A local restaurant will donate a portion of its sales this weekend to support a father-son humanitarian mission delivering vehicles and medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge on Main Street will host a two-day fundraiser Friday and Saturday, with proceeds from dinner service going toward the convoy scheduled to depart for Ukraine in late January. The event will also feature a virtual auction of items brought back from Ukraine, including military patches, a flag signed by soldiers, and the opportunity to name one of the vehicles being delivered.
Brody Wilkes, who is undertaking the mission with his father, said the need for aid remains urgent.
"The war is not yet over," Wilkes said. "While I was lucky enough to enjoy the holidays safely with my family, there were brave men and women out on the front, away from their loved ones, freezing in their trenches and dugouts. Dodging bullets, drones and artillery shells, they fight every minute of every day for Ukraine, Europe, and the world's freedom from Russian aggression."
The convoy will deliver vehicles equipped with medical supplies for wounded soldiers, along with generators and spare tires. According to Wilkes, the vehicles themselves represent the most critical aid.
"These are the things that really save lives on the front, and are needed most by the Ukrainians," he said.
This marks Wilkes' second trip to Ukraine. His previous visit in late October took place under milder conditions, but this January journey will bring extreme challenges. Daily temperatures are expected to reach only the low 30s, dropping to 20 degrees at night, with significant snowfall likely.
"The on the ground conditions then, can be considered nearly polar opposite to what I experienced previously," Wilkes said. "It will be an exciting, albeit freezing, challenge."
The fundraising campaign has already generated strong support, raising nearly $2,000 in its first day online. The Edgemar event aims to broaden that donor base and increase the total amount available for supplies.
Wilkes, who worked at Edgemar last summer, said the restaurant's response exemplified the community spirit behind the mission. The manager and co-owner moved immediately to organize the fundraiser.
"In the same minute I emailed about a fundraiser for my dad and my campaign, the manager emailed Nick and Darrell saying he thought it was a great idea, and asked their thoughts," Wilkes said. "The response came just a minute later: 'No brainer.' So from the time of my initial email to the restaurant saying yes, only six minutes had passed."
The fundraiser runs during dinner service from 5 p.m. until close on Jan. 16-17 at the restaurant, located at 2435 Main St. Guests will receive pamphlets describing auction items, with QR codes linking to bidding pages.
Auction items include a velcro patch collection, unit patches from receiving Ukrainian military units, a personalized Ukrainian license plate, and the chance to name a convoy vehicle and choose a message to be written on it. Winning bidders will receive an American-Ukrainian flag patch, a Driving Ukraine T-shirt, and a thank-you video from Ukrainian soldiers.
Wilkes also plans to bring an American-Ukrainian flag to the fundraiser for attendees to sign, creating what he hopes will be a message that Santa Monica stands with Ukraine. He said he will invite Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis and city council members to attend and be the first to sign the flag.
For Wilkes, the mission holds personal significance beyond the humanitarian goals.
"To undertake this convoy alongside my Dad is a real privilege and experience I am so grateful to have," he said. "This convoy is not only a great thing to do to help people in need, but a chance to bond with my Dad, an opportunity denied to so many others."
Wilkes said any amount raised represents success, as it will support Ukrainian forces who otherwise would not receive the aid.