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ETCHMIADZIN WOMEN'S HOME HELPED FROM BOSTON
by Nancy Kalajian
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2012-11-28-etchmiadzin-women-s-home-helped-from-boston-
Published: Wednesday November 28, 2012
Standing from left Julie Ashekian, Tigranouhi "Tiko" Karapetian, Jane
Mahakian, Mark Kashgegian, Peter Babigian. Seated: Martin Aharonyan
and Nune Yesayan.
Related Articles Etchmiadzin women's center recognized by Armenian
government
WATERTOWN, MASS. - Over 600 guests and supporters of Mer Doon (Our
Home) attended a rousing Benefit Celebration held at St. James Charles
Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center Hall in Watertown on November 10.
The event benefited Mer Doon, a residence in Etchmiadzin, Armenia,
for young women who have outgrown their childhood home in Armenian
orphanages, or who come from seriously disadvantaged lifestyles.
Mark Kashgegian, Co-chairman of the Benefit, witnessed the work of
Mer Doon some years ago while vacationing in Armenia with his family,
and was so touched by the support given to these young women that two
years later, he rounded up about 30 friends in the Boston area to
"generate enthusiasm" for a benefit for Mer Doon to be held in the
future. Peter Babigian quickly got on board as Co-chairman and just
knew he had to join the forces to help Mer Doon.
"There was a butterfly in my heart. When my wife Lori and I, and
our two daughters visited Mer Doon in 2007, we met the residents and
staff. They sang and cooked for us," shares Mark Kashgegian. "There
are nine orphanages and after they reach 18 years old, the youth
have to leave the orphanage. Prostitution, drug trafficking and other
negative influences are on the street."
The sold-out Benefit Celebration featured performances by two different
styles of Armenian music: singer Nune Yesayan from Armenia and oudist
Richard Hagopian from Fresno, California, and his Ensemble.
During one set, Nune held many of her admirers spellbound as they
danced solo-style to her strong vocal presence and contemporary flair.
Composer Martin Aharonyan and Alexander (Sasha) Mirzakhanyan, film
maker, accompanied Nune for this benefit performance.
>>From start to finish, the Richard Hagopian Ensemble stirred guests
with their traditional rhythms and prompted line dancing amidst
whirling soloists. One unexpected delight occurred when eight year
old singer Simon Hagopian joined the Ensemble, which included his
grandfather Richard Hagopian and his father Harold Hagopian, bringing
smiles and tears to more than a few guests.
Midway through the celebration, Mer Doon President Dr. Jane Mahakian
of California, facilitated an informative program, introduced the
evening's Co-chairmen and Mer Doon founders Julie Ashekian and
Tikranouhi "Tiko" Karapetian, and appreciated all the supporting
volunteers, sponsors and donors. A short video presentation on
Mer Doon was displayed on a huge screen that showed the support of
volunteers and staff, and visits made by Mer Doon residents to their
former orphanages.
Plenty of mezza and desserts were available buffet-style; they were
homemade by supporters as well as donated by local Armenian bakeries.
Alex and Ani jewelers had a display with portions of sales going to
Mer Doon.
About seven years ago, Connecticut resident Julie Ashekian spearheaded
the idea of Mer Doon. Having years of experience with establishing
the CASP program through the Diocese of the Armenian Church, she was
familiar with orphanages in Armenia. "The Gavar Orphange, near Lake
Sevan, had over 100 children. We knew that at a certain age, the
young men are required to do military service for two years but we
wondered what happens to the girls," said Ashekian. "After 13 years,
I was no longer doing CASP, and I worked with Tikranouhi Karapetian
of Armenia, now "mother" of the Mer Doon residence, to establish
Mer Doon. We purchased a place in Etchmiadzin in 2005 and opened its
doors in 2006 with seven girls from the Gavar orphanage."
"Our residents have to be serious about getting an education,"
continued Ashekian, describing the ongoing learning and close
connections among the residents and caring staff, "Everyone is like
family. There's a vegetable garden in the back of the building that
involves the girls. They even clean wool and make "vermags" quilts."
Ashekian discussed steps instrumental in the residents' growth and
nurturing: taking care of their physical needs, preparing them for
life, job training and building their confidence and self-worth. "Many
of the girls attend a local university. Since the inception, we
have had over 25 young women in our Program. Many of our young women
have graduated from college; some have married and have families,"
shared Ashekian.
People came from all over New England, Pennsylvania and even California
to support the Benefit. "It was a wonderful affair, a wonderful cause -
that's what made it so special," Betty Bagdasarian exclaimed at the
close of a meaningful evening, as she joined some friends to drive
back home to Connecticut. Even Yerevan-based performer Nune Yesayan,
a faithful supporter, donated her time and talents; she has visited
Mer Doon on several occasions and said, "I'm there for them."
The Benefit Celebration Co-chairmen report that their event was such
a "tremendous financial success" that the Committee has decided
to make it an annual event and is already planning on next year's
entertainment.
"Do you know how important it is for us to support and perpetuate this
program at Mer Doon, and to get all these all-star musicians here
to keep our culture and traditions alive," Babigian remarked. "This
fundraiser will help expand and take on new horizons," explained
Ashekian who plans for an additional home and staff in the future,
and a job training partnership program which will afford the residents
an on-the job internship and opportunities for future employment, just
like butterflies spreading their wings. Visit http://www.mer-doon.com
for additional information.
