The 10th anniversary charity gala of the US Ukrainian Activists organization was held in Washington, D.C., bringing together Ukrainian veterans, ambassadors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and leaders of local Ukrainian-American organizations in support of Ukraine. The gala was held in the “La Maison Française” hall of the French Embassy in the United States – a space that symbolizes freedom, culture, and lasting friendship between peoples.
This was reported by US Ukrainian Activists.
During the evening, guests celebrated the richness of Ukrainian culture and supported the organization’s humanitarian programs for Ukraine. The event raised $22,043. Of this amount, $10,000 will be directed to support the “Hospitaliers” – a Ukrainian battalion of paramedics who save lives on the front lines every day, risking their own. The remaining funds will be allocated to other important assistance programs in Ukraine.
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France, Laurent Bili, and the Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine, Denis Sienik, for their inspiring speeches and consistent support.
In particular, in his address, the Ambassador of France, Laurent Bili, emphasized the power of culture and solidarity:
“The music you will hear this evening reflects the incredible vitality of Ukrainian culture – the culture of a people for whom France has great respect… Here in Washington, this evening, we are pleased to contribute to making Ukrainian culture – especially its music – more accessible to more people. Thank you for joining us today. Thank you for standing with Ukraine.”
Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine Denys Sienik, speaking on behalf of the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olga Stefanishyna, congratulated the US Ukrainian Activists team and its leader Nadia Shaporynska on the 10th anniversary of the organization’s activities.
“We gathered not only for the sake of music, but also for the sake of something deeper: for the sake of resilience, memory, dignity… These days, Russian missiles are deliberately attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, trying to plunge Ukrainian cities into darkness and icy cold, but they will not freeze our souls, will not freeze our identity, will not freeze our culture. When Ukrainian musicians perform, when works by Ukrainian composers sound, when the audience stands in solidarity, this is a declaration that Ukraine stands,” he noted.
A separate event of the evening was the performance of pianist Pavlo Gintov. The organization’s president, Nadia Shaporynska, emphasized:
“Pavel’s performances not only elevate concert halls, but also represent Ukrainian culture on the world stage with exceptional power and grace. We are sincerely grateful to Pavlo Gintov for his dedication to discovering, popularizing, and presenting new Ukrainian composers and previously unknown works to audiences around the world, fulfilling the true mission of a cultural ambassador for Ukraine!”
The organizers also expressed their gratitude to the Embassy of France for their hospitality and support in preparing the event, in particular to Ambassador Laurent Bili and Marie-Hélène Zavala, Director of Events at La Maison Française at the Embassy of France in the United States, for their leadership and assistance in the implementation of the evening.
Gratitude was also expressed to the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, and Deputy Ambassador Denis Senik for their support, as well as to Public Diplomacy Counselor Kateryna Smagliy for her significant contribution to the success of the event. Separate words of gratitude were addressed to the volunteers who joined the organization.
The organization recalled that it continues to implement nine programs of assistance to Ukraine, including: support for the Hospitallers, assistance to veterans, support for hospitals in Ukraine, defenders of Ukraine, children of Ukraine, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, other humanitarian assistance, preservation of the cultural heritage of Ukraine and advocacy activities in the USA.
The participants of the evening emphasized that every presence, every contribution and every note of music became part of something bigger – a celebration of culture, resilience and hope.
“Together we can continue to change lives – for the sake of Ukraine, its people and its future,” said one of the participants of the organization, Ganna Proskura.
Photo: Ganna Proskura
Author: Inna Mikhno