The 65th anniversary of House of Ukraine, one of the oldest Ukrainian cultural centers in the United States, was celebrated in Balboa Park in San Diego. The gala evening, titled “An Evening of Heritage, Hope & Giving,” was not only a celebration of Ukrainian heritage, but also a charitable event to support children from the Kherson region.
This was reported by House of Ukraine.
During the evening, words of gratitude were expressed to everyone who has supported the Ukrainian community in San Diego for decades.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the 65th anniversary of House of Ukraine! We honor our history and continue to build a common future. We are grateful to everyone who supports, inspires, and shares the beauty and values of our culture – even far from home,” the organizers noted.
The celebration was accompanied by a concert by Ukrainian singer Valeria Vovk, whose emotional performances combine elements of folk, jazz and soul.
“We had a wonderful evening celebrating the 65th anniversary of the House of Ukraine in San Diego with a concert by Valeria Vovk. The people who have led this organization since the 60s are a true inspiration. It is a great honor and joy to share our love for Ukraine, its culture, food and language with the residents of San Diego,” the event participants wrote.
For 65 years, House of Ukraine has remained a meeting place for Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine. Established in 1960 by displaced persons after World War II, this “Ukrainian house” in Balboa Park introduces visitors to music, dance, literature and traditions. With the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, its mission expanded - the organization became a humanitarian center, sending medical aid, clothing and funds to war victims.
This year’s anniversary fundraiser is dedicated to the savED project, an international charitable foundation that restores education in frontline communities. In collaboration with the House of Ukraine Foundation, it is helping to rebuild a shelter for learning at the Novovorontsov Lyceum in the Kherson region. There, 489 children and 72 teachers will be able to safely return to offline learning, as the new underground classroom will become not only a shelter, but also a space where laughter, lessons, and children’s voices will once again be heard.
“Let’s together give Ukrainian children what they need most right now – a safe place where they can study, grow, and simply be children,” the organizers of the charitable initiative called.
Author: Danylo Pievchev