We Did It — Our First Fundraising Event Raised $29,745!
🎶 An Evening of Music and Poetry · June 7 · Bonhams Auction House, NYC 🎭
On June 7th, we held our inaugural fundraising event — An Evening of Music and Poetry — featuring renowned actress and co-founder of our sister charity “Podari Zhizn,” Chulpan Khamatova, and celebrated violinist Dmitri Berlinsky. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, we raised $29,745 to support children fighting cancer in Russia.
The event took place at Bonhams Auction House and featured a powerful blend of poetry and music. Chulpan Khamatova gave a moving recital of the works of Boris Pasternak and Marina Tsvetaeva, masterfully interwoven with Dmitry Shostakovich’s Quintet. Berlinsky was joined by four outstanding musicians: Leon Livshin, Anna Rabinova, Richard Young, and Timotheos Petrin.
Dmitri Berlinsky. Photo: Vladimir Badikov.
“This Quintet by Shostakovich has a lot of children's spontaneity to it — naivety and purity — despite being composed in the tragic year of 1940,” shared Berlinsky.
“Pasternak and Tsvetaeva wrote during the same era, so their poetry naturally echoes this music. We’re proud to present this dialogue for the first time.”
Chulpan Khamatova added:
“This evening is our way of saying thank you to everyone who supports Podari.Life. The charity has taken on the essential task of raising funds and organizing educational programs for Russian doctors — oncologists, hematologists, and psychologists — helping them stay current with international standards of care. I’m grateful to all who recognize this need and have stepped in to help.”
One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Masha Dyatlova, a childhood cancer survivor, surprised Chulpan by attending the performance. Once given only 15 days to live, Masha is now a radiant young woman — a living testament to the power of support and advanced medical care.
(All photos: Vladimir Badikov)
Among the many special guests were actors Yevgeny Mironov and Yulia Peresild, the Consul General of Kazakhstan in New York, Raushan Esbulatova, and many distinguished supporters of our mission.
💛 Every dollar raised will go toward Podari.Life’s educational programs, including:
Training for clinical psychologists at the Federal Oncohematology Pediatric Center (Dima Rogachev Center, Moscow)
Purchasing MediKin medical demonstration dolls to help explain treatment to young patients
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this magical night possible — especially our presenting partner The Cherry Orchard Festival, as part of the Theatre of Nations U.S. tour.
Special thanks to our sponsors and partners:
Bonhams Auction House · Steinway & Sons · Burger & Lobster · Jewel of Russia.
And our incredible team of volunteers:
Anastasia Efimova, Katya Gorbatiouk, Janara Khassenova, Maria Leibholz, Elena Pitaleff, Inna Post, Elena Sardarova, Eleonora Stefantsova, Rada Sumareva, and Helen Vaysman
✨ We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for believing in our mission! ✨
