The Ukraine Relief Fund Gala Dinner hosted by Ukrainian Boxer Wladimir Klitschko has raised $750,000 to benefit victims of the Ukraine War.
Nearly 1,000 people came to the event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, which featured performances from punk rock band Gogol Bordello. Though the band Gogol Bordello was formed in New York, frontman Eugene Hutz was born in Ukraine and grew up just outside Kyiv, before moving to the US when he was 16.
Former World Champion Heavyweight Boxer Evander Holyfield was also in attendance, auctioning off a pair of signed boxing gloves, along with a package to have a one-hour boxing lesson with the former champion. The package was sold for $6,000 which went towards the Relief Fund.
Other auctioned items include a pair of track shoes donated by Olympic Gold Medallist Usain Bolt.
David Hoenemeyer, Seminole Gaming COO, showed his thanks to those in attendance before introducing Klitschko, saying: "I saw you fight live many times. I respect you as a fighter and most of all, after tonight, as a human being for what you are doing for your country."
Klitschko, who has been campaigning for Ukraine since the start of the war, gave a heartfelt thanks to the crowd in attendance: "Thank you for all the feelings and the empathy that you are giving us in Ukraine. All the funds that are raised are going to help us in Ukraine to overcome these challenging times."
