Rep. Sara Hannan (D-Juneau) speaks during a Friday fundraising dinner and silent auction for the people of Ukraine at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall which raised more than $30,000. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Rep. Sara Hannan (D-Juneau) speaks during a Friday fundraising dinner and silent auction for the people of Ukraine at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall which raised more than $30,000. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Tens of thousands raised at fundraiser for Ukraine

The fundraiser for UNICEF’s Ukraine mission was a huge success, said organizers.

A fundraising dinner and silent auction for the people of Ukraine last Friday fed hundreds — and raised thousands.

The fundraiser, which will send the money raised to UNICEF, was a great success, said organizer Olena Zyuba, raising about $34,000.

“I cannot believe how successful it went, starting from just my idea of serving Ukrainian food and raising some money,” Zyuba said. “I’m grateful to every volunteer. Every business. Every artist who donated their goods or services. I felt so happy to be around those people.”

[Loss and birds: UAS releases annual literary journal]

More than 200 guests attended, supported by more than 20 volunteers who cooked, spoke, helped provide technical support, or otherwise kept things running smoothly, Zyuba said.

“We were just so busy. It went so quickly. I can’t believe how quickly it went. People showed up early. Around 6:15 we were not able to take any more people,” Zyuba said. “It was really surprising for me personally when so many people showed up and there were more standing at the door.”

Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, and Rep. David Nelson, R-Anchorage, spoke during the event, and other elected officials, including Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, and Rep. Harriet Drummond, D-Anchorage, also attended.

“With how much people struggle in Ukraine right now, every time I close my eyes, I see death and destruction. I see people in Mariupol getting buried in their backyards. I got to the point where I felt I had to do something,” Zyuba said. “To do something positive and really big, it felt really amazing.”

Musicians played and organizers played a video of a child singing the Ukrainian national anthem.

“A few pieces were added to the program just a few minutes before, like the little Ukrainian girl singing the anthem. I think that was the strongest part of the event. When everyone stood up, it felt like it was all connected,” Zyuba said. “We brought people together that felt like they wanted to do something. At the moment when people stood up listening to the anthem, I felt very emotional. I felt very connected to everyone there.”

The Juneau World Affairs Council is acting as the nonprofit bridge to UNICEF for the funds raised, said JWAC board president Carl Brodersen. Brodersen also thanked Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and Tlingit and Haida President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson for donating the use of the space in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall for the function.

“This effort was a great success. I hope that Juneau and the world keep in mind that there are many places and peoples who are also suffering right now, who are also deserving of a great success,” Brodersen said in an email. “I’m so happy we were able to help do this for Ukraine. I hope we can do more for others, as well.”

The donation window will still be open at jwac.org/ua/ for several days while they finalize things, Zyuba said. For her part, she’s looking to what she can do next, Zyuba said.

“I still would like to do more,” Zyuba said. “I’m thinking about a few other projects that I could help in different ways. I also was approached by a few people from Anchorage who wanted to do something similar.”

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

More in News

(Juneau Empire File)
Aurora forecast for the week of Nov. 27

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Even the Grinch got into the holiday spirit at last year’s Gallery Walk on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire File)
An abundance of traditional and new ways to capitalize on this year’s Gallery Walk

More than 50 events scheduled Friday afternoon and evening from downtown to Douglas.

This view is from Wrangell on Sept. 11, 2022. (Photo by Joaqlin Estus/ICT)
Conservation group supports formation of new Alaska Native corporations

The conservation group the Wilderness Society has changed its position and now… Continue reading

From her hospital bed on Friday, Nov. 24, Christina Florschutz demonstrates how she pulled pajama bottoms that she found in the landslide debris over her legs, arms and head to keep warm. Her house was destroyed in the landslide, and after spending the night in the wreckage, she was rescued the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 21. (Caroleine James / Wrangell Sentinel)
Elementary school aide who survived Wrangell landslide calls circumstances a miracle

Christina Florschutz trapped overnight by landslide that killed at least 4 people, with 2 missing.

Lylah Habeger (left) and Jaila Ramirez lead the Konfeta Corps during a rehearsal of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at Juneau Dance Theatre. The ballet will be performed in the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.At.Kalé auditorium Friday through Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Juneau Dance Theatre)
‘Nutcracker’ tradition, with a twirl of new choreography

This year’s performances feature a cast of 93, ages 5 to 78

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Rain at the National Weather Service Juneau station on Nov. 11 doesn’t exist as snow until hits the upper portion of nearby Thunder Mountain. So far this November has been both warmer and wetter than normal. (Photo by National Weather Service Juneau)
El Niño playing outsize role in Juneau’s warmer temperatures, according to National Weather Service

Early peek at numbers shows Juneau is 4.9 degrees warmer than average this November.

An emergency rescue vehicle parks in front of the Riverview Senior Living center at midday Monday after resident Nathan Bishop, 58, was discovered in the attic about 40 hours after he was reported missing. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Nathan Bishop found alive in attic of Riverview Senior Living complex after 40-hour search

Family members say they remain supportive of facility’s locally available assisted living services.

Most Read