AIWA NJ Plans Commemorative Luncheon, Campaign for March 2015

By Ruth Bedevian

The Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) New Jersey affiliate is organizing a commemorative luncheon on Sun., March 8, at the Villa Amalfi restaurant in Cliffside Park, N.J., in observance of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, as well as International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

The program will feature Bared Maronian, who will present highlights from his upcoming documentary film, “Women of 1915.” The film focuses on the integral role of women survivors of the genocide and their efforts during the darkest era of 20^th-century Armenian history. To learn more, visit www.armenoidteam.com.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Shant and Raffi Massoyan. Ani Kasparian, Esq., senior counsel at Holland & Knight, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the event. The luncheon will begin at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. Villa Amalfi is located at 793 Palisade Ave. in Cliffside Park.

‘100 Years, 100 Donors’ fundraiser

As part of its effort to raise awareness in connection with the Centennial, AIWA NJ has launched a special fundraising initiative, “100 Years, 100 Donors,” in support of “Women of 1915.” The public is urged to participate in this campaign by donating $100 to honor a beloved female genocide survivor (mother, aunt, grandmother, or great-grandmother, etc.). Submit a picture of the honoree (in jpeg/png format), along with her name and birth city and e-mail to aiwanjaffiliate@gmail.com.

Donations can be made online through PayPal or via check. All donations are tax-deductible.

Collected photos will be placed in a special commemorative poster. The deadline for submissions is March 1. For questions or more information, call Lisa Stepanian at (201) 927-9072.