On August 23, a charity auction was held at VERANDA on the River to support the Future for Ukraine Foundation. Guests of the restaurant had the opportunity to bid on unique items and contribute to the foundation's ongoing projects.
The evening's host, Ihor Frenkel, passionately encouraged bidders for each lot hunting. Together, we managed to raise 83,000 UAH!
The most sought-after item was a child's drawing from the "Children. War. Future" exhibition. Ukrainian children are still forced to hide during air raids and endure terrible hostile shellings. Yet, they remain children by playing, exploring the world, and expressing their dreams, fears, and hopes through their drawings.
The exhibition featured drawings by Ukrainian children who have witnessed and felt the horrors of war firsthand. One of these drawings was sold at the auction for 39,000 UAH.
Other auction items included:
- A silver brooch from O’KRYK's limited collection was created in collaboration with the Gidna project. It symbolizes support and respect for women who have suffered sexual violence. Item sold for 13,000 UAH.
- Handcrafted glasses from the YAKUSH and Barta Design collaboration, made by Ukrainian artisans from blown glass. The vibrant patterns represent a blooming meadow, and their shape mirrors the classic vintage champagne glass "Marie Antoinette's Breast." Item sold for 10,000 UAH.
- An embroidered shirt by Ukrainian brand Etnodim, inspired by the book "Apricots of Donbas", by Lyubov Yakimchuk. The author notes that the East shouldn't be associated solely with industry and war: "There are countless apricots in the Ukrainian East entire groves of trees that turn green in spring and yellow in summer, stretching to the border with russia. Where apricots don’t grow, russia begins... We want our East to blossom like apricots." Item sold for 21,000 UAH.
The funds raised at the charity auction will be sent to the foundation's general needs and be allocated to projects based on high priority:
- Prosthetics and rehabilitation abroad for Ukrainian defenders with complex amputations;
- Medical equipment and supplies for Ukrainian hospitals;
- Assistance to displaced families with children;
- Corrective support for IDP children with ASD;
- Qualified psychological assistance to Ukrainian women who have suffered sexual violence at the hands of russian occupiers;
- Psychological support programs for women, whose loved ones are missing due to the war or are in captivity.
Thanks to the whole team of VERANDA on the River, participants, and our partners: O’KRYK, Etnodim, YAKUSH, Barta Design, and Ihor Frenkel! We highly appreciate your support.
