$4000 distributed by Riverside Homestead hosts after Ukraine charity concert
Four thousand dollars has been disbursed to charities after a fund-raising event for Ukraine organised by Riverside Homestead hosts Chris and Michael. A committed group of music lovers gathered under the Ukraine flag for an evening of mainly classical music performed by Jade String Quartet, three of whose members are leading players with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. The proceeds raised through admission, auction and donations has been split equally between Save The Children and New Zealand-based charity ReliefAid.
The motivation for the fund-raiser began with a visit to Kyiv in 2016 by Chris and Michael. The grief they witnessed from loss of life caused by Russia’s invasion of the Crimea Peninsula touched them deeply, as did Russia’s recent and ongoing attack on Ukraine, with the destruction of homes and cities and the death of thousands and displacement of millions.
The programme mixed moving music from Ukrainian Sergei Prokofiev with romantic and even playful work from New Zealand composers.
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel made a major contribution, not least by providing its glittering ballroom for the occasion and creating platters of gourmet snacks. Wellington artist Paulette Pavelich donated a painting, Explore Group contributed a bay cruise and The Duke and Riverside Homestead Waitangi all gave auction items. Flagmakers provided a Ukraine Flag and the Ukraine Association also assisted. Calders Design and Print (Whangarei) printed the programme which Hooper designed. Chris and Michael supplied welcome drinks, and fellow APO supporter Steven Brodie helped look after the quartet for the night. The sum raised was testament to the work of many, say the organisers.