A wave of generosity is revitalizing a rural Bulgarian community center, thanks to contributions from prominent national figures. Following a recent donation of theater seating, the “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov-1903” community center in Byaga is now benefitting from a substantial gift of furniture and décor from Viktoria kuzmanova,fiancée of well-known comedian dimitar rachkov. The donations are not only improving the center’s facilities but also raising it’s profile and fostering connections with celebrities eager to support local initiatives,bringing much-needed resources to the small village.
They’re Paying It Forward: Bulgarian Community Center Receives Generous Donations from Local Celebrities
BYAGA, BULGARIA – Following a recent donation of 150 theater seats from actor Bashar Rahal in late October to the “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov-1903” community center in the village of Byaga, another generous gift has arrived – this time from Viktoria Kuzmanova, fiancée of comedian Dimitar Rachkov. The outpouring of support highlights a growing trend of Bulgarian celebrities giving back to their communities.
Kuzmanova, a former personality on the popular show “Gospodari na Efira,” recently opened a new beauty salon in the capital city. Rather than discard the furniture, lighting, and décor from the previous location, she announced on social media that she would be donating it all. Her only request was that the items go “to a place where they will actually be useful.”
“I wrote to her on Facebook immediately after seeing the post, and I received a reply within four minutes saying we were the lucky ones,” shared Dimityria Lambreva, secretary of the Byaga community center, with local news outlet “Zname.” “We’re definitely blessed with beloved celebrities who, in addition to being donors, are becoming our friends.”
Lambreva and her colleagues quickly arranged transportation for the donation, requiring two trips to Sofia to collect everything. “Everything is very beautiful. The two gorgeous display cabinets are perfect for our collection of retro martenitsi,” Lambreva explained, referring to the traditional Bulgarian spring decorations.
“We’ve already placed them in the foyer. Four luxurious chairs have been arranged in one of the halls, and another five will go in the library, along with the two long ottomans. We’re still finding a place for another tall display cabinet,” she added.
The donation also included orchids, other natural flowers, picture frames, and rose panels, which Lambreva said will be particularly useful for the village’s annual Rose Festival. A rich collection of Christmas decorations was also included.
The community center also plans to share some of the furniture with a children’s home in Bratsigovo, believing that “goodness multiplies when it is shared.” Specifically, they will be donating a tall display case and a cabinet.
Both the community center team and local performers are thrilled that “the community center is gradually being renovated and taking on a more modern look.”
“The beautiful new additions have made us think about lightly refreshing one of the halls,” Lambreva revealed. “Even more, we were contacted on Monday by other friends from Sofia, with whom we’ve been partnering for years. They offered to donate blinds and linoleum for the small hall, which we use most often.”
Lambreva was particularly impressed by Kuzmanova: “Vicki is a person of class, taste, and genuine kindness – bright, inspiring, and incredibly generous. It was a real pleasure to meet her parents as well – warm and kind people who have raised a wonderful person. Everyone was so smiling.”
Kuzmanova and her parents were reportedly eager to help with the delivery when they arrived in Sofia. “They didn’t hesitate to help us carry, move, and load the donation with great enthusiasm. We thank Vicki and her family from the bottom of our hearts! Your support and attitude leave a lasting impression and remind us how strong and beautiful goodness can be,” Lambreva said.
Lambreva is confident they will meet again and plans to send a gift of local apples to Kuzmanova and her family this week.
“These kinds of connections are valuable to us. Through them, we promote the community center. More and more people are learning about us and what we do. We’ve really become famous thanks to the celebrities who have recently made gestures towards us. We are extremely grateful to all the other donors as well. Without all of them, it would be impossible to afford these expenses.”
53-year-old Rachkov and 36-year-old Kuzmanova have known each other for years, dating back to their time on “Gospodari na Efira,” when he was the host and she was one of the “adrenaline girls.” Despite their long acquaintance, their romantic relationship officially began in early 2025 when they first appeared together as a couple.
The engagement was announced exclusively during the opening of Kuzmanova’s new and luxurious beauty salon. She also revealed her engagement ring – a massive piece of 18-karat white gold featuring a large 2-carat central diamond and a band adorned with smaller diamonds. It’s rumored the custom-made ring cost over 20,000 euros, making it one of the most expensive engagement rings ever given by a Bulgarian celebrity.
Milа TODOROVA
