Benefit Gala

RCWS Benefit Gala

The Russian Children’s Welfare Society (RCWS), in collaboration with the General Consulate of the Russian Federation in New York, hosted its annual Benefit Gala on September 23, 2010, at Bonhams Auction House in New York City. Over 200 guests — including New York society, diplomats and RCWS benefactors — attended the star-studded event, which featured a silent auction of one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, as well as a photo retrospective entitled, "Russia’s Olympic Glory" (courtesy of RIA Novosti), an exhibit of sport photographs from the 1960’s by acclaimed photographer Yuri Shalamoff, and a Russian and European art exhibits courtesy of Bonhams Auction House. Proceeds from ticket sales and from the auction, will go to purchase sports equipment for orphanages in Russia as well as to support other RCWS charitable programs. Among principal sponsors of the event were Orphans Outreach and Vodka Slavianskaya Inc.

Sasha Cohen, Viktor Petrenko, Evgeny Platov, Johnny Weir, Galit Chait	Xenia Davidov, Sasha Cohen, Jevgeni Davidov

IMG star figure skater Sasha Cohen (2006 Olympic Silver Medal-Winner) was the evening’s Guest of Honor. She passionately spoke about the importance of athletics in her life and the fact that sport teaches discipline and teamwork, which are crucial values in the lives of all children, but especially important for those who do not have parents or relatives to take care of them and to impart these values upon them.

Andrey K. Yushmanov, General Consul of the Russian Federation in New York, thanked the guests for attending the event to celebrate Russia’s winning bid to host 2014 Winter Olympics Games. In his speech, Mr. Yushmanov highlighted the long history of RCWS and important work the charity has done and continues to do for disadvantaged children in Russia.

The principal coordinator of the event, Anna Sergeeva, Director of RCWS’s New York Office, was able to wrangle a celebrity guest list which was a who’s who of athletic and artistic prowess. In attendance were: Viktor Petrenko (Figure Skating, 1992 Olympic Champion), Evgeny Platov (Figure Skating, 1994 and 1998 Olympic Champion), Johnny Weir (Figure Skating, three-time U. S. Champion), Galit Chait (Figure Skating, bronze medal at 2002 World Championship), Igor Lukanin & Kristin Fraser (Figure Skating, 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics), Jevgeni Davidov (Ballroom dancing, Russian National Champion 1995 and German finalist 2007, 2008), NBA star Vladimir Stepania, Tanya Adamovich (Fencing, 1972 Olympics), principal dancers Irina Dvorovenko, Maxim Beloserkovsky and Veronika Part of the American Ballet Theatre, Ashley Bouder of the New York City Ballet, and Sokvannara Sar (whose inspiring life story is the subject of the film «Dancing Across Borders»). Each celebrity guest gave a brief statement about the role which sports has played in their lives; and all commended RCWS on the work the charity has done to improve the lives of Russia’s underprivileged children.

Mikhail Petrenko	Ekaterina Semenchuk	Ashley Bouder

Vladimir Fekula, RCWS President introduced Ekaterina Semenchuk, mezzo-soprano, and Mikhail Petrenko, bass, both stars of the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of "Boris Godunov". With kind permission of the Metropolitan Opera, Ekaterina performed Rachmaninoff’s "Ne Poy Krasavitsa, Pri Mne" ("Sing Not ‘Fore Me, Oh Beauty"), and the classic, "Ochi Chernye" ("Black Eyes"). Mr. Petrenko performed "Ona, Kak Polden', Khorosha" ("She Is as Lovely as Is Noon"). Pianist Craig Rutenberg accompanied the performers, and his STEINWAY piano was provided for the event by Steinway & Sons.

Silent auction items were actively bid upon. Among the items were: Sasha Cohen’s Olympic sweaters and ice skating boots; signed jerseys of legendary hockey players, Viacheslav Fetisov and Sergey Makarov; a private figure skating lesson with Viktor Petrenko; a signed poster by Johnny Weir; Diana Vishneva’s signed ballet pointed shoes; a tennis ball signed by Maria Sharapova; orchestra tickets to Metropolitan Opera productions of "Boris Godunov" and "Tales of Hoffma"; hotel accommodations for four days in Moscow provided by Russian National Group; and a slew of other valuable items.

Tom Wolfe and Vladimir P. Fekula, RCWS President	Sasha Cohen and Anna Sergeeva, Director of RCWS New York Office

Guests mingled to the smooth sounds of a jazz quartet, and celebrity guests accommodated all autograph and photo requests from patrons of the event. Guests were treated to a delightful array of food and beverages provided by event sponsors, Vodka Slavyanskaya and Tatiana Restaurant.

The photos used in the article are made by Lev Radin
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