As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has received three new matching gifts to help raise money for its Ukraine Refugee Fund. The couples Eduardo and Missy de Guardiola and Robert and Lynda Nitabach will each match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. Bill and Marilyn Lane Family Foundation will match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.
“We have relatives in Ukraine, so this brutal conflict is personal to me and my family,” said Robert Nitabach. “The Ukrainian forces and civilians have shown such incredible resilience, but they need support. We hope our matching gift helps the Town of Palm Beach United Way raise additional dollars to provide that support to the refugees who have had to flee their homes and communities. It is the least we can do as well all pray for an end to Russia’s horrific assault.”
The new $125,000 combined matching gift opportunity comes after the Town of Palm Beach United Way met matching gifts from the following: George Albrecht, Christine and Alan Curtis, Huckleberry Foundation, the Fanjul Family, Jim and Irene Karp, Howard and Michele Kessler, Bill and Phyllis Mack, Jeff and Nicola Marcus, Joe and Susan Plumeri, John and Jana Scarpa, and Susan and Dom Telesco.
“We’ve got to keep the momentum going,” said Eduardo de Guardiola. “Five million refugees have already fled Ukraine since the war began. Others will follow as Russian troops continue attacking. We encourage the Palm Beach community to donate, or donate again if they’ve contributed already, so that we can continue raising much-needed funds for the Ukrainian people. They will need support for years to come.”
The Ukraine Refugee Fund, launched on March 4, totals $2.1 million. To date, $1.4 million has been distributed to six nonprofit organizations providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine. World Central Kitchen and Americares have each received $400,000, Global Empowerment Mission and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee have each received $200,000 and St. Jude Global Alliance and Project HOPE have each received $100,000.
Project HOPE is the latest organization to receive a grant from the fund. Its team is on the ground responding to the Ukraine crisis and is actively shipping essential medicines and medical supplies to assist Ukrainians. The agency is currently partnering with a non-governmental organization in Ukraine to purchase and transport pharmaceuticals and medical supplies across the country, including insulin, needles, sutures, and gauzes. Its team on the ground is also conducting assessments of health facilities to determine needs and how Project HOPE and partners can best fulfill gaps.
“We are offering a matching gift because we know the Town of Palm Beach United Way will make sure donations get to the Ukrainian refugees who are in desperate need of support,” said Bill Lane. “The needs are great, but every donation makes a difference.”
The Town of Palm Beach United Way’s other fund beneficiaries are providing food, water, medicine, medical supplies, hygiene items, financial assistance, transportation, and other emergency aid to Ukrainian refugees.
To donate to the Ukraine Refugee Fund visit www.palmbeachunitedway.org/united-ukraine. Please make checks payable to Town of Palm Beach United Way with Ukrainian Refugees in the memo and mail to 44 Cocoanut Row, Suite M201, Palm Beach, FL 33480.
