Advocacy & Events, Initiatives

Prestigious New York Charity Fundraiser

May, 2025

On April 3, 2025, over 120 guests gathered in a prestigious historic venue in Midtown Manhattan, the very same halls where Winston Churchill once delivered a speech. That evening, however, the room was filled with the voices of those standing for Ukraine. Organized by Dignitas Ukraine and generously supported by Bruce and Dan Searby and their family, the charity event aimed to raise funds for Tech Explorers, a groundbreaking educational initiative that empowers Ukrainian children and youth through STEM and robotics.

Tech Explorers: Building the Future Through Innovation

Tech Explorers is more than a program—it’s a beacon of hope for children whose lives have been disrupted by war. It offers after-school access to STEM education, focusing on advanced robotics and drone systems for two age groups: children aged 7–12 and teens 13–17. The initiative specifically engages children of military personnel and those directly affected by the war, supporting their recovery and mental well-being while equipping them with tools to build a better future.

This isn’t just about coding or engineering. It’s about resilience. It’s about creating a generation of innovators who will help rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure, defense, and economy. It’s about giving children the confidence to envision themselves as engineers, drone pilots, and creators of peace.

As stated in Dignitas Ukraine’s mission, these efforts also serve the free and democratic world. By investing in education and technology today, we help secure a safer and more stable tomorrow—for Ukraine and beyond.

An Evening to Remember: Music, Art, and Community

The event featured live performances by pianist Alex Pryrodny, world-renowned clarinetist Julian Milkis, and opera singer Ludmila Fesenko, whose powerful voice brought emotion and elegance to the evening.

The centerpiece was a live auction of Ukrainian contemporary art, featuring works by celebrated artists such as Yurii Koval, Natalia Karpinska, Vlada Ralko, Andriy Stegura, Katya Buchatska, Alice Nikitinová, and Tetiana Malinovska. These pieces were presented by volunteers Maksym Girenko and Andrii Hresko, with support from Kateryna Bly. Many of the works, provided by BIRUCHIY—Ukraine’s largest and longest-running international contemporary art residency—barely survived the occupation of Bucha, where they were stored before liberation in 2022.

Each painting carried a piece of Ukraine’s soul: from Ralko’s reflections on Soviet symbols and violence, to Karpinska’s peaceful seascapes from occupied territory, to Malinovska’s flowing depiction of time and transformation. As bidders raised their paddles, they weren’t just acquiring art—they were preserving memory and supporting freedom.

Voices of Leadership and Purpose

The evening’s emcee, Andriy Boychuk, Chief of Marketing and Board Member at Dignitas, ensured everything ran flawlessly. Speeches from Lyuba Shipovich, Co-Founder, and Dmytro Kavun, President of Dignitas Ukraine, emphasized the urgency of supporting Ukraine, highlighting how education and technology play a vital role in the country’s defense and post-war recovery.

Olena Speranska, Director of BIRUCHIY, shared the story of the residency’s resilience and artistic legacy despite occupation and destruction. The artworks presented were not only culturally significant—they symbolized defiance in the face of war.

A Hero’s Testimony

One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from Andriy “Apostol” Smolensky, a Ukrainian veteran from Kyiv. Before the full-scale war, Andriy was a financial consultant, a church singer, and a lover of philosophy. After the invasion, he joined the 47th Mechanized Brigade “Magura” and led an aerial reconnaissance unit on the front lines.

In May 2023, during a mission near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia, Andriy was severely injured—losing his sight, most of both hands, and suffering a life-threatening head injury. “I’m alive. That’s a huge advantage,” he said. Today, his battleground is the gym, where he trains daily in recovery and helps others heal.

At the fundraiser, Andriy delivered a poignant speech:

“This war is a battle of values—between good and evil. Ukraine is fighting not only for its territory but for democracy and human dignity. Technology—especially drones—has become a critical tool in our fight. That’s why programs like Tech Explorers matter. These children are not just learning skills — they are preparing to defend peace and build the future. And it is in the interest of the United States to stand with us. Because the future of Ukraine is the future of freedom.”

His words silenced the room—and inspired deep reflection.

A Moment of Pure Emotion

In a spontaneous and deeply moving moment, guest Jacquie Colgan walked onto the stage. Her heartfelt words about standing with Ukraine, the courage of its people, and the importance of community moved the room to tears. Her voice carried empathy, urgency, and sincerity.

Thank you, Jacquie, for speaking from the heart and reminding everyone that solidarity can start with a single voice.

Champions Behind the Curtain

Special recognition goes to Yulia O’Conell, who carried much of the event’s organization with grace and determination. Her daughters, Aislinn and Cailin, assisted warmly, guiding guests and helping keep the auction on track. Bohdan Yaremko ensured all printed materials were ready on time, while David Searby helped bring Andriy “Apostol” and his wife Alina Smolenska to the event from D.C., embodying true solidarity.

And thank you to every partner and supporter who showed up in person and in spirit.

To every guest who filled the room, to every new donor who joined the Dignitas Ukraine community, thank you. Your support not only funds robotics kits and after-school classes—it funds hope. It plants the seeds of a peaceful, self-sufficient Ukraine led by brilliant, brave children and youth.