SOS UKRAINE
The Fundraiser for Razom
Garry Kasparov gave a passionate speech condemning the invasion.
Together We Build a Better World
By Bret Csencsitz
On April 3rd a community of concerned New Yorkers and international friends came together at Gotham to support the people of Ukraine. The event headlined specialists on the political situation to offer perspective while raising funds for Razom, a Ukrainian organization.
Meaning “together” in Ukrainian, Razom has been working since 2014 to “unlock the potential of Ukraine.” Since the invasion, all efforts have been redirected to the furnishing of critical medical supplies. Our event donations to date have raised more than $150,000 to this end.
Organized by producer and activist Emily Hamilton and Melinda Haring of the Atlantic Council, and co-presented with writer Jacob Heilbrunn, in just three weeks the team worked to assemble a program of speakers and promote the event with the aid of our celebrity Artists for Ukraine Committee. Gotham neighbors Sophie Flack and Josh Charles also went above and beyond in helping re-create the Gotham room for our event! It truly took a village.
With the sponsorship of Stoli Group, we were able to cover event costs and donate all proceeds directly to Razom, 100% of which went to support the people of Ukraine. Stoli has a long history of fighting Russian oppression and stands in support of Ukraine and its people.
Our Artists for Ukraine host committee included Sophie Flack and Josh Charles, Marin Hinkle, Jill and Harry Kargman, Marion and Adrien Meyer, Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola, and Sharon and Richard Hurowitz. Ethan Hawke was a surprise special guest!
The evening began with the Ukrainian National Anthem sung by Oleksandra Zaritska of the band KAZKA followed by remarks from Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough of Morning Joe fame, who also matched the first 50K in donations, and a video from Bernard-Henry Lévy with a special message from France.
Gary Kasparov gave a passionate speech condemning the invasion followed by Razom Founder Dora Chomiak, American Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst and many more. The audience was afforded a range of stirring perspectives as together we sought to understand the incomprehensible about this chosen war of carnage and crimes that is shaking our world.
The work of French philosopher, writer and filmmaker Bernard-Henri Lévy was at the heart of our fundraiser, for it is through Lévy’s producer and translator, Emily Hamilton, that this event came to Gotham.
Melinda Haring and Emily Hamilton with their daughters, Adara and Alice, who provided remarks
Released nationwide this week, Lévy’s most recent film, The Will to See, is a world tour through eight forgotten wars, including Ukraine’s prior to the invasion. The film implores us to engage in the world and find it in ourselves to look at faraway suffering, acting when we can. It is an eye-opener indeed.
From April 29 to May 5, this wonderful film that The Atlantic called a work of “difficult optimism,” is showing around the corner from Gotham at Quad Cinema. During the film’s run, we are offering a special menu with ticket and donating a portion of proceeds to Razom.
Vladimir Zelenskyy and BHL in 2019
All and all, it was a night that exceeded expectations and fulfilled our own Gotham mission of creating a meaningful space that nourishes body and mind.
Don’t miss The Will To See at the Quad, and join us before or after for community and conversation that makes a difference.
Tom Colicchio in attendance at our fundraiser for Ukraine
