FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 20, 2004
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A DEDICATED BENEFACTOR WITH A TRUE ARMENIAN HEART:
JACK TOROSIAN SUPPORTS ARMENIA THROUGH FAR
For more than 30 years, Jack Torosian, a retired post office clerk, has
been sending books in English and Armenian to the National Library of
Armenia and the National Medical Library, both in Yerevan, the capital.
First he boxed his personal collection of books, including texts on
literature, arts, music, history, and the sciences, and then began
soliciting his friends to donate their books to Armenia as well. He has
been selective in the choice of books to send, wanting only the best
resources for the Motherland.
When he decided to work with an organization to make a greater
difference in Armenia, the New Yorker born in Smyrna researched
nonprofits with qualities he valued, such as fiscal responsibility and a
long-term commitment to Armenia’s development. Ultimately, he decided
to work with the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), whose successful track
record is backed by a wide range of programs.
In the last five years, Mr. Torosian entrusted FAR to handle his
numerous book shipments. Pleased with the results, he became a
significant donor to the organization, supporting a variety of projects,
notably benefiting children and encouraging education. When he voiced a
desire to travel to Armenia last year, FAR organized for Mr. Torosian to
join a group, the Friends of Ounjian School, on their October 2003 trip.
It would be Mr. Torosian’s first trip to Armenia since the 1960s.
The Friends of Ounjian School are a group of New Yorkers committed to
the perpetuation of the Ounjian School, a school that was entirely
reconstructed by Dr. John Ounjian of Forest Hills, NY in memory of his
parents, Armenak and Yeghisapet Ounjian, through FAR. Seeing Dr.
Ounjian’s impact in the lives of more than 800 residents of Gyumri, a
city in the earthquake zone, and witnessing various FAR programs
throughout Armenia, Mr. Torosian deepened his personal tie with the
Homeland through FAR.
Upon his return to New York, Mr. Torosian made a large contribution to
the Ounjian School in support of Dr. Ounjian’s work. Impressed with
FAR’s commitment to advance groundbreaking scholarship in Armenia, he
delivered another substantial gift for the Armenian National Science and
Education Fund (ANSEF). Mr. Torosian has donated more than $100,000 in
the past several years to programs helping the Armenian people through
FAR.
Mr. Torosian has been an active participant in the New York Armenian
community for more than 50 years. He continues to be a fixture at all
events to render his support in a meaningful way. “In my years of
association with Mr. Torosian, I have been impressed by his profound
commitment to learning in general and Armenia’s development. He is a
role model benefactor, who is so generous in supporting good causes in
Armenia. He is also the repository of the history of the New York
Armenian community of the 20th century,” said Simon Y. Balian, FAR
Executive Director.
FAR is a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York, with offices
in Yerevan, Gyumri and Stepanakert. Since 1989, FAR has implemented
various relief, development, social, educational, and cultural projects
valued at more than $200 million. It remains the preeminent relief and
development organization operating in Armenia.
For more information or to send donations, please contact the Fund for
Armenian Relief at 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone
(212) 889-5150, fax (212) 889-4849;
— 5/20/04
E-mail photo available upon request.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: Jack Torosian is a dedicated supporter of education
and development programs helping the Armenian people through the Fund
for Armenian Relief.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: New York’s Jack Torosian, pictured here at a
restaurant by Lake Sevan, revived his personal connection with Armenia
on an October 2003 trip organized by the Fund for Armenian Relief with
the Friends of Ounjian School. Sitting, from right to left: Jack
Torosian, Seta and Arman Izmirliyan. Standing, from right to left,
Negdar and Hratch Arukian, Sona Tomoyan.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
