celebrate their unique cultures. This festival connects community-based organizations and local businesses with underserved populations and fosters lasting relationships. Your commitment to celebrating diversity has positively impacted countless lives across the Sacramento region.
Throughout my career, I have worked hard to ensure that underrepresented communities and residents with higher needs have equitable access to services and opportunities to thrive—and that their contributions to our community are recognized and valued. As the Senator representing California’s 8th District, I remain committed to supporting organizations like the Council for CrossCultural Affairs that are doing this vital work every day.
Thank you for taking the time to attend today’s event and for supporting our community. I hope you enjoy the festivities! If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my District Office at (916) 319-0309.
Sincerely,
Larissa Gonchar
Principal Community Outreach Academy
May 24, 2025
Dear Friends,
We are honored to participate in the International Kids Festival, organized by the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs, and proud to have partnered with them on numerous occasions over the years. This vibrant event provides an outstanding platform to celebrate and showcase the diverse communities we cherish so deeply. The Council’s unwavering commitment to empowering children, supporting families, and promoting multicultural understanding aligns beautifully with our mission.
At Community Outreach Academy, we believe that cultural awareness, family engagement, and educational enrichment are essential to the success of our students and the strength of our city. The International Kids Festival brings all of these elements together in a joyful, inclusive setting that uplifts the entire Sacramento region.
We look forward to celebrating International Children’s Day alongside families at this remarkable event—one that continues to grow in impact, reach, and inspiration with each passing year.
Sincerely,
Larissa Gonchar
Larissa Gonchar Principal Community Outreach Academy www.outreachacademy.org
Meet Festival Masters of Ceremony
Will Roberts
Hollywood Host & Guinness World Record Holder
Award-winning actor and illusionist Will Roberts, best known for his role as General George C. Marshall in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, returns to the International Kids Festival with his signature charisma and magic. A seasoned Hollywood performer with nearly four decades in film and television, Will has appeared in Lucifer, Last Man Standing, and Amazon Prime’s Emmy-winning Studio City.
He is a two-time Guinness World Record holder in gun spinning and lasso tricks, a professional stunt expert, magician, and mechanical bull coach. Roberts brings a thrilling mix of entertainment, talent, and heart to this multicultural celebration, making him a crowd favorite year after year.
Elijah Kalinyuk
@elijah_kalinyuk
Elijah Kalinyuk is a dedicated high school student with a deep-rooted passion for music, having spent over a decade mastering the piano. His love for melody is matched by his enthusiasm for sports—particularly soccer —where he thrives on teamwork and the thrill of the game.
Even though he’s a young man, Elijah is already an integral part of his church’s worship team. He not only plays the piano but also leads the team from the very beginning of the service to the end, guiding others in heartfelt praise and worship.
Beyond his musical and athletic pursuits, Elijah is committed to making a meaningful impact through teaching Sunday school, where he shares values and lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. His ultimate aspiration is to merge his musical talents with his faith, using music as a form of worship and a vessel for his spiritual journey.
Main Stage Program Spotlight
United States National Anthem by students of RiverBend Elementary, EPIC Charter School, and Community Outreach Academy
Organizers and Elected Officials
Greetings
Awards Presentation
Ballet by students of Community Outreach Academy
A Star Called the Sun by students of Community Outreach Academy
Seven Nation Army by students of Community Outreach Academy middle school
Tarantella Napoletana by students of RiverBend Elementary, EPIC Charter School, and Community Outreach Academy
We Are The World Per formance by students of RiverBend Elementary, EPIC Charter School, and Community Outreach Academy
Eye of the Tiger Per formance by students of Community Outreach Academy middle school
Polynesian Dance Per formance by Hui of Hawaii
Mix of Pan African Dance Per formance by Melanin Day School Academy
DABKE Palestinian Folk loric Dance
Performance by Arab Community Center
Green Beans Vocal & Dance
Per formance by choreographer
Anastasia Marchuk
Slavic Chorale Children s Choir and Youth Orchestra
Cheer & Dance Per formance by Courtyard Cougars Cheer Team
Indian Dance Per formance by “Rancho Rockers”
Perspective Gymnastics & Dance Now
SacLab
RED LOTUS LION DANCE
Per formance by Sacramento State Universit y's
Vietnamese Student Association
SWIM LIKE A FISH Dance Per formance
HAPPY POLK A Dance Per formance,
DANCE OF HAPPINESS
Choreographer: Lei Yang of Honor
Dance Academy
HIP-HOP
Choreographer: Ms. Sophia of Honor Dance Academy
T WIN HAIR PINS
Classical Chinese Dance
Choreographer: Lei Yang
JOURNEY OF THE SPIRIT
Choreographer: Lei Yang of Honor
Dance Academy
Ignition Dance Club
by Choreographer Ilya Ignat yev
Giveaway by Islam K arimov
Silver Dance & Arts Studio
Per formance
Choreographer: Dina Michelle
Bugayevsk aya
Soul of Dance Art Ensemble
Fresh Meadow Dance Troupe
Choreograph Huanyu Dou
Max well Arts School Dance
Per formance
ROCKLIN-Auburn-Antelope-Orangevale-Lincoln-FOLSOM
6000 Fairway Drive, Ste 8 Rocklin, CA 95677 R
www.rockville-smiles.com (916) 783-5239
6000 Fairway Drive, Ste 8 Rocklin, CA 95677 Ima ge Orthodontics
www.imageorthodontics.com (916) 783-5239
2295 Fieldstone Drive, Ste 260 Lincoln, CA 95648 Crawford Orthodontics
www.crawford-orthodontics.com (916) 408-8688
www.precision-ortho.com (530) 885-8422
1240 High Street, Ste 206 Auburn, CA 95603 (916) 727-1122
4408 Elverta Road Ste 200 Antelope, CA 95843
www.calikidzdental.com (530) 823-1100
www.poidmoreortho.com (916) 988-1744
9197 Greenback Lane, Ste #B Orangevale, CA 95662
2310 East Bidwell Street, Ste 250 Folsom, CA 95630
9197 Greenback Lane, Ste B Orangevale, CA 95662 Cali Kids Dental
11961 Heritage Oak Place Auburn, CA 95603 (916) 244-8155
4408 Elverta Road, Ste 200 Antelope, CA 95843 (916) 758-2402
Sergey Veretennikov, M.D. Family Physician
Speaks English, fluent in Russian
Originally from Central Asia, Sergey Veretennikov immigrated to the town of Manteca, CA at age 13, where he completed high school. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior from UC Davis.
Dr. Veretennikov is a proud graduate of the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. He completed the Family Medicine Residency Program with Dignity Health at Methodist Hospital.
We provide a Progressive & Culturally Diverse Family Practice.
Iryna Rybak, PA-C
Physician Assistant
F luent in U k rainian, Russian, an d English
Originally from Ukraine, I ryna Rybak is a compassionate and skilled Physician Assistant dedicated to providing patient centered care. She holds a degree in Human Development from UC Davis and completed her medical training at the University of the Pacific.
I ryna specializes in family medicine, chronic disease management, and preventive care, with a holistic approach to each patient’s unique needs.
We work with children and adults, providing ongoing care and wellness programs.
Office Location:
2101 Stone Blvd, Ste 190
West Sacramento, CA 95691
Appointments: (916) 392-4000
TEXT: (916) 507-1573
