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Mama taught literature and singing in the small Siberian town of Yalutogovsk. She also organized a school of amateur talent. Under her leadership the entire school studied singing and dancing and put on concerts: this was not just amateur talent. Along with the school director, she got the idea to collect money for the construction of an airplane [to help the war effort].Their enthusiasm ignited the whole school.
Those who could brought money or toys and books for a lottery that was drawn during concert intermissions. The first spectators were the wounded at the hospital, then there were paying concerts at the Yalutorovsk Theatre.
The end result was that Mama was able to collect 100,000 rubles for which she received a telegram of thanks from Stalin.This money was sufficient to built a plane.
Those who could brought money or toys and books for a lottery that was drawn during concert intermissions. The first spectators were the wounded at the hospital, then there were paying concerts at the Yalutorovsk Theatre.
The end result was that Mama was able to collect 100,000 rubles for which she received a telegram of thanks from Stalin.This money was sufficient to built a plane.
Location
Siberia
Russia
Interview
Alla Yasnogorodskaya