Real Housewives of New York City Alum; Bethenny Frankel, Raises $25 Million for Ukraine
By Andrew Creech | M.T.A. ‘24
Typically, when we first think of the Real Housewives franchise things that come to mind are drama, table flipping, and of course the question “who IS Hunky Dory?”. However, one housewive alum has set out on a journey to make an impact around the world. Bethenny Frankel, a star in eight of thirteen seasons of the “Real Housewives of New York City”, has utilized her disaster relief initiative, BStrong, to rush to the aid of the Ukrainian people.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Fox anchor Maria Bartiromo interview Bethenny Frankel (L) during' "Mornings With Maria" at Fox Business Network Studios on January 09, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
BStrong is a worldwide initiative in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission. Since 2017, Frankel’s move into philanthropy has allowed her to mold her business savvy mindset to impact those less fortunate. Since the devastation from hurricanes Irma and Maria, BStrong has been providing necessary resources for people in crisis. Featured during her time on RHONY, viewers were given first-look accounts of her work on the ground, as Frankel navigated the disastrous terrain left in the disaster in Puerto Rico. BStrong has singce focused its mission on providing assistance to those affected by disaster scenarios, having distributed millions in essential supplies and cash cards to those affected.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Frankel immediately took action, focusing BStrong’s efforts on providing a fast-moving relief mission. This is the first time BStrong has responded to a disaster area caused by conflict rather than a natural disaster, having previously worked to assist in the wake of hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crisis kits are being handed out to Ukrainians at the border of Poland and Ukraine to provide people with items for basic needs for survival amid the Russian invasions. (Instagram @bethennyfrankel)
When speaking directly on BStrong updates, she confirmed that her group has worked to establish a base camp in Medyka, Poland, providing a welcome for refugees near the Ukrainian border. Frankel noted that BStrong has the fortunate opportunity to utilize the $16 million in aid supplies already stockpiled in their warehouse, which has allowed for a swift and robust response in Ukraine.
Not only has Frankel’s acts of philanthropy inspired and engaged her fanbase, but she has managed to raise awareness and encourage fellow celebrities to take action. Via Twitter, Frankel shared that “The Nicole & David Tepper foundation & the Carolina Panthers have made an extraordinary donation that will literally save & improve thousands of lives” and that her initiative is now on track to provide over $100 million in aid and refugee relocation. Her work is without a doubt an extraordinary example of the power of celebrity and influencer charitable works. Even reaching out to Cher, Frankel expressed her desire to provide shelter and assistance with connections through BStrong as seen in a recent Twitter exchange. As memorable as Bethenny’s storylines have been during her time as a Bravolebrity, even her scenes on the early Season 3 episode, 'Sun, Sand, and Psychosis', known more commonly as 'Scary Island’, do not compare to her genuine generosity and philanthropic efforts. ❀