From: A. Papazian
by Nancy Kalajian
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2012-11-28-etchmiadzin-women-s-home-helped-from-boston-
Published: Wednesday November 28, 2012
Standing from left Julie Ashekian, Tigranouhi "Tiko" Karapetian, Jane
Mahakian, Mark Kashgegian, Peter Babigian. Seated: Martin Aharonyan
and Nune Yesayan.
Related Articles Etchmiadzin women's center recognized by Armenian
government
WATERTOWN, MASS. - Over 600 guests and supporters of Mer Doon (Our
Home) attended a rousing Benefit Celebration held at St. James Charles
Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center Hall in Watertown on November 10.
The event benefited Mer Doon, a residence in Etchmiadzin, Armenia,
for young women who have outgrown their childhood home in Armenian
orphanages, or who come from seriously disadvantaged lifestyles.
Mark Kashgegian, Co-chairman of the Benefit, witnessed the work of
Mer Doon some years ago while vacationing in Armenia with his family,
and was so touched by the support given to these young women that two
years later, he rounded up about 30 friends in the Boston area to
"generate enthusiasm" for a benefit for Mer Doon to be held in the
future. Peter Babigian quickly got on board as Co-chairman and just
knew he had to join the forces to help Mer Doon.
"There was a butterfly in my heart. When my wife Lori and I, and
our two daughters visited Mer Doon in 2007, we met the residents and
staff. They sang and cooked for us," shares Mark Kashgegian. "There
are nine orphanages and after they reach 18 years old, the youth
have to leave the orphanage. Prostitution, drug trafficking and other
negative influences are on the street."
The sold-out Benefit Celebration featured performances by two different
styles of Armenian music: singer Nune Yesayan from Armenia and oudist
Richard Hagopian from Fresno, California, and his Ensemble.
During one set, Nune held many of her admirers spellbound as they
danced solo-style to her strong vocal presence and contemporary flair.
Composer Martin Aharonyan and Alexander (Sasha) Mirzakhanyan, film
maker, accompanied Nune for this benefit performance.
>>From start to finish, the Richard Hagopian Ensemble stirred guests
with their traditional rhythms and prompted line dancing amidst
whirling soloists. One unexpected delight occurred when eight year
old singer Simon Hagopian joined the Ensemble, which included his
grandfather Richard Hagopian and his father Harold Hagopian, bringing
smiles and tears to more than a few guests.
Midway through the celebration, Mer Doon President Dr. Jane Mahakian
of California, facilitated an informative program, introduced the
evening's Co-chairmen and Mer Doon founders Julie Ashekian and
Tikranouhi "Tiko" Karapetian, and appreciated all the supporting
volunteers, sponsors and donors. A short video presentation on
Mer Doon was displayed on a huge screen that showed the support of
volunteers and staff, and visits made by Mer Doon residents to their
former orphanages.
Plenty of mezza and desserts were available buffet-style; they were
homemade by supporters as well as donated by local Armenian bakeries.
Alex and Ani jewelers had a display with portions of sales going to
Mer Doon.
About seven years ago, Connecticut resident Julie Ashekian spearheaded
the idea of Mer Doon. Having years of experience with establishing
the CASP program through the Diocese of the Armenian Church, she was
familiar with orphanages in Armenia. "The Gavar Orphange, near Lake
Sevan, had over 100 children. We knew that at a certain age, the
young men are required to do military service for two years but we
wondered what happens to the girls," said Ashekian. "After 13 years,
I was no longer doing CASP, and I worked with Tikranouhi Karapetian
of Armenia, now "mother" of the Mer Doon residence, to establish
Mer Doon. We purchased a place in Etchmiadzin in 2005 and opened its
doors in 2006 with seven girls from the Gavar orphanage."
"Our residents have to be serious about getting an education,"
continued Ashekian, describing the ongoing learning and close
connections among the residents and caring staff, "Everyone is like
family. There's a vegetable garden in the back of the building that
involves the girls. They even clean wool and make "vermags" quilts."
Ashekian discussed steps instrumental in the residents' growth and
nurturing: taking care of their physical needs, preparing them for
life, job training and building their confidence and self-worth. "Many
of the girls attend a local university. Since the inception, we
have had over 25 young women in our Program. Many of our young women
have graduated from college; some have married and have families,"
shared Ashekian.
People came from all over New England, Pennsylvania and even California
to support the Benefit. "It was a wonderful affair, a wonderful cause -
that's what made it so special," Betty Bagdasarian exclaimed at the
close of a meaningful evening, as she joined some friends to drive
back home to Connecticut. Even Yerevan-based performer Nune Yesayan,
a faithful supporter, donated her time and talents; she has visited
Mer Doon on several occasions and said, "I'm there for them."
The Benefit Celebration Co-chairmen report that their event was such
a "tremendous financial success" that the Committee has decided
to make it an annual event and is already planning on next year's
entertainment.
"Do you know how important it is for us to support and perpetuate this
program at Mer Doon, and to get all these all-star musicians here
to keep our culture and traditions alive," Babigian remarked. "This
fundraiser will help expand and take on new horizons," explained
Ashekian who plans for an additional home and staff in the future,
and a job training partnership program which will afford the residents
an on-the job internship and opportunities for future employment, just
like butterflies spreading their wings. Visit http://www.mer-doon.com
for additional information.
From: A. Papazian