A retired U.S. Army colonel who served for several years in Ukraine and his Kyiv-born wife have organized a free benefit concert to help Ukrainians that will be held on May 21 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater.
William Millard and his wife, Milena, outlined their plans at an April 12 City Council meeting.
“Songfest for Vets III — Building Bridges to Ukraine” will be from 2 to 11 p.m. and include Ukrainian food, artists and activities for children. Donations will be accepted.
Millard, who lives in west Boca Raton, said he could not stand by as he watched the war and its atrocities unfold on television. “I had to do something,” he said.
The concert, sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9610 and the American Legion, will raise money to help volunteers assisting the elderly trapped in cities; a group that rescues animals abandoned by their fleeing owners; farmers whose equipment was destroyed, and to buy body armor for civilians.
Local musicians will be joined by Ukrainian musicians via streaming.
Council members said they donate money to nonprofits only once a year and so could not offer financial assistance, but several said they would help link Millard to people who might be able to help.
Additional information is at www.myboca.us/2021/Mizner-Park-Amphitheater.
— Mary Hladky
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