Daniel’s Table Founder Starts Fundraiser To Help Ukrainian Illustrator of His Children’s Book

By Caroline Gordon

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FRAMINGHAM – Ukrainian Illustrator Elena Kochetova collaborated with Daniel’s Table founder David Blais on a children’s book to raise funds for the Framingham non-profit that helps those with food insecurity.

Now, Daniel’s Table founders David & Alicia Blais have stated a fundraiser to help Kochetova and her family survive the war with Russia.

“Our hearts are heavy for our friend living and trying to survive in Ukraine. Elena is the illustrator I used for my Grandmas love to Read book. She is an amazing talent and truly kind hearted. She and her family have fled Kyiv and are going place to place to find a safe place. If you feel inclined to purchase a book, I will send proceeds to Elena. … It starts with one,” said David Blais.

To purchase a book or make a donation To Elena and her family, click here.

Kochetova was hired by Blais two years ago to illustrate his children’s book Grandmas Love to
Read.

Blais said Kochetova was selected from a pool of 24 different illustrators from around the world.

“In one conversation she was able to grasp all of what I was trying to accomplish,” said Blais.

Blais said Elena and her husband recently purchased their first apartment in Kiev nine months ago.

“Chances are that apartment is gone,” said Blais.

Kochetova is currently in Western Ukraine, said Blais.

They [Kochetova and her husband] are just trying to figure out what to do with their lives now. The fear for them is the idea of having to start over and possibly not even in their own country.,” Blais told SOURCE yesterday.

It will take “decades of rebuilding” to get the country back to where it was prior to war, said Blais.

“Elana and her family and just a small symbol of what’s going on in the Ukraine. This is happening to millions of people,” said Blais. “We as a nation have to step up and and support them.”

Blais explained that if the fundraiser is successful, the Kochetova family would like “boots on
the ground” working to help other families.

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Caroline Gordon, a spring 2021 SOURCE intern is a senior English major with a concentration in journalism at Framingham State University. Gordon is the Arts and Features editor for Framingham State’s student newspaper, The Gatepost. During her free time on campus, she works as a Student Desk Attendant. Caroline enjoys photography, working out and spending time with friends. Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-gordon98