Please share a few things about you.
I’m a first-generation American in Washington DC. I work in technology in the legal services industry. No household pets at this time but I have a bunch of horses.
When you’re not being an incredible supporter, what keeps you busy?
I stay busy reading mystery and spy novels, traveling to see new places, watching sports (Formula 1, football, tennis), training horses and riders, and working with advocacy groups to advance the interests of Ukraine in US gov and politics.
What’s the driving force behind your decision to support Ukraine?
I support Ukraine primarily because it’s the right thing to do. When I was a kid learning about WW2, I kept asking why so many people didn’t want to help or did nothing. It sounded insane to me not to do everything in an individual’s power to help the innocent victims of an evil regime bent on erasing them. Everyone should do everything they can to help Ukrainians defend their people and their land from violent erasure.
And our fund specifically?
I support Dzyga’s Paw because Dimko’s was one of the first Ukrainian accounts I encountered early on, interacting with other accounts I was following. He had seemed credible in knowledge and motivation. He was fundraising for small things at the time for friends.
What sets our fund apart in your eyes?
Dzyga’s Paw is different because it’s a group that doesn’t cultivate a cult of personality around any member like some others do. Getting gear to the defenders is always the primary objective, with no personal subtext. No one gets into fights with other organizations or volunteers. No accusations of any wrongdoing. Just good people raising money for stuff for their friends and others in need, by the book, with a cute dog as a bonus.
Which other UA charities do you support or follow?
I contribute regularly to Protect Ukrainian Defenders for a lot of the same reasons, small group raising money for specific stuff and then handing it over, no drama. I also donate to U24 and some one-off campaigns with specific causes/goals.
What would you like to tell the Ukrainian people?
I’d like to tell the Ukrainian people that their efforts to fight, to help, or even just to live their lives are noble, heroic, admirable, and respected around the world. Freedom is the most precious commodity after life, and all right-minded people will support the defense of your freedom. Other freedom-loving people should be doing more to help you and fight with you. You will prevail because you’ve tasted it and can’t let it go.