Davis Hall of International House, Columbia University is a dramatic venue bursting with beauty and tradition. It was also bursting with joy and laughter as 300 plus children and parents filled the room with waves of merriment at the RACH-C YOLKA Celebration hosted for the 8th year with the Consulate General of the Russian Federation.

As they entered the bright and gracious lobby, visitors were drawn into the great hall and up onto the stage where a wonderful interactive performance by the “Golden Rooster” ensemble led by the talented singer director Irina Zagornova, involved the children from smallest to tallest in songs, games, dances and more. After the YOLKA” magically lit up, the children were led to their chairs in order to experience “The Show”.

The “Russian Arts Theater & Studio” actors then performed a contemporary view of the classic “Snow Queen” written by Hans Christian Anderson and adapted by their renowned director Aleksey Burago. The staging, costumes, music and acting of the Russian /English bi-lingual ensemble kept the audience enthralled and the children squealing.

RACH-C was supported throughout the planning and implementation by dedicated volunteers, particularly those associated with the Orthodox Youth Group whose leader, Igor Kochan is also a senior manager for American Christmas Co. and facilitated the availability of the YOLKA and other Holiday decorations that brightened the Hall.

The support of sponsors like the Consulate General of the Russian Federation Lukoil, Transatlantic Airways and NetCost Market, are vital to our work year round and we are deeply appreciative of their contributions.

Press: Reporter Newspaper / Voice of America / Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RF / Reporter.ru

January 12, 2013

With the support of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, RACH-C presented its 7th annual “YOLKA” (the Russian Children’s New Year’s Party) attended by children of Russian families as well as Russian children adopted into American families.

All of them, and their families, were delighted with Russian fairytale performances and the arrival of Ded Moroz bringing them gifts and living contact with their Russian heritage

Press: Nicole Lyalin / Komsomolskaya Pravda / RUNYweb.com / MSRS

13 декабря в Генеральном консульстве России в Нью-Йорке прошел праздник Новогодней ёлки, который в 8 раз был организован Русско-американским культурным центром “Наследие” (РАКСИ).

Генеральным спонсором Ёлки, как и каждый год, является Генеральное консульство РФ. Среди гостей праздника были русские, русскоязычные, усыновленные из России дети и дети из смешанных семей, где один из родителей русский. Генеральный консул России в Нью-Йорке И.Л. Голубовский сердечно приветствовал гостей праздника и пожелал всем радостного и мирного Нового года.

РАКСИ благодарит издательский дом “Комсомольская Правда”, который прислал детские книги и компакт-диски с записями русских народных сказок в подарок.

Сладкие подарки всем детям были подарены спонсором Net Cost Market.

Отдельная благодарность за помощь в организации праздника Фонду Дианы Багратиони и VK- Studio, а также волонтерам РАКСИ, среди которых организация “Русская молодежь Америки”.

Все гости праздника посмотрели спектакль “Морозко”, который был поставлен и красочно представлен ансамблем “Золотой Петушок” под руководством Ириной Загорновой. Многие годы более 30 детей, участники ансамбля, которые родились и выросли в США, сохраняют и передают русское наследие русским американцам.

Как сообщила Алексею Осипову спецкору “КП” президент РАКСИ Ольга Зацепина ” Мы стараемся сделать все возможное для того, чтобы усыновленные американцами и сохраняющие российское гражданство дети знали и помнили о своей Родине, сохраняли русский язык, имели возможность приобщиться к русским культурным традициям. Подарки от “Комсомольской Правды” – это не просто прекрасно изданные сказки или рассказы и повести для детей, для многих – это весточка с Родины, знак того, что духовные скрепы с русским миром действительно существуют”.

In Russia, the YOLKA (the Christmas tree) is associated with the New year, with Ded Moroz (a Russian Santa Claus) candies, gifts, songs, tales, and the joyful happiness that only children can fully feel. As adults, those happy memories inspire them to share the tradition with their own children and grandchildren no matter where they live, and the delightful cycle repeats, generation after generation.

In New York City, the annual RACH-C Yolka hosted with the Consulate General of Russia, was celebrated for the tenth year on Saturday December 19, 2015 at the Russian Consulate.

RACH-C president Olga Zatsepina greeted the guests and introduced Irina Zagornova, the celebrated singer/performer and director of the popular “Golden Rooster” group that provided a wonderful program of traditional songs, dances, clown acts, games and fairy tale performance.

Following tradition, children were encouraged to sing, dance, recite poetry etc. for which they were awarded special gifts along with enthusiastic applause. The talented performing clown (Simon Shargo) fascinated the children as he moved among them. During the performance of “TRICKS OF THE FOX” the children sprawled on the rug and interacted with the actors as if they were part of the play – – much fun!

Later, Ded Moroz and his magic granddaughter Snegurochka, chatted with the children who each received gifts and refreshments.

The best part were the ever present smiles and squeals of enjoyment throughout this very popular event.

On December 17, 2016 the doors to the Russian Consulate General in New York were opened to embrace children, their parents and grandparents at the traditional RACH-C Children’s Christmas Tree celebration presented for the 11^th year at the Russian Consulate General in NYC.

 The tree looked beautiful but the prettiest decorations were the faces of so many children lighting up the enchanting Consulate reception hall kindly provided again by co-host Consul General Igor Golubovskiy . 

RACH-C is deeply grateful to our sponsors and associates, who help make our work possible.  This year the festival sponsors included: “Russian Nobility Association in America,” “America’s Russian youth” and the newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda.” Our volunteers included: Yulia Artemenko, Roman Dobrynin, Marina Ivannikova (The Snow Maiden), Aline Kalina, Oksana Lukyanchenko, Denis Lvov (Santa Claus), and Alyona Voloshina. The beautiful  photos by photographers Roman Makhmutov and Tati Gavrilova can be found here  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rach-c/albums/72157678001454576 

Thanks to Igor Kochan, under whose guidance, youth organization members decorated the tree and halls of the Consulate General, and to for the consistent help with organization, participation and sponsorship of Julio Rodriguez, co-founder and member of the Board of Directors of RACH-C. 

The children’s ensemble “Golden Rooster” directed by – Irina Zagornova has been a constant at our Yolkas, not because in New York there are no other talented teams but because among all the talent, the professionalism, talent, reliability and passion of Irina’s kids really stands out. The tale of “Pinocchio and his friends visiting Santa Claus” was prepared for this day.