Each year, THCF allocates a modest amount of funding for the President & CEO to use in support of community-focused activities that come up throughout the year. The usual requests include event sponsorships, award nominations, and the like. However, in early 2022 Phil Hanson received a request for an upcoming Ukraine Relief Benefit Fundraiser being held in Sugar Creek. It was an opportunity for the Foundation to do something in our community that would impact people in need well beyond our borders.

Truman Heartland Community Foundation was proud to be the lead sponsor for The Czech/Slovak Club of Kansas City's Ukraine Relief Benefit Fundraiser on May 6, at the Mike Onka Memorial Hall in Sugar Creek. The lively event featured the tastes and sounds of Eastern Europe, with Ukrainian beer and wine tastings, live music from the region, a silent auction, and loads of entertainment. Although there was a festive spirit in the air, it was clear that the community was deeply concerned about the violence happening half a world away.

The UN's refugee agency has reported that more than 8 million men, women, and children have become refugees due to the Russian incursion into Ukraine. And as is often the case, women, children, marginalized communities, and the poor have been the most profoundly affected by the ongoing war. The $35,000 raised was sent to support specific organizations in the Czech and Slovak Republics providing humanitarian aid to displaced Ukrainian refugees. Support includes transportation, medical and mental health services, accommodations, food, and clothing to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity.

People are still suffering in Ukraine and in many war-torn places throughout the world. The Foundation can assist you with a donation from your Donor Advised Fund to humanitarian organizations like People in Need or Heart to Heart International. And, while we wait for the end of this senseless invasion, we will continue to pray for peace.