Washington, DC’s global community gathered for the Together for Others inaugural charity gala at the Embassy of the Czech Republic to support children impacted by the war in Ukraine. The event was co-sponsored by The Azar Foundation for Children of the World.
Guests were warmly welcomed by the Embassy’s Ambassador, His Excellency Miloslav Stasek while the evening opened with a beautiful Ukrainian dance performance by young talents from the DC Music Academy School of Ukrainian Dance.
Ambassador (ret.) Reka Szemerkenyi, Founder of Together for Others, in her opening remarks expressed her gratitude for the Ambassadors’ presence and their countries’ support for Ukraine. “We are super honored and most impressed and appreciative of the presence, support, and contributions of so many ambassadors here. These Ambassadors have conveyed important and profound messages about their personal and national support for Ukraine,” she noted.
Thereafter, Shahin Mafi, Founder of The Azar Foundation for Children of the World, read a poem titled “Bani Adam” by Persian poet Saadi Shirazi. The poem, also known as “Sons of Adam” or “Human Beings,” is prominently displayed at the United Nations. Mafi read the touching verse: “When the calamity of time affects one limb, the other limbs cannot remain at rest.”
American singer-songwriter Desmond Child serenaded the crowd with his uplifting songs, while a young Ukrainian survivor, Yeva Skalietska, bravely shared her story of fleeing the war. Her book, “You Don’t Know What War Is,” resonated with the audience.
What would be one of the most impactful moments arrived when a young Ukrainian survivor, Yeva Skalietska, bravely shared her story. At just 14 years old, Yeva recounted her experience of transitioning from a peaceful childhood to witnessing the devastating realities of war. Yeva passionately stated “I am only 14 years old; I already know what war is. I know what it’s like to leave everything behind: all my childhood, friends, hometown, the past, and to flee from the war.” Her book, “You Don’t Know What War Is,” resonated deeply with the audience, prompting a long line of attendees eager to connect with her story.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt plea for continued support for the Together for Others foundation, followed by a successful fundraising auction.
Jan Du Plain, President and CEO of Du Plain Global Enterprises, shared her goodwill message across several of her social media platforms: “Congratulations to former Ambassador Reka Szemerkenyi of Hungary for launching her new nonprofit Together for Others in collaboration with Shahin Mafi’s “The Azar Foundation for Children of the World” at a beautiful spirited charity gala Friday night at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC. The event featured Ambassadors from Poland, Switzerland, Estonia, Latvia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia, with speakers Ferenc Krausz, Nobel Laureate, Desmond Child, American Songwriters Hall of Fame, Yeva Skalietska, 14 year old Ukrainian author, “You Don’t Know What War Is,” and Jerome Barry of Ukranian roots, Founder of The Embassy Series.”
Elizabeth Torres, Ed.D., Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder at Washington Global Public Charter School had this to say: “Congratulations Together for Others and The Azar Foundation for Children of the World for hosting a hugely successful gala to raise critical support for children in Ukraine . It was a privilege to support this outstanding cause that provides life-changing resources to children in Ukraine!”
Ambassador Reka also took to social Media to express her gratitude “Thank you for your fantastic support and work for making this such a wonderful and impactful effort! It would not have been possible without you!”
Ambassador Szemerkényi, who was Hungary’s Ambassador to the United States from 2015 to 2017, hopes to channel her diplomatic connections toward the Charity; Together for Others. Its goal is to provide support, education, and essential resources to children in war-torn Ukraine.
