In New York, the First Lady Held a Series of Meetings with American Philanthropists in Support of the Olena Zelenska Foundation’s Projects

In New York, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska met with American philanthropists Deborah Lehr, Mitzi Perdue, and Jonathan Tepperman.

The discussions focused primarily on supporting projects implemented by the Olena Zelenska Foundation, including Safe School and Family Home.

“Partners entrust their resources to the Foundation, and our task is to turn that trust into tangible results. Not simply to show in a report where the funds were directed, but to give them the opportunity to see the school children have returned to, the home where a large foster family lives, and the child who can continue learning during long-term treatment,” the First Lady said.

According to the President’s wife, the Foundation is looking not simply for donors, but for partners who are ready to choose an area that resonates with them and walk this path together, so they can see the results of their involvement.

“Childhood cannot be postponed until the war is over. That is why it is important for us to find new partners and, together, make solutions that are already working available to more Ukrainian children,” Olena Zelenska emphasized.

While in New York, the First Lady also met with American philanthropist Gail Miller, one of the partners supporting the reconstruction of the Children’s Creative and Sports Center in Borodyanka. They first met two years ago in Utah. Following that meeting, Gail Miller decided to support the Olena Zelenska Foundation.

When the center’s building was destroyed, the children of Borodyanka did not stop training or pursuing creative activities. Teachers and coaches kept the teams and clubs together and continued holding classes at various locations throughout the community. Today, 516 children train at the sports school alone, while more than 950 others attend creative, cultural, and educational activities.

Together with international partners, the Foundation is rebuilding a new center for the community. It will be a barrier-free space of more than 3,000 square meters, with a shelter as well as facilities for sports and creative activities. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027. Olena Zelenska invited Gail Miller to come to Ukraine for the center’s opening.

On behalf of the President of Ukraine, the First Lady presented Gail Miller with the Order of Princess Olga. Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded her this state honor for her support of Ukrainians.

“Thank you, Gail, for continuing to stand with Ukraine. Our first meeting already has a continuation in Borodyanka. And I hope that today we are beginning the next stage of our work together,” Olena Zelenska said.