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PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY COLLECTS $18,000 FOR SYRIA
Armenian Weekly
November 28, 2012
PHILADELPHIA, Pa.-The Philadelphia Armenian community banded together
on Fri., Nov. 9, at St. Gregory the Illuminator's Founders Hall to
raise funds and support the Syrian-Armenians currently suffering from
the atrocities of war. Dr. Ara Chalian, the master of ceremonies for
the evening, kicked off the fundraising marathon, which raised more
than $18,000 in proceeds for this important cause.
A sense of patriotism was evoked early on that night when the
Homenetmen Scouts presented flags, and Anto Vartanian led the group in
singing the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Mer Hairenik." After blessing
the food, Der Nerses invited guests to enjoy a mezza dinner. Members
of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Ladies' Guild, and Homenetmen
graciously served the food, and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)
provided bar service.
AYF member Harout Vartanian presented a thought-provoking slide show
during the dinner about the current conditions in Syria.
In his opening remarks, Chalian asked the guests to stand if they
were either originally from Syria or have relatives in Syria. More
than half of the group, almost 190 individuals and committee members,
stood up, united with our Armenian brothers and sisters in Syria.
Jaq Hagopian Special guest speaker and editor of the Armenian Weekly,
Khatchig Mouradian, provided a compelling presentation titled, "When
Elephants Fight: the Syrian Armenian Community in Crisis," in both
English and Armenian. He stressed the importance of how donations
and aid come full circle to those who are in need, and related his
own story as a young boy caught in Lebanon's Civil War.
Mouradian said that the support Armenians in Lebanon received from
the Armenian Diaspora during those years, including from Armenians
from Syria, influenced who he is today. His presentation highlighted
the importance of helping Syria and ensuring it continues to serve
as a cultural base and home for the Armenians there. In closing, he
encouraged the group to make the connection and recognize the power
they have to change lives by helping families in crisis, and saving
our Armenian schools, churches, and organizations.
Jaq Hagopian from New Jersey and Anto Vartanian for Philadelphia then
took the stage to sing Armenian patriotic songs. Guests continued to
generously donate to the cause by making song requests for both to
perform. The band for the evening was comprised of Philadelphia AYF
alumni and current ARF members Jim Kzirian, Anthony Deese, and Aram
Hovagimian. The evening continued well after midnight and concluded
with "Arunod Trosh."
The organizers thank the Armenian community of Philadelphia for their
generosity, including the participating organizations, St. Gregory's
church board, respected Der Nerses, and all of the individuals who
volunteered and donated to the event. The evening would not have been
possible without the collaboration of the Armenian organizations in
Philadelphia. Individuals from each organization volunteered to create
and serve on the Fund for Syrian-Armenian Relief (FSAR) committee.
The committee extends a special thanks to the following participating
organizations, businesses, and volunteers: St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, ARS "Artemis" and "Ani" Philadelphia Chapters, Armenian
Revolutionary Federation of Philadelphia, Armenian Youth Federation
Philadelphia "Sebouh" Chapter, St. Gregory's Ladies' Guild, Hamazkayin
of Philadelphia, Homenetmen of Philadelphia, Seroonian Community
Center, Armenian Delight, Fimi Ishkhanian Catering, Mihran Catering,
Mediterranean Kitchen, Sopranos Catering, and Zeps.
Armenian Weekly
November 28, 2012
PHILADELPHIA, Pa.-The Philadelphia Armenian community banded together
on Fri., Nov. 9, at St. Gregory the Illuminator's Founders Hall to
raise funds and support the Syrian-Armenians currently suffering from
the atrocities of war. Dr. Ara Chalian, the master of ceremonies for
the evening, kicked off the fundraising marathon, which raised more
than $18,000 in proceeds for this important cause.
A sense of patriotism was evoked early on that night when the
Homenetmen Scouts presented flags, and Anto Vartanian led the group in
singing the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Mer Hairenik." After blessing
the food, Der Nerses invited guests to enjoy a mezza dinner. Members
of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Ladies' Guild, and Homenetmen
graciously served the food, and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)
provided bar service.
AYF member Harout Vartanian presented a thought-provoking slide show
during the dinner about the current conditions in Syria.
In his opening remarks, Chalian asked the guests to stand if they
were either originally from Syria or have relatives in Syria. More
than half of the group, almost 190 individuals and committee members,
stood up, united with our Armenian brothers and sisters in Syria.
Jaq Hagopian Special guest speaker and editor of the Armenian Weekly,
Khatchig Mouradian, provided a compelling presentation titled, "When
Elephants Fight: the Syrian Armenian Community in Crisis," in both
English and Armenian. He stressed the importance of how donations
and aid come full circle to those who are in need, and related his
own story as a young boy caught in Lebanon's Civil War.
Mouradian said that the support Armenians in Lebanon received from
the Armenian Diaspora during those years, including from Armenians
from Syria, influenced who he is today. His presentation highlighted
the importance of helping Syria and ensuring it continues to serve
as a cultural base and home for the Armenians there. In closing, he
encouraged the group to make the connection and recognize the power
they have to change lives by helping families in crisis, and saving
our Armenian schools, churches, and organizations.
Jaq Hagopian from New Jersey and Anto Vartanian for Philadelphia then
took the stage to sing Armenian patriotic songs. Guests continued to
generously donate to the cause by making song requests for both to
perform. The band for the evening was comprised of Philadelphia AYF
alumni and current ARF members Jim Kzirian, Anthony Deese, and Aram
Hovagimian. The evening continued well after midnight and concluded
with "Arunod Trosh."
The organizers thank the Armenian community of Philadelphia for their
generosity, including the participating organizations, St. Gregory's
church board, respected Der Nerses, and all of the individuals who
volunteered and donated to the event. The evening would not have been
possible without the collaboration of the Armenian organizations in
Philadelphia. Individuals from each organization volunteered to create
and serve on the Fund for Syrian-Armenian Relief (FSAR) committee.
The committee extends a special thanks to the following participating
organizations, businesses, and volunteers: St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, ARS "Artemis" and "Ani" Philadelphia Chapters, Armenian
Revolutionary Federation of Philadelphia, Armenian Youth Federation
Philadelphia "Sebouh" Chapter, St. Gregory's Ladies' Guild, Hamazkayin
of Philadelphia, Homenetmen of Philadelphia, Seroonian Community
Center, Armenian Delight, Fimi Ishkhanian Catering, Mihran Catering,
Mediterranean Kitchen, Sopranos Catering, and Zeps.