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    Categories: 2018

ATP Breaks the Mold Again With Kentucky Derby Watch Party

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
400 W Cummings Park, Suite 3900
Woburn, MA 01801
Tel: (617) 926-TREE 
Web: www.ArmeniaTree.org

PRESS RELEASE


ATP Breaks the Mold Again With Kentucky Derby Watch Party

By Jason Sohigian

WALTHAM, MA--You're invited to Armenia Tree Project's black tie gala in 
Downtown Boston! No, not this time. ATP is taking a novel approach to 
fundraising, with a Kentucky Derby Watch Party and Casino Night planned for 
Saturday, May 5. 

"ATP is in a unique position as the only Armenian environmental organization in 
the diaspora," says Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian. "As a progressive 
organization in this unique space, it attracts support from across a broad 
spectrum and is known to take an unconventional approach. That is why we are so 
excited about this event, which has never been done before in the Armenian 
community. And it is open to everyone, including non-Armenians and anyone who 
wants to support environmental causes."

The Kentucky Derby Watch Party will be held at the historic Gore Place in 
Waltham. Gore Place is a historic country house located on a 45 acre estate. 
The mansion was built in 1806 as a summer home for Massachusetts lawyer and 
politician Christopher Gore. The Gores entertained notables including the 
Marquis de Lafayette, Daniel Webster, and James Monroe, and the property was 
designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. The Carriage House was built 
on the grounds around 1793. Around the time when the Gores built their first 
home on the property, they had this building constructed to house horse-drawn 
carriages and wagons. The newly restored Carriage House is a historic setting 
for events, with a rustic feel and authentic horse stalls.

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of racing's Triple Crown that is held 
annually in Louisville, Kentucky. It's a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old 
Thoroughbreds at a distance of 1.25 miles at Churchill Downs. The race will be 
livestreamed at the ATP event on May 5.

The race known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports" is also called the 
"Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. In 
addition to the race itself, a number of traditions play a large role in the 
Derby atmosphere. The mint julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, 
and sugar syrup, is the traditional beverage of the race, and it will be served 
at the ATP event. 

Another tradition is for Derby goers to show up at the racetrack to party with 
abandon. Kentucky Derby parties are held across the United States. Women appear 
in fine outfits lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats, and men dress 
in outlandish outfits including seersucker suits and stylish fedoras.

This unique ATP event will include a blend of food, drinks, gaming, and 
fashion. The Kentucky Derby Watch Party planning committee is John Aftandilian, 
Kristin Asadourian, Berge Ayvazian, Karen Gilbert, Kelly Higgins, Gohar Diana 
Hovsepian, Marie Mabardi, Linda Ostayan, Susan Piligian, and Daniele Sarkisian.

The evening will include casino games and watching the famed horse race via 
livestream. All of the proceeds from the gaming will benefit ATP's tree 
planting and environmental education programs in Armenia. Sponsorship 
opportunities are available, and tickets to the benefit event are $150 per 
person. For more information and to access ATP's Kentucky Derby web page, visit 
www.ArmeniaTree.org/KentuckyDerby


Emil Lazarian: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS