Our First Sunflower Gala
On October 14th, 2022, Iowans for Ukrainians held its first Sunflower Gala. Approximately 115 people attended. The evening opened with mingling, drinks from Apres Bar Co, and a variety of hors d'oeuvres from L & L European Delights, The Girls Catering, and Bash.
The gala program began with remarks from Iowans for Ukrainians’ founder and president, Shalika Khindurangala. Two Ukrainian women, Dr. Svitlana Zbarska and Vera Babich, sang the Ukrainian national anthem, and performed other traditional Ukrainian songs throughout the evening.
Ukrainian artist Daria Tym, who is currently living as a refugee in Germany, shared an art piece she created just for the Sunflower Gala - traditional Ukrainian Sand Animation. The video of her sand animation was powerful and moving.
Following Daria’s sand animation, Iowa State University’s Dr. Scott Feinstein, who has done research in Russia, Ukraine and Moldova, shared remarks on cultural connections that structure political change in global systems and states. Dr. Feinstein’s remarks were followed by more food, including Ukrainian desserts homemade by Shalika’s mother, Ira Khindurangala, known better to our audience as the prolific baker from our first-ever bake sale!
Dr. Ellen Kennedy of World Without Genocide shared remarks about the atrocities committed against Ukrainians by Russia, and the legal measures that can and are being taken to penalize Russia’s illegal aggressions.
The Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Ensemble also joined us from the Twin Cities to perform multiple traditional Ukrainian dances. They were a crowd-energizing favorite and we were so impressed with their athletic abilities and skill!
Between programs and performances, attendees had the opportunity to bid on various silent auction items provided by a wide array of local donors. Up for auction were tickets to various local attractions, t-shirts with art from Ukrainian children artists, beer, wine and cheese tastings, paintings, sporting tickets, hotel stays, gym memberships, restaurant gift cards, jewelry, and much more. By the end of the night, the silent auction had generated over $4,000 USD in funds that are being sent directly to relief efforts in Ukraine!
We are so grateful to the attendees, sponsors, donors, presenters, and vendors who made this event a success. Without them, we couldn’t have raised over $21,000 USD which will help so many people in Ukraine. And, we are so glad that event goers had a great time. Some feedback we heard from them includes:
“It was wonderful to be a part of the learning, the culture, the songs, the dance and the insights you provided…You reminded me that anything is possible when you believe. In addition, the food was FABULOUS and the hosts were so very gracious.”
“It was a very fun and festive charity event! Well organized too!”
The gala “was a great mix of seriousness and fun.”
“I loved the dancers. I liked the flow of the program. Mingle. Guest speaker. Mingle. Entertainment.”
“I really liked pretty much everything, which is weird because I'm not a "gala" person”
Finally, we can’t forget to mention yet again the amazing sponsors who made this event possible in the first place. Thank you to:
If you missed the incredible evening, not to worry - you can stay tuned for our upcoming events!
