Supporters show their enthusiasm for the new Ukrainian Museum

New York — A recent luncheon held at a New York City hotel was the setting for a successful fund-raising event benefiting the The Ukrainian Museum. Nearly 250 patrons attended the event in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Museum, notably representatives of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America which is the founding organization of the Museum. Special guests included H.E. Ambassador Valeriy P. Kuchinsky, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, H.E. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States of America, and Mr. Serhiy Pohorel'tsev, Consul General of Ukraine in New York.

As is the case at many events taking place in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on America, the luncheon opened with a prayer (led by Fr. Patrick Pasczak, St. George Church) for the victims and their families, followed by the Irving Berlin song "God Bless America" led by mezzo-soprano Kalyna Cholhan Boychuk. Museum staff distributed commemorative red, white and blue ribbons to the guests at the door. Opening remarks were delivered by Olha Hnateyko, President of The Ukrainian Museum Board of Trustees. Keynote speaker Adrian Karatnycky, President of Freedom House, underscored the significance of the Ukrainian Museum's valuable contribution as a diaspora institution in this country. Pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky and cellist Natalie Khoma delivered a musical interlude between courses. Askold Lozynsky, Esq., President of the World Congress of Ukrainians, was the Master of Ceremonies.

The Museum reports that the on-the-scene pledges and cash donations, coupled with cash receipts received from supporters by mail, totaled nearly $200,000. This gives a substantial boost towards the target of $1 million for this year, which was set by the Eugene and Daymel Shklar Challenge Grant (matching dollar for dollar any donation to the Museum the end of 2001).

Join the drive to help meet this year's goal for The Ukrainian Museum Building Fund. Visit the website www.ukrainianmuseum.org/fund.html for more information about how you can help.