In Support of Ukraine, Citizens’ Night to Unite Also Delights
By • October 24, 2022 0 2084
While its deeper purpose was deadly serious — helping Ukraine in its war against the Russian aggressors — the Night to Unite by the Citizens Association of Georgetown brought neighbors together for a wonderful autumn event.
The Oct. 22 fete at the Ukraine House in Kalorama featured the photo exhibit, “Relentless Courage: Ukraine and The World at War,” as CAG President Tara Sakraida Parker welcomed everyone and explained how the community nonprofit’s mission of “neighbors helping neighbors” rang especially true for this year’s benefit. After all, the Embassy of Ukraine is located on M Street at 34th Street near the C&O Canal and next to Francis Scott Key Park.
Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova thanked CAG and America — and noted that the M Street embassy includes the historic Forrest-Marbury House which played a role in the founding of Washington, D.C. A grateful Markarova added: “I feel comfort in that every time I sit in my office at the Ukraine Embassy on M St. and see the Ukrainian flag flying from the windows of the building across the street.”
Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto congratulated CAG on its consistent partnership and outlined efforts her office was taking in safety, transportation and other quality of life matters.
Along with ample libations — fireball bourbon, anyone? — and hors d’oeuvres, there were three kinds of pierogis and red beet borscht, to the delight of many.
Ten percent of gala ticket sales from the event were given to Ukraine House, CAG said, to support the program called “Unbreakable,” aimed at bringing children who have lost limbs from the war in Ukraine to the United States for medical treatment. Major sponsors were the Fountain Inn, the Bourbon Concierge and Georgetown University.
Event Chair Karin Wheeler and her husband Scott with Doug Schleifer and Liz Roud. Photo by Sheila Katoff.
Jennifer Nygard, Louis Everard and Julia Kazantseva of Everard’s Clothing. Photo by Robert Devaney.
CAG Vice President Larry Flanagan, Rich Parker, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Stephanie Flanagan and CAG President Tara Sakraida Parker. Courtesy CAG.
Past CAG President Jennifer Romm and Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto. Photo by Robert Devaney.
Viyas and Jaya Sundaram of the Fountain Inn with Craig Limon of the Bourbon Concierge. Photo by Robert Devaney.
Rick and Aase Thompson with Stephanie Bothwell and Donna Leanos. Photo by Sheila Katoff.
Sally Widmayer and Sherri Ann Green. Photo by Robert Devaney.
Matthew Butler and Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto with Rick and Karen Murphy. Photo by Sheila Katoff.
