PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY OF WESTERN U.S.A., INC.
Regional Headquarters:
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.,
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Contact: Boghos Patatian
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
Email: [email protected]
Website:
ARS-WR HOSTS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER
Organization Marks Its 25 Years of Global Service
GLENDALE, CA – A capacity assemblage of over 300 dignitaries, guests,
friends and supporters gathered at the newly erected Embassy Suites Hotel in
the City of Glendale, for an unforgettable evening to mark together, the
Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western U.S.A. Regional Executive’s 25th
Anniversary Celebration Dinner on Sunday, April 5, 2009.
Amongst the many guests and supporters present, several dignitaries and
special guests were also in attendance including: His Eminence Archbishop of
the Western Prelacy Prelate Mushegh Surpazan Mardirossian, the newly
appointed Consul-General of the Republic of Armenia the Honorable Grigor
Hovhannisyan and President of the Armenia Fund Ara Aghishian, Honorable U.S.
Congressman Adam Schiff, Councilman Bob Yousefian, Councilman Ara
Najarian, School Board President Greg Krikorian and School Board Member
Nayiri Nahabedian, and Commissioners Art and Paula Devine, amongst many
others.
The banquet’s rich program was masterfully conducted by the evening’s
Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs. Anahid Oshagan Esq. who invited Mrs. Arous
Melkonian, who began the program with the evening’s opening remarks. After a
riveting performance by Mrs. Anahid Nercessian of both the American and
Armenian National Anthems followed by that of the ARS’ Anthem, Archbishop
Moushegh Surpazan Mardirossian was invited to offer his Blessings. As guests
dined on a delectable dinner, a prepared video presentation was played,
which outlined the history of the ARS and showcased its many achievements
accomplishments and contributions. Mrs. Oshagan then invited Chairwoman of
the ARS of Western U.S.A. Mrs. Rima Boghosian, who delivered the A.R.S.
Regional’s message, then invited public officials U.S. Congressman Adam
Schiff, Consul-General Grigor Hovhannisyan and others who delivered their
remarks and made proclamation presentations. Following the presentations,
Mrs. Vicky Marashlian, Chairwoman of the ARS Central Executive, was invited
to deliver her message and was followed by Armenian Folk Ensemble
performance, under the direction of Mr. Rouben Haroutunian. The attendees
were then treated to musical performances by Soloists Salpi Mayelian & Mary
Melkonian. The evening’s program was concluded with the traditional Candle
Lighting Ceremony and the ceremonial 25th Anniversary ‘Cutting of the Cake.’
"I am so very happy and proud with this event. It was a wonderfully fitting
celebration for such a monumental occasion. In the coming years the ARS will
strive to strengthen the ties and increase the cooperation between the 26
ARS Chapters, its Social Services Departments, Psychological Treatment
Centers and sister organizations so that we can realize all of our new and
bold objectives" stated Mrs. Rima Boghosian, Chairwoman of the ARS of
Western U.S.A., Regional Executive Board. "I commend all of our members who
have worked tirelessly over the course of the last 25 years. Their selfless
service has allowed the ARS to make the impossible, possible" commented Mrs.
Vicky Marashlian, Chairwoman of the ARS Central Executive. "We have faced
many challenges and changes over the latter course of the 20th century, but
together we have always bravely and gracefully met every one of them and
will continue to adapt our organization, so that we can aptly meet all of
the challenges of the 21st."
The ARS is the largest Armenian humanitarian organization of its kind within
Armenia and throughout the Diaspora. Over course of the century since its
founding in New York City New York, in 1910, the organization has
continually expanded and currently has chapters and entities in 26
countries. The establishment of the first two ARS-WR chapters west of the
Mississippi River occurred in Fresno in 1915 and Hollywood 1918. The Region
has grown since, to include 26 chapters, 5 Social Service Offices, Child
Youth and Family Guidance Center, fifteen Saturday Schools and after school
programs and the list goes on. Its Social Services and the Guidance Centers
are open to every member of our community, Armenians and non-Armenians
alike. It also maintains several programs in Armenia and Artsakh such as:
the "Sponsor a Child Program," "Food for Orphans Project" as well as other
humanitarian assistance programs in the region. During its 100-year history,
the ARS has worked faithfully and tirelessly to meet the social,
humanitarian, educational, and cultural needs of the Armenian people, in
both the Diaspora and in Armenia. It has established schools, social service
centers, youth camps, and day care kindergartens across the globe and
recently extended its role in the international forum by becoming a roster
member of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC) and an
active participant in ECOSOC’s many working groups.
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