A charity event was held in New York City to raise funds for the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center at the First Medical Association in Lviv. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America in collaboration with the famous Ukrainian restaurant “Veselka” and Jeff Black Productions. The event was attended by the famous American TV star, bestselling author and humanitarian Rachel Ray.
This was reported by Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Rachael Ray has visited Ukraine seven times, where she personally met with military personnel, medics and war victims. Her participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine inspired the organizers to create an atmosphere of unity, support and cultural celebration.
UCCA President Mykhailo Savkiv presented Rachel Ray with the Shevchenko Diploma of Freedom, the organization’s highest award, recognizing her dedication to the Ukrainian people.
“It’s a great honor for me to receive this diploma – it means even more to me than an Emmy… But the real heroes are the people of Ukraine: doctors, medics, military personnel and ordinary citizens who fight for their freedom and dignity every day. And I’m just helping in any way I can,” said Rachel Ray.
Ukraine Focus, a UCCA partner, presented Rachel with a symbolic knife forged from the remains of a downed Russian missile. This gift was a token of gratitude for her support in funding the ambulance service already working on the front lines.
The evening began with cocktails prepared by Rachel’s husband, musician John Cusimano, after which the guests enjoyed a four-course Ukrainian dinner prepared by the team at Veselka Restaurant. The menu included traditional vegetarian borscht with garlic dumplings, dumplings, beef stroganoff, chicken stuffed with mushrooms, and a signature medovnik for dessert.
“Hosting this dinner at Veselka was special for us. Our restaurant has always been a place where Ukrainian culture, cuisine, and sustainability come together. This event was a wonderful continuation of that tradition. We are proud to be able to support UNBROKEN and help Ukraine heal – plate by plate,” said Jason Birchard, a third-generation owner of the restaurant.
Among the guests of honor were the Head of Lviv City Council Andriy Sadovyi and the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Andriy Melnyk, which emphasized the international scope of the event.
“This evening is not just about raising funds. It was an act of solidarity with the wounded heroes of Ukraine, support for Rachel’s voice and actions, and a reminder to the world that solidarity and compassion are powerful weapons in times of war,” said Andriy Futey, Special Representative of the UCCA in Ukraine.
The event was the second UCCA charity dinner in support of UNBROKEN. The organization is already preparing subsequent events to continue providing assistance and raising awareness about the initiative.
In particular, the event managed to raise $50,000, which will go towards equipping a professional kitchen at the UNBROKEN center to provide daily meals for about 4,000 patients.
Background
The UNBROKEN Rehabilitation Center is the largest national medical facility in Ukraine. Here, defenders and civilians, adults and children who have suffered from the war, undergo a full cycle of treatment: from emergency care to prosthetics and psychological rehabilitation. During the full-scale invasion, more than 20,000 wounded Ukrainians were rescued here, including 360 children.
The Center's areas of work include reconstructive surgery, orthopedics, and prosthetics. People are not only fitted with prostheses, they are also manufactured here. Patients receive all medical care free of charge. The Center also provides physical, psychological, and psychosocial rehabilitation.
During their recovery, patients have the opportunity to live with their families in social housing, which is equipped to meet the needs of seriously injured defenders and helps them adapt to life after injury.
UNBROKEN operates on the basis of the First Medical Association of Lviv, the largest medical institution in Ukraine.
Author: Danylo Pievchev