Annual Gala

Join the Ukrainian Institute of America on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for our Annual Gala—an elegant evening celebrating Ukrainian culture and the community that sustains it in New York and beyond.

Gather with friends of the Institute in our historic Fifth Avenue home for a festive cocktail reception, seated dinner, distinguished honors, and silent auction, followed by a late-night celebration. This signature evening provides essential support for the cultural initiatives that make us Where the World Meets Ukraine.

Guests may attend with an individual ticket or deepen their impact through a Gala sponsorship. Sponsors receive prominent recognition, Gala entry, and exclusive benefits at select levels—while becoming integral partners in keeping Ukraine at the forefront of global discussions. Explore the sponsorship opportunities below to find the level that is right for you. 

Our 2026 Awardees

Each year, the Ukrainian Institute of America proudly recognizes individuals whose leadership, generosity, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our community and on Ukraine. We are honored to celebrate the following recipients of our 2026 Gala Awards.

UIA Friend of Ukraine Award
Diane Francis

In recognition of her fearless advocacy, distinguished journalism, and unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and democratic future.

An award-winning journalist, author, and nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, Diane Francis has long used her international platform to champion Ukraine. From covering the Orange Revolution to exposing corruption and Russian aggression, she has helped audiences worldwide understand Ukraine’s challenges and democratic promise. Since the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Diane has remained an outspoken advocate for the decisive international support Ukraine needs to prevail.

UIA Legacy Leadership Award
Iryna Kurowyckyj

In recognition of her decades of visionary leadership and extraordinary contributions to Ukrainian cultural and community life in the United States.

A devoted member of the Ukrainian Institute of America for forty years and Honorary President of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Iryna Kurowyckyj has dedicated her life to preserving Ukrainian heritage, advocating for Ukraine, and strengthening Ukrainian-American institutions. Through her steadfast service, she has helped sustain Ukrainian cultural life and inspired generations of women to lead with purpose and commitment.

UIA Volunteer of the Year Award
Natasha Wanchek

Honoring her outstanding service and heartfelt commitment to the Ukrainian Institute of America and to communities in Ukraine.

Natasha Wanchek’s connection to Ukraine began when she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bakhmut. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she reconnected with former community partners and mobilized meaningful support for their displaced organization. At the UIA, Natasha was instrumental in securing New York City grant support for our Music at the Institute program and brought the Motanky exhibition to our historic home, uplifting women artisans from Bakhmut and sharing their creativity with New York audiences.

The UIA Gala was Made Possible By Our Generous Sponsors

Champions $50,000

Trailblazers $25,000

George & Ellen Casey
The Chopivsky Family Foundation
Dr. Artur &Irene Hryhorowych
Taisa Markus & Dr. Lionel Ivashkiv
Mary Motyl & Joseph Laraia

Pacesetters $10,000

Bo & Christine Lucky Bazylevsky
Kevin & Natalia Brennan
Kathy Nalywajko
Anonymous

Benefactors $5,000

Dr. Orest & Lidia Bilous
Roman & Andrea Kochanowsky
Drs. Petro & Ruta Lenchur
Dr. Marta Lopatynsky & Ihor Zwarycz
Plast Fraternity Khmelnychenky
Dr. Christina Stasiuk & George Farion
UkrainianChildren.org
Anonymous

Patrons $2,500
Motria Kuzycz & Andrij Maleckyj
Luba & Alex Labunka
Dr. Borys Mychalczak
Ihor & Alexandra Sawczuk

Donors $1,250
Dr. Nestor Blyznak
Oksana Farber
Peter Haas
Andrei Harasymiak
Lydia Zaininger