Hillsboro Ukraine Aid Concert and art auction raises $20k

More than 600 attended the UkraineAid Concert in The Gap on April 2 and were joined by First Secretary of the Ukraine Embassy Kateryna Smagli, Ukraine-America Foundation President Nadia McConnell, U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton, five Loudoun County Supervisors, Town of Hillsboro officials, and Hillsboro Preservation Foundation board directors. According to Hillsboro Preservation Foundation President Amy Marasco, donations and net proceeds from the event have topped $20,000 and will be split between Save the Children and World Central Kitchen for their work to help the estimated 10 million people displaced by the Russian war on Ukraine.

“We are so grateful to the people of Loudoun for their generosity, kindness, and monetary support for Ukraine,” Marasco said. “Our efforts will help provide safety and food for millions of innocent children and civilians who have been driven from their homes by Russian aggression.” She said donations will continue to be accepted through April 14 via www.HillsboroPreservation.org/ukraineaid-concert/, the Foundation website, and will be included in the final distribution of funds.

“We were honored to have First Secretary Smagliy and Ukraine-America Foundation President McConnell with us to thank all those who organized and participated in the event and to those who donated so generously,” said Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance. “We’ve built a true bridge of humanity that provides material support and offers hope—and will no doubt last far beyond this terrible war.” He added that the stage banner, created by the Hillsboro Charter Academy, will be sent to the Ukrainian officials, at their request, to display at upcoming events.

During the concert, Representative Wexton spoke about the U.S. efforts underway to support Ukraine and urged that citizens continue to be generous and to provide money to relief organizations. Loudoun Supervisors Tony Buffington, Kristen Umstattd, Sylvia Glass, Mike Turner, and Caleb Kershner also attended and spoke in support of the people in Ukraine.

In addition to six musical performances, Vance said, the event’s Art Auction for Ukraine, organized by HPF board members and artists Chip and Kathalynn Beck, featured 70 works by outstanding artists from around the country and raised more than $5,000 through art sales. Food and beverage vendors—Ford’s Fish Shack, Kovi Kitchen, Market in The Gap, Moo-Thru Ice Cream, Old 690 Brewing Company, Doukénie Winery and Two Twisted Posts Winery—also donated a portion of their proceeds, Vance said.

Marasco said, “Jeff and Jack Darby of Hillsboro-based OHM Productions went above and beyond to ensure a top-quality concert experience and Superlative Events lit up the Old Stone School in Ukraine’s colors. We cannot thank them enough as well as the musicians who performed.” Performers for the UkraineAid concert included Calgary, The Talton Brothers, Joey & The Waitress, Out of The Coop, Jim Steele, Mike McCabe. “Young Voices for Peace a group assembled by HPF board director Rebecca Baldwin Fuller delivered a finale,” Marasco said, that few will forget. These fabulous performers, along with area businesses gave their talent, services and time to make this event not only possible, but impactful.”

Marasco said, “The outpouring of support and generosity from our musicians, businesses, and schoolchildren—on such short notice—is truly inspiring.” Major donors and service providers, said Marasco, also included the Cooley-Dooley Foundation, Jeff Darby, Superlative Events, Purcellville Copy, Signs by Design, and Western Loudoun Community Church.

“It was a great day in Hillsboro,” said Mayor Vance, “a day that is both materially and spiritually uplifting for the people of Ukraine.”