On the warm, slightly overcast Sunday afternoon of June 7, 150 guests boarded the luxurious 138-foot yacht “Ovation” for a four-hour cruise on Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River.
Sponsored by the Detroit ARS Centennial Celebration Committee made up of representatives from the five ARS sister chapters—Maro, Shake, Sybille, Tsolig, and Zabel—this event was one of many held worldwide since 2007 in the 26 countries where ARS chapters exist in support of the ARS Centennial Fund.
Upon embarking the luxurious three-level yacht, guests were greeted with champagne and a sumptuous array of appetizers. As the yacht continued its journey along Lake St. Clair, a relaxed and carefree mood prevailed as guests explored the indoor and outdoor spaces on the three decks. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many young couples and singles in attendance.
The brief program included opening remarks in English by committee co-chair Taline Hagopian, who wished the ARS a happy 100th anniversary and thanked the guests for their support. She also thanked the members of the Centennial Celebration Committee for their work, and acknowledged ARS Central Committee member Shakeh Basmajian and ARS Eastern U.S. Regional Board of Directors member Ani Attar.
On board were the clergy from the Detroit area, Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, and Rev. Fr. Andon Atamian, pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Catholic Church. Rev. Stepanian offered words of support and encouraged others to join the ARS. It is not just a woman’s organization, he said, adding that he and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church (Eastern Region), are both ARS members.
Hagopian then introduced Angele Manoogian, chairman of the ARS Centennial Committee (Northeast U.S.), who spoke in Armenian, offering a concise summary of the ARS, its history, and achievements over 100 years of humanitarian and relief service. She recalled the ARS response in the wake of massacres and earthquakes, and its help to Armenians suffering from hunger, disease, homelessness, and poverty. The ARS provided shelter, food, medical treatment, and finally orphanages and schools. Manoogian recalled the founders of the Detroit ARS chapters, and thanked all ARS members and supporters for their dedication.
Acknowledged also was Natalie Manoogian Mosher, who had recently announced her candidacy for the 11th Congressional District in Michigan.
Monitors on the upper levels of the yacht allowed all of the guests to see and hear the program, and to view a special video presentation outlining the scope of the humanitarian work of the ARS worldwide.
As the gourmet dinner was served, guests enjoyed gorgeous views of historic communities along the shoreline, including Belle Isle, Grosse Pointe, and the skylines of downtown Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, with the breathtaking Ambassador Bridge that links the two cities.
Entertainment throughout the cruise was provided by Tommy Gerjekian on the oud. A convivial crowd gathered to listen and dance on the upper deck of the “Ovation” yacht. Spontaneous singing erupted from the lively crowd, including surprise solo performances by popular Detroit singer Sam Alajajian.
As the evening wind and waves picked up on the lake, the yacht returned to its dock and guests prepared to disembark after a memorable four hours among friends, old and new. As they departed, each guest received a gift made in Armenia as a token of appreciation.
Members of the Detroit ARS Centennial Celebration Committee are Helen Darakdjian and Taline Hagopian, co-chairs; Shoghig Demirjian, Sona Derovakimian, May Kafafian, Taline Markosian, Yeretzgin Sosi Stepanian, and Rosy Yeremian.
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