The Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art are teaming up to create a fundraiser to support Ukrainian children and families called Illinois Helps Ukraine.
Beginning on April 4, television and radio stations throughout Illinois will broadcast public service messages encouraging viewers and listeners to donate to UNICEF and help Ukrainian refugees, by going to www.unicefusa.org/illinois.
The campaign will culminate with a live fundraiser on April 13 from 5 a.m.- 11 p.m. at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. The fundraiser will feature cultural leaders who will offer their perspective on the crisis as well as discuss Ukraine's future.
The goal of Illinois Helps Ukraine is to raise $1 million, with all proceeds going to UNICEF.
Melody Spann-Cooper, WVON/Chicago and chairwoman of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, said, "Our members are proud to be joining hands to assist UNICEF in the enormous challenge they face to help as many children and families as possible whose lives have been so shattered by this brutal war." The Illinois Broadcasters Association is urging its members throughout the state to join the campaign.
In a joint statement, Motria Melnyk, President of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and Marta Farion, Vice President said, "The war in Ukraine is breaking all of our hearts and so the opportunity to make our facility the staging area for this amazing fundraising effort was enthusiastically welcomed by our board and staff."
To contribute to Illinois Helps Ukraine, visit www.unicefusa.org/illinois.