Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2754
March 31, 2022 - April 6, 2022
Baking a Difference Gulfport resident and Ukrainian-Russian Irina Lapin is raising money for Ukrainian children the best way she knows how: with art and pastries. On Saturday, April 16, she will host a fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. at the The Russian American Club of St. Petersburg (2920 Beach Blvd. S.) The event will run during Gulfport’s IndieFaire, hopefully attracting art lovers and foodies, Lapin says. She doesn’t yet have a beneficiary nailed down, but she says she’ll choose a trusted charity dedicated to aiding Ukrainian children and families. “I think, like everyone else, I want to do something to help,” Lapin said. “I just want to get the most money to the right people.” For her, the cause is close to the heart. Lapin’s 94-year-old mother Nadia grew up during World War II in the area where the current war is unfolding. She moved to Los Angeles with her family when she was in her early 20s, but seeing her home country in turmoil is heartbreaking. “It worries me,” Nadia said. “I lived through the same experience.”
ABBY BAKER
By Abby Baker
Irina Lapin with her 94-year-old Ukrainian mother, Nadia.
With translation from her daughter, Nadia describes her happy life in the Ukraine and the support she received from her father, Jacob. “He was resourceful,” Nadia re-
members. “He kept our family fed.” But still, war-torn Ukraine was a difficult place to grow up. Those generational memories are what fuel Lapin’s need to spearhead
Ukraine continued on page 8
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