FUNDRAISER FOR KOVEL’S VETERANS
I am still riding a wave of joy and inspiration from the Tree of Kovel dedication ceremony! Many of you celebrated there and in spirit. Thank you!
In my opening remarks, I introduced myself as the artist who made the tree with a great deal of help. My art is collaborative, embracing other artists and designers, to serve my clients and their spaces. The Tree of Kovel is a master class in collaboration. So much so, half of my remarks named all the hands who touched (and endured) the tree for nearly a year in the making.
From the moment I learned Chamblee and Kovel were International Sister Cities, my vision was to create a physical and symbolic giving tree for the country on the front lines defending western civilization and democratic values, Ukraine.
While Western Ukraine has avoided the barrage of daily bombings,
it has not been spared.
As you know, Kovel was bombed on Christmas Day, 2025. While on a zoom call with her family, we watched firsthand as Liza and her parents fled for their lives to a nearby bomb shelter. While they huddled with other families, many with very young children, we all enjoyed a peaceful day.
Despite this, I have never seen such strength and determination in a people. They are using limited resources in a highly efficient way, and my goal is to have the Tree be a source of very specific funding focus: disabled veterans and their families.
All funds raised will be received by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Georgia (UCCA, Georgia) and directed to the public organization in Kovel responsible for distributing the funds, the “Steel Legion” of Ukraine.
In total, we are looking to raise $27,000 to support the physical and mental health needs of Kovel's disabled heroes.
Will you join me in giving to these heroes? No matter the amount, your gift is truly appreciated and seen as a voice of solidarity!
These are 4 basic categories where your gifts can go.
Disabled Heroes by Category:
Adaptive Sports and Rehabilitation Equipment – including archery equipment and training materials used for physical rehabilitation and reintegration of disabled veterans.
TOTAL: $5,153Accessibility Infrastructure – including a municipal tracked lift for overcoming stairs in private residences and an inclined lift for access to the Kovel Civil Registry Office.
TOTAL : $11,628Medical Rehabilitation and Sanatorium Treatment – funding 7-day rehabilitation stays for 20 veterans at designated sanatorium facilities.
TOTAL: $7,326Individual Mobility Support – specifically, an active wheelchair for a disabled veteran and athlete, Maksym Bakhovets.
TOTAL: $ 2,791
For example: A gift of $60 will give one full day of mental health treatment for a veteran in a local wellness center. A gift of $367 will provide that same veteran a full week of care. A gift of $7326 will fund 20 veterans for a full week.
Some gifts are very specific. For example, Maksym Bahovets, a disabled veteran and athlete, is in need of a self propelled transport chair which would allow him to participate in sports. The chair totals $2,791.
IMPORTANT: In the memo line be sure to write “Steel Legion Kovel” and if you want your funds to go 1, 2, 3, and/or 4.
Please reach out to me if you would like any more detail and breakdown of needs or have any issue giving.
Thank you for giving to these heroes.
