More than 100 people attended a cultural and fundraising event at Stissing Center on July 27 that raised more than $30,000 for Razom for Ukraine, a nonprofit dedicated to humanitarian aid in the war-torn country.
Support for Ukraine was expressed through poems, speeches and traditional songs at the event, titled Words to America From Ukraine. As of July 30, the gathering had raised $32,000 for Razom, which works to increase civic engagement in Ukraine and amplify the voices of Ukrainians around the world.
The program featured a keynote speech by Jed Sunden, founder and director of the American Ukraine PAC, and musical performances by the New York–based vocal ensemble Ukrainian Village Voices.
Sunden, whose political action committee lobbies Congress to strengthen U.S.-Ukraine relations, spoke passionately about Ukraine’s right to sovereignty, language and tradition. He received a standing ovation following his remarks.
Ukrainian Village Voices, a nine-member ensemble, performed several short sets of traditional polyphonic songs. Their harmonies and expressive energy moved the audience, regardless of familiarity with the language. The songs were interspersed with poems read by writer Mike Topp, actor Romain Frugé and Leevi Ernits.
The event was organized by Mark Lagus and Ernits, with support from a volunteer committee including Jim Bole, Jeff Brouws, Wendy Burton, Diane Duffus, Anastasia Gudko, Ben Miller and Jan Schwarz-Miller. Ukrainian dishes were prepared by chef Leslie Nilsson and served throughout the evening.
Lagus said he hopes the group continues its work to raise awareness and support for Ukraine in the months ahead.