CHICAGO, Ill.—A beautiful rooftop residence on Lakeshore Drive, overlooking Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and the incomparable Chicago skyline, was the spectacular venue for the first annual charity fundraiser of the Chicago Chapter of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR). The event was held on Saturday evening June 4, at the exclusive residence donated for the event by Dr. Kevin and Deana Bargamian.
Nearly 100 guests were welcomed to the rooftop event by Anne Galovich, Chicago SOAR chapter president. The guest speaker was Dr. Levon Saryan from Greenfield, Wisc., who spoke about the existing conditions of orphanages in Armenia and the importance of providing aid and support for the most disadvantaged children in the country.
Two guest artists showcasing examples of their work were in attendance: Boris Khechoyan , a master woodcarver from St. Louis, Mo., and Dr. Chuck “Garbo” Hajinian, a Monet-style Armenian impressionist painter/artist from Delafield, Wisc. Both artists offered several pieces from their work for the silent auction, as did renowned artist and designer Michael Aram, who provided signed pieces from his collection. Proceeds from the silent auction will be used to support 16 orphanages in Armenia as well as 2 orphanages in Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) that are part of the SOAR network.
The theme of the evening was “Our Armenia, Our Children.” Upon arrival, guests were escorted to the rooftop by two young ladies dressed in traditional Armenian costume, Melissa Mardoian and Nora Dulkadir. Armenian appetizers generously provided by several volunteers (Betty Arakelian, Aline Nigohosian, Pearl Gopoian, Violet Bargamian, and Bonnie Baboorian), as well as wine and soft drinks, were served. A four-piece band of Chicago-area musicians comprised of Jimmy Hardy, John Paklaian, Shahan Alexanian, and Mark Gavoor provided musical accompaniment for the event. Chicago magician “Mr. Ash” Ashod Baboorian entertained guests with demonstrations of magic and assorted card tricks.
Flower arrangements for the evening were graciously donated by Sylvia and Hratch Yacoubian of Magic Flowers in Harwood Heights. Graphics were provided by Michelle Goodman, and printing was by Erin Grogan of United Graphics and Mailing Group. The evening ended with a display of fireworks at Navy Pier, which guests enjoyed from the rooftop balcony.
Free-will contributions and proceeds from the silent auction netted over $5,000 and will be used to aid needy orphanages in Armenia.
SOAR, Inc., founded in 2006 and headquartered in Philadelphia, is a 501-c3 non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to providing support for orphanages in Armenia and Karabagh. Working with a loyal donor base and a trusted network of partners in Armenia, SOAR distributes much-needed food, clothing, medicine, educational supplies, and other essential resources to orphanages in Armenia. SOAR has chapters in New England, NewYork/New Jersey, Delaware, Washington, Chicago, Northern California, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Idaho, and an office in Yerevan.
The Chicago Chapter of the Society for Orphaned Armenian relief was founded in March 2010. Officers are Anne Galovich (president), Deanna Bargamian (vice president), David Baboorian (treasurer), Eric Diekhans (secretary), Lucie Ishkhanian, and Ardem Hardy.
To see pictures of the event, visit the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief Chicago Chapter page on Facebook. For more information, visit www.soar-us.org or email soarchicago@gmail.com.
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