April 26, 2024 — Washington, D.C.
Together for Others
Charity Gala.
An evening at the Embassy of the Czech Republic where a Nobel laureate, a Grammy-winning songwriter, and a 14-year-old refugee stood on the same stage — united by one cause: the children of Ukraine.
The Evening
One room,
one mission.
The seated black tie gala dinner at the Czech Embassy started with a VIP Reception at the Czech Ambassador’s Residence. The event was opened with the children folk dancers of the DC Music Academy School of Ukrainian Dance — children performing for children.
DC Music Academy School of Ukrainian Dance — children performing for children
Ambassadors from several nations filled the room: Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland… each table named after the capital of the “Host Ambassador’s” country.
Then came the voices that expressed the reason for the charity event:
14-year-old Yeva Skalietska, who had to flee Kharkiv at the age of twelve and wrote a diary that was later published as her book, “You Don’t Know What War Is” and translated into dozens of languages. A most moving speech about war seen through the eyes of children.
Desmond Child, whose songs “Living on a Prayer” and “Lady Liberty,” presented by the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame Songwriter himself, about the power of love and perseverance, gave all a most uplifting moment in a room of dignitaries supporting children for Ukraine’s future.
Nobel Laureate Ferenc Krausz, who, together with Adrienn David, a committed teacher from Ukraine, gave concrete proof and examples of how support can make a difference for children and how science education is rebuilding hope in frontline classrooms.
And a most moving mini-concert by Jerome Barry of the Washington-based Embassy Concert Series elevating everyone supporting our mission.
The night ended with an auction of many donations from generous donors and sponsors, such as a dinner for two offered by Washington’s fantastic Ukrainian restaurant, Ruta, dinners to be hosted by Ambassadors, various art pieces — also including those handmade items, paintings, bracelets, keyholders, crafted by Ukrainian students from Marhanets, a city near the front line in Ukraine. Every item sold was proof of our hope and belief in a peaceful future for all.
Gallery
Moments from
the evening
Meet Our Speakers
Yeva’s story
“You Don’t Know What War Is” — Yeva Skalietska was 12 when Russia attacked her city. She kept a diary that became a book read around the world. At TEDxOxford, she told her story.
Yeva Skalietska at TEDxOxford — “You Don’t Know What War Is”
Meet Our Speakers
A message from
Ferenc Krausz
Nobel Laureate in Physics Ferenc Krausz shares his support for Together for Others and the Science4People initiative — bringing science education to Ukrainian children as a tool for recovery and empowerment.
Ferenc Krausz — Nobel Laureate in Physics, Science4People
Voices
Who stood up
Yeva Skalietska
Author & Ukrainian refugeeAt 12, Yeva fled Kharkiv with her grandmother as bombs fell. Her diary became the book “You Don’t Know What War Is.” At our gala, now 14, she shared what it means to grow up in a war you didn’t choose.
Ferenc Krausz
Nobel Laureate in PhysicsTogether with Adrienn David, a committed teacher from Ukraine, gave concrete proof and examples of how support can make a difference for children and how science education is rebuilding hope in frontline classrooms.
Desmond Child
Grammy-winning songwriterPerformed “Living on a Prayer” and “Lady Liberty” — songs about love and perseverance that gave a special hope, conviction and belief to all participating in the power of love and hope, for a future of peace for all.
Jerome Barry
Embassy Concert Series, Washington D.C.A most moving mini-concert elevating everyone supporting our mission.
The Auction
Made by the children
it’s all for.
The gala’s auction featured handmade items and paintings crafted by talented Ukrainian children from Marhanets, a city near the front line. These artworks were sold at the auction to raise funds that went directly back to supporting their schools, teachers, and sports programs.
Details
The event
Ambassadors from seven nations attended: Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, and Romania — demonstrating broad diplomatic support for Ukraine’s children.
Behind the Scenes
Preparing for
the gala
A look behind the scenes of organizing the flagship Together for Others charity gala — from venue setup and decoration to the final touches before guests arrived at the Czech Embassy.
Solidarity
Leaders supporting our mission
Bulgaria recognizes its profound responsibility towards the children of Ukraine, who are tragically caught in the crossfire of Russia’s relentless aggression. Standing together for the Ukrainian children is not just an act of compassion, but a testament to our solidarity with the courageous people of Ukraine in their sacred fight for freedom and independence.
HE Georgi Panayotov
Ambassador of Bulgaria to the United States
The next gala is
being planned.
Want to attend, sponsor, or volunteer? Get in touch and be part of the next evening that changes lives.