We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence and supporting our mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This memorable celebration was made possible by the generosity, dedication, and community spirit of our volunteers, sponsors, donors, performers, organizers, and guests. We are especially thankful to every Ukrainian and American friend who came to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, celebrate its culture, and support our cause.
A special thank you to everyone who:
🙏 Prayed together with Volodymyr Shchypel, joining us in hope and unity for Ukraine and its people.
🎤Sang and cheered with Nataliia Sytnyk and her talented team of the artists, Korali Chorus: Olena Morozova, Taras and Ivanna Mykush, Nadiya Beley, Valentyna Sonmezler; Tanya Nika Nika, Yuriy Shkremetko, Anatoliy Stepanenko, Miles Hoyle, Svitlana, Igor Sytnikov
🎟️ Purchased raffle tickets with Olena Bohenstiel, helping us raise critical funds for humanitarian assistance. We thank you to all the local services and businesses for being part of this project 🫶🏻
🎨 Visited and purchased artwork from the beautiful art exhibit organized by Svitlana Ivasyuk, showcasing Ukrainian talent and creativity.
📸 Captured special memories with professional photographer Vikun Halushkova, and with our wonderful volunteer photographer with huge camera Kevin Hedgecock, whose work helped preserve the joy and spirit of the day.
📸📸📸 You may find you photos here. Password 7409 https://vikunphotography.pixieset.com/dennezaleznosti/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80Mzc2MjYzMTY5NzM3ODgAAR7d-lMZrZ9zNlFbBZab454uCi-8X66YgvzMBPyb8Qkk01pUJ2Ap1EugqHp-3g_aem_S4B8MwPg24ZCQGSZhqL1rA
And on Kevin Hedgecock’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSoK7kdgG/?
🌻 Donated at the photo zone created by Oksana Rubio, and her volunteer team of Olya Shtumeyzen and her beautiful daughters, whose creativity provided both a beautiful backdrop and another opportunity to support Ukraine.
🍽️ Enjoyed the delicious food lovingly prepared by Галина Доценко, Ludmila Meyer, Наталя Варава, Paula Pokhodnya, Larisa Nikolaieva, Vika Sarakuz, Nadiya Beley bringing the tastes and traditions of Ukraine to our community.
💙💛 Purchased Ukrainian symbolic items from Lyudmyla Semenova, helping promote and preserve our cultural heritage.
🍋🍪 Tasted refreshing lemonade and homemade cookies provided by Sofia Sonmezler, adding warmth and sweetness to the celebration.
🎭 Had their faces painted by our wonderful volunteer team from the Shtumeyzen family, whose enthusiasm brought smiles to children and adults alike.
Because of your generosity and support, together we raised $1,882.13.
These funds will be used to purchase protective equipment capable of detecting drones and providing additional warning time to protect vehicles and the people inside them. Any remaining funds will be reserved for future humanitarian assistance requests from Ukraine, ensuring that we can continue responding when help is needed most.
As we celebrated Ukraine's Independence, we also honored the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people. Your support demonstrates that our community remains strong, compassionate, and united in the pursuit of freedom, peace, and hope.
Thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, donor, vendor, artist, organizer, and guest who made this event a success. We could not do this without you💙💛
Thank you our event sponsors: Dr. Jayme Oliveira Filho, Ferhat Sonmezler, Natali Hnatchuk, Galyna Dotsenko 🫶🏻
Together, we make a difference. Together, we stand with Ukraine.
💙💛 Дякуємо! Thank you! Glory to Ukraine! 🇺🇦
With gratitude,�Ukrainian Community Center of Hampton Roads
The Garage Brewery
Valentyna Sonmezler
Gerry Tarhovicky
Matthias Willerson
Vernell Dolberry
Olesia Sorokina
KREM bakery & cafe
Operation Brew Coffee and Bakery
Tetiana Lukianchuk
MaryLy Studio
Lash Avenue European Spa
Iryna Zhuchenko
Shkr Iryna
Stella Kremen
Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association
Anna Makhorkina
London Bridge
Maryna Jarret,
Lea Ann Douglas
Ludmila Yuzhbabenko
Margarita Pendiur
Mariya Sytnyk
