Ukrainian Action Inaugural Gala

On March 24th, 2023, Ukrainian Action (UA) hosted its inaugural gala dinner at the Royal Automobile Club in London. With 150 attendees, including Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, and a performance by Ukrainian singer Alloise, the event successfully raised £85,000 (after costs) which will all go to Ukrainian Action’s direct support for Ukraine. These funds were raised through ticket sales, pledges, a raffle and a live and silent auction.

Ukrainian Action is a UK and US-registered charity that provides aid and support to communities in Ukraine affected by the war. Funds raised at the gala will help the charity to continue its work in Ukraine, which includes providing vehicles, and humanitarian and medical assistance to families affected by the ongoing war. Additionally, UA supports reconstruction and healthcare programs that help build stronger, more resilient communities and will continue to support the Ukrainian based organisation ‘Woman and War’, which provides free mental health support for women and children in Ukraine.

Guests of the gala heard directly from the founder of Woman & War, Oksana Medvedieva, of the profound and destabilising impact the war has had on both herself and women in Ukraine. Guests were also introduced to Ukrainian Action’s core team of volunteers and heard first-hand the impact of UA’s work from founders Jeffrey Hartman and Natasha Hartman. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to hear about the economic pathway forward for Ukraine, and what economic constraints on Russia could support a path to victory for Ukraine from guest speakers Alina Slyusarchuk, Head of CEEMEA Economics at Morgan Stanley and Jacob Nell, Senior Research Fellow at the Kyiv School of Economics.

Gala guests were then treated to a profound performance of traditional Ukrainian songs by Ukrainian singer Alloise. Her performance was a fitting tribute to the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who continue to face enormous challenges in the face of ongoing conflict and political instability.

The highlight of the evening was the live and silent Auction with some competitive bidding on a number of items including the luxury 5-bedroom villa in Chamonix, and the last available of a set of 6 limited edition artist proofs by Scottish painter, Peter Doig, as well as other sporting and unique activities and experiences.

Ukrainian Action was delighted to welcome so many friends of Ukraine on the evening, raising awareness of the continued need for Western support in Ukraine and raising funds to continue sending aid to Ukraine. The charity would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all of the attendees, volunteers, and sponsors who made the event possible and continue supporting the organisation in its mission to build a brighter future for the people of Ukraine.