The 2022 russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflict continues to cause death, devastation and undescribable heartache. But the spirit of Ukraine is strong. Its people persevere and they will rebuild. To reinforce those efforts, Deneeze and Same and Friends aided the Kyiv School of Economics by conceptualizing and organizing a charitable event and auction in support of humanitarian projects in Ukraine.
Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), in cooperation with the United24 Foundation, proposed a conference and charity dinner with the support of the event’s media partners, the Razom Foundation and the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC). The event’s purpose was to increase awareness of russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and collect donations to fund humanitarian needs in Ukraine.
To support these efforts, Deneeze:
– Led the development of the event concept and program
– Planned and organized event details, including presentations, a dinner and charity auction
– Identified and procured an appropriate venue
– Selected service personnel and created a themed dinner menu
– Conducted speaker coordination and scheduling
– Designed and built event installation, including A/V and advertising materials
– Photo/video support
– Created multimedia materials for presentations
– Provided expert on-site event design, management and execution
– Conducted extensive media outreach and press relations
Finding the right venue for any event is challenging. In this case, it was critical for setting the right tone. The Harvard Club immediately stood out to Deneeze for its central location in midtown Manhattan, dignified atmosphere, and direct connection to the academic world. When we approached the venue’s leadership, they expressed a deep empathy for our cause and graciously donated the space for the night. In the end, its privacy and security, design and rich historical significance made it the perfect venue.
Deneeze and Same and Friends organized an event with two components: a conference to discuss the most critical issues facing Ukraine followed by a charity dinner and auction. Coordinating those elements required a flexible strategy that allowed rational, informed decision-making on the go. Specifically, we assigned each team member clearly defined tasks and responsibilities to ensure efficiency and teamwork throughout our communications and planning.
To ensure the event’s success, Deneeze engaged its team in the meticulous design of the event atmosphere, development of speaker presentations, and on-site installation of the following:
– Technical equipment
– Speaker podiums and reference materials
– Custom banners and signage
– Guest welcome booth and registration
– An interactive charity exhibition
Preparation for the dinner portion of the event included:
The development of the event’s program, including speaker presentations
The creation of a guest accommodation system
Setting up the stage, lighting, and A/V equipment
The installation of banners, press, and other marketing materials
Visualizing, planning, and outfitting the venue was only half the job. Success for this event meant reaching the right audience. To do so, Deneeze developed a structured media strategy to amplify key details about the event across relevant media outlets, including conducting proactive mailing and outreach to key outlets as well as a strategic list of notable figures and invited guests. These efforts resulted key attendance by the below individuals and entities:
Invited Guests
Media
On the night of the event, New York Mayor Eric Adams served as the event’s honorary guest. He opened by saying: “When this war first started, and people stated that, ‘in days, the Ukrainian people would fall,’ I said, ‘you just don’t know the Ukrainian people.'” Following his speech, the audience heard from notable speakers including Ukrainians who have defended their country and democracy on the front lines. These presentations were accompanied by traditional Ukrainian folk songs performed by the Ukrainian choir “Dumka.” All of which culminated in a charitable auction featuring elements unique to Ukrainian culture.
In the end, Deneeze helped draw critical attention and provide vital support for Ukraine through:
In the end, Deneeze helped draw critical attention and provide vital support for Ukraine through:
people reached
media impressions
collected for the humanitarian needs of Ukraine
