On Wednesday, March 12, over 200 residents of Waterville Valley came together at La Hacienda Restaurant for a heartfelt performance by Ukrainian-born composer and pianist Vadim Neselovskyi, all in the spirit of raising funds for the New Hampshire-based nonprofit Common Man for Ukraine.

On the day of the event, the Ukrainian flag was raised in Town Square alongside the flags of the United States and New Hampshire.

Event organizers Dmitry Smelansky and Brenda Conklin thanked everyone for attending the concert and fundraiser. La Hacienda's manager, Fernando Lira, warmly welcomed guests, while Rich Rita, Chair of the Waterville Valley Select Board, read a Town Proclamation in support of Ukraine. Letters of support from U.S. Senators Hassan and Shaheen were shared, along with gratitude from Darrell Fernandes, President of the Waterville Valley Foundation, who recognized the organizations and businesses that made the event possible. The founders of Common Man for Ukraine—Alex Ray, Lisa Mure, and Steve Rand—spoke passionately about their ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Ukrainian children.

Photo: The Steinway is tuned, and everything is ready for the concert.

Then came the moment for the music. As Vadim Neselovskyi concluded his performance, the audience erupted in cheers and whistles, giving him a heartfelt standing ovation that filled the room with emotion and appreciation. VIDEO https://youtu.be/WJMu-QqKM-k

Next up was a live auction featuring Ukraine-themed items. Tyler Durham from the WV Recreation Department took the helm of the auction like a pro and turned it into a bidding war that left wallets lighter and spirits soaring.

Photo: Auctioneer Tyler Durham (left) promotes puzzles made in Ukraine.

Afterward, guests enjoyed samples of the traditional Ukrainian Kyiv Cake. This cake was made in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, then frozen and shipped to a Ukrainian store in Boston.

Lastly, large umbrellas were available as thank-you gifts symbolizing the protection that Common Man for Ukraine provides for Ukrainian children. We hope that each time these umbrellas shield you from the rain, you'll remember that a child in Ukraine has benefited from your generosity. The card below features an umbrella protecting Ukrainian children, and the QR code remains available for ongoing support.

Together, we raised more than $20,000, and every dollar went straight to helping Ukrainian children. On March 24, the nonprofit’s founders traveled to Ukraine, and thanks to our community effort, they brought 64,000 pounds of food, generators, and critical supplies to 16 villages once occupied by Russian forces. The nonprofit also provided counseling retreats for children of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to support their emotional recovery.

This event highlighted the true spirit of our small New Hampshire town, showing that Waterville Valley is more than just a vacation spot—it's a tight-knit community united by a deep love for the arts, compassion, and empathy.

Thank you for being a part of Common Man for Ukraine's life-saving mission! Together, we’re making a real impact.

Jazz Piano Concert to Help Ukrainian Kids

By Common Man for Ukraine

Jazz Piano Concert to Help Ukrainian Kids

Remarkable Success of the Jazz for Ukrainian Kids concert and fundraising