The Larry H. Miller Company and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation announced a Driven to Assistcommunity fundraiser and donation drive to benefit refugees fleeing Ukraine at a press conference at the Utah State Capitol on Thursday, March 3. At the initiative’s launch, philanthropic leaders had already donated $2 million and encouraged the community to match the donation. Members of the community added $2 million, achieving the goal of reaching $4 million in monetary donations by the end of April.
While announcing the initiative, Gail Miller said, “In times of crisis, Utahns respond. They take action to serve, lift, and love, and that is why I’m proud to be a member of this community. We have about 1,500 Ukrainian neighbors who live here in Utah. We are all heartbroken by the desperate situation their loved ones face in Ukraine. This is an opportunity for us to come together, put our arms around our neighbors, and show them that our hearts are united.”
Donation bins at Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres, Smith’s Ballpark, Daybreak, Vivint Arena, and Rio Tinto Stadium overflowed with donated goods throughout the drive. Donations totaled more than 250 pallets, enough to fill 13 semi-trucks. Utah’s First Lady Abby Cox’s initiative, Show Up, organized efforts of more than 500 volunteers to sort and prepare donations for distribution.
Two planes have delivered donated items to countries boarding Ukraine. “We’re continually amazed by the generosity of Utahns. We asked, and they stepped up in huge ways,” said Julie Ramos, managing director of Miller Family Philanthropy. “With the overwhelming response we’ve received from generous Utahns, we are pleased to be able to send some donations now and deliver additional goods to bordering countries as effectively and efficiently as possible to support long-term refugee efforts. We will also be prepared to assist refugees arriving in Utah as they establish their new lives here.”
