For more than 40 years, UNWLA Branch 113 has been part of the broader UNWLA community of women supporting Ukraine. This winter, as Ukrainians face freezing temperatures without power and heating following russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, Branch 113 launched a campaign to support the most vulnerable – and arguably the most vital – among us: women giving birth.
Maternity wards, like much of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, have been severely affected by power outages and shortages of medicine and essential supplies. In response, Branch 113 announced “Notes of Hope,” a charity concert and online auction now underway, dedicated to supporting maternity care in Ukraine.
Previously committed to promoting Ukrainian culture, since russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the branch has redirected much of its work toward humanitarian aid. Under the leadership of past and current presidents, Branch 113 has raised nearly $40,000 for Ukraine and led visible advocacy efforts, including illuminating New York landmarks – among them the Empire State Building – in Ukraine’s national colors.
Notes of Hope grew from the moment of urgency following another devastating wave of russian aggression.
When Ilona Sochynsky, member of the UNWLA Branch 113, invited internationally acclaimed pianist Pavlo Gintov to perform at the concert, he agreed almost immediately. Everyone was following reports of repeated russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, including maternity hospitals and neonatal wards. The need was clear.
“Music has always been how we share Ukrainian identity, but today, it must also save lives. Notes of Hope allows us to turn Ukrainian music into direct support for mothers, newborns, and the doctors caring for them under fire.”
said Branch 113 President Karina Tarnawsky.
A native of Kyiv, Pavlo Gintov performs works by Ukrainian composers, making the concert both a cultural statement and an act of solidarity.
Since 2022, more than 2,000 attacks on Ukrainian medical facilities – including at least 82 maternity wards – have been documented, according to The Guardian. Delivering babies in Ukraine has become increasingly dangerous amid constant shelling, power outages, and equipment loss.
Medical Center in Kyiv damaged by russian drone, January 5, 2025
Notes of Hope includes a silent online auction, open through January 31, featuring curated items and experiences in support of maternity care in Ukraine. The campaign culminates in a sold-out benefit concert on February 1, where Ukrainian classical music becomes a powerful expression of solidarity – turning every bid and every note into tangible support for mothers, newborns, and medical staff on the ground.
These are some of the items available at the auction.
To ensure tangible impact, all proceeds from the concert, reception, and silent auction will be directed through UNWLA’s humanitarian partner Alliance Internationale de Coopération Médicale (AICM), to purchase portable Butterfly ultrasound devices – critical tools that allow doctors to provide lifesaving diagnostics even in unstable and dangerous conditions.
Every ticket sold and every donation made through Notes of Hope becomes a direct investment in safer births and protected lives in Ukraine. Together, we can prove that culture, paired with purpose, can offer real hope.
Concluded Karina Tarnawsky
