Raging storms did little to stop Restore Ukraine’s mission last week, and generosity in East Tennessee means that major humanitarian projects keep moving forward.

“That day, a storm warning was broadcast,” Yaro Hnatusko, Executive Director of Restore Ukraine, said about the nonprofit’s first art auction. “Strong winds, rain, and flying branches were the result. My car’s windshield had even developed cracks. Naturally, some people determined that staying at home was safer.”

Nonetheless, there were many who were interested in seeing the paintings and taking part in our charity auction, so the event went on as planned.

There was a significant demand for miniature paintings, which resonated more with auction attendees. Out of the 15 paintings, we sold 11 that night. Between tickets and donations, yesterday’s auction has completed the funding of shipping a 40 ft container of critical goods from the US to Ukraine.

The proceeds from the auction will cover the cost of logistics and shipping of warm clothing and medications from the United States to Ukraine as residents continue to struggle.

A Ukrainian meal came as a huge surprise to the auction participants.  We chose to bring Ukrainian culture even closer to the event’s attendees via cuisine, and everybody was thrilled!

“We recruited four Ukrainian chefs to prepare the food, and they put in a day and a half of labor each to provide our beloved visitors the traditional foods that I have loved since I was a youngster,” Yaro said.

Despite the awful weather, we assembled in a small, cozy group to carry out a nice deed. And you can too, since we’ll disclose the details of another Ukrainian art auction soon!