The Lansdowne Club, Mayfair, one of London’s most prestigious private members clubs, was the perfect venue for the dinner and Auction fundraiser organised by SMART Medical Aid and Ukraine Charity.  Through the amazing efforts of Iryna Rybinkina, the founder of Smart Medical AID, Ukraine Charity and everyone involved. The money successfully raised will be matched by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EBRD through the Community initiative Andriy Maksymovych. The generosity and hard work of everyone involved raised over £100,000. This sum will make a vital difference in Ukraine as it will provide medical equipment for Dnipro regional Hospital and the First Healing Garden in Ukraine.  

The dinner was a truly memorable experience. Chef Henry Bosi worked side by side with Ukrainian Chef Yevhen Klopotenko to produce an unforgettable Ukrainian culinary experience. From the traditional Ukrainian borscht to the decadent dessert, every meal was a highly enjoyable experience and taste of Ukraine. The evening was full of new flavourful experiences including the tasting of flat-red signature coffee from Vadym Granovskiy and top cru wine from Ukraine from Other World Wines.  Each course was followed by important speakers, live music performances and reminders on the significance of the evening itself.

The importance of our charities initiatives was eloquently explained on the evening by our guest speaker, Henry Marsh. The esteemed British Neurosurgeon highlighted the importance on the positive psychological impact a healing Garden would have on patients and Doctors who have been heavily impacted by the war. Through dinner and auction we can support those most affected by war by providing necessary medical resources in areas such as Dnipro.

The evening was made a wonderful experience through the musical talents of French-Ukrainian Pianist Dimitri Naïditch, Rozanna Madylus and Dj ALLOISE. The music allowed for priceless moments of serenity and reflection in the excitement of the event. The Beautiful music was equally matched with the beautiful works of Illustrator and Artist Kateryna Kyslitska whose Vytynankas, intricate cotton flowers illustrations, sold immediately. The flowers and decoration made by macaron_eco_ added to the beauty of the venue. We would also share our appreciation for production partner Equip London equip event services limited for adding to the breath-taking atmosphere.

A key factor for the success of the evening must be credited to the Online Silent Auction. The huge variety of countless lots, experiences, and exclusive items gave guests the chance to place bids online and fundamentally a chance to support the efforts of the charities. However, the live auction was the highlight of the evening. The entire room was gripped by excitement and anticipation with everyone hoping to win the lots on offer. A private dinner for 12 guests by Chef Yevhen Klopotenko caused intense interest and competition as did the most prized item – The Ukrainian flag signed by the Commander – in Chief of The Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valery Zluzhny. This symbolic item holds great value and was quickly picked up by eager bidders. Intense bids continued with the other amazing items showcased at the auction. These included a made-to-order hat from celebrity milliner Marta Holod, a set of wooden fobs courtesy of Henry Marsh and the bracelet which was created in the heroic steel factories of Azovstal which very generously donated by Alina Slyusarchuk.  The evening ended with joint effort bids for an ambulance. The ambulance will be filled with equipment and will be sent to those who bravely defend Ukraine and need the vital medical support. The phenomenal hosting skills and charisma of professional Master of Ceremonies James Haler the Man in the Red Coat and Ukrainian radio and TV presenter Masha Vynogradova ensured the evening, and the auction became such a huge success and raised the all-important funds.

We would like to thank everyone involved in the event, that not only raised money for vital medical equipment for the children’s hospital in Dnipro and the new healing garden, but also an ambulance full of equipment for the war effort. Thanks to CEO David Herbert, the club management, and the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK the evening was made possible. Every day the war continues, and we must do everything in our power to support our brave nation and aid in every way we can. Thank you for all your contributions, participation, and support during this very difficult time in Ukraine.

Finally, a very important thankyou to our amazing team who organised and prepared the charity evening including: Iryna Zeldes Le Broussoisl, Tana Cam4yk, Solomiya Syvyk, Volodymyr Yaremenko, Ira Malichenko Tetyana Tarnay, @konstantin_keka, Andreas Rakushka and Buckleigh Of London.