A charity event titled “A Gathering in the Garden” was held in Montclair, New Jersey, on September 19, raising more than $18,000 for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the preservation of its cultural heritage. More than 50 guests attended the event, and the funds will support the work of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the Foundation to Preserve Ukraine’s Sacred Arts.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
“More than 50 people attended the charity event ‘A Gathering in the Garden,’ held in Montclair, New Jersey, in support of the humanitarian work of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the Foundation to Preserve Ukraine’s Sacred Arts,” the statement reads.
According to the organizers, the evening was hosted by Anna Lee and Paul Ruzhbek, who welcomed guests into their garden. The event brought together friends and members of the local community in support of Ukraine, humanitarian assistance, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Guests had the opportunity to enjoy Ukrainian cuisine prepared by chef Olesia Lev of Private Dining Experience, Handmade Global Flavors.
UCCA Executive Director Tamara Olexy spoke about the organization’s humanitarian work and noted that for 85 years, UCCA has represented the interests of Ukrainian Americans and supported Ukraine’s independence.
She also emphasized the consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion and its continuing attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and energy facilities.
“The goal of these attacks is to make everyday life unbearable: to break the will of the Ukrainian people, erase their history and identity, and ultimately erase Ukraine from the map of the world as an independent state,” Tamara Olexy said.
According to her, despite this, Ukrainians continue to fight, rebuild what has been destroyed, and defend their right to exist as a free and independent people.
Olexy also spoke about UCCA’s #SupportUkraine initiative. According to her, since February 2022, it has provided more than $63 million in humanitarian assistance and critically needed non-lethal support.
“We cannot stop this war on our own, but we can help the people who are forced to live through it. Your support can save lives and truly make a difference for those defending their homeland,” she emphasized.
The guests were then addressed by Christina Lev, founder and president of the Foundation to Preserve Ukraine’s Sacred Arts. She spoke about the importance of protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
According to her, Ukraine’s cultural identity is inseparably connected to its historic landmarks, churches, and museums, and their destruction poses a threat to the preservation of Ukrainian identity itself.
“Ukrainian identity is inseparably connected to its cultural landmarks, churches, and museums. Russia’s attempts to destroy this tangible evidence of who Ukrainians are are unacceptable,” Christina Lev said.
It was also noted that artist Julie Gnoy donated four paintings featuring sunflowers and poppies for the event. The works were used to support the charitable fundraiser.
Following the event, the organizers announced that more than $18,000 had been raised in total. The funds will go toward humanitarian assistance for people affected by the war and programs aimed at preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
“Thanks to their collective contribution, critically needed humanitarian assistance will be provided to people affected by the war, while efforts to preserve Ukraine’s cultural heritage will also receive support,” UCCA concluded.
Photo: UCCA
Author: Inna Mikhno