The annual Burns Night charity, held in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 – 1796), is one of Kyiv’s longest and best traditions. The 2017 event took place on April 22 in the Hilton Kyiv Hotel.
Club president Karen-Marie Kragelund said the event netted $49,000 for charitable causes designated by the international volunteer service organization. The club hired entertainer Pavlo Shylko, a.k.a. “DJ Pasha,” to organize the Eurovision-themed event, with fees paid out of ticket sales, in keeping with club policy.
It appeared the 21 tables with 10 spots each at $150 per ticket sold out, which would have raised $31,500 to cover the costs. The money for charity came from raffles, cash sponsorships, silent and live auctions and other donations.
Since its start nearly 25 years ago, The Kyiv Lions Club has raised an estimated $3 million for charities. Its four signature fundraising events include Burns Night, President’s Day Dinner, Kozak Night and Kamaliya’s St. Nicholas Charity Ball.
The general sponsor of the Burns Night event is Winner automotive, which is now celebrating its 25th year in Ukraine.
Gold sponsors included: Turkish Airlines, KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines and Leopolis Hotel in Lviv.
Silver sponsors included: Mitsubishi Motors, Johnnie Walker, Kyiv Post, Delta, Hilton Kyiv, Imperial Tailoring Co. and PS Media.
Friends included: Henkel, Silk Route, Hyatt Regency Kyiv, Radisson Blu, Pulse, Postmark Ukraine, Massimo Sarto, Sam’s Steak House, Statement Email, Memorabilia, Tequila House, Niko Automotive, Arthur Murray and Kureni Restaurant.
