WEST WARWICK, R.I.—On Sat., Jan. 28, more than 350 people came to dine and celebrate with the Providence Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Juniors and Seniors, and dance to the sounds of an eight-piece band led by Harry Bedrossian.
The evening began with emcee Andrew Bagdasarian welcoming the crowd and asking Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, to offer the blessing. After the singing of “Mer Hairenik” and a moment of silence for those who have passed away during the last year, dinner was served.
Bagdasarian then recognized the head table, which included Der Hayr Gomidas Baghsarian, Sarah Varadian, senior president, and Steve Elmasian, ARF advisor. Honorary members of the chapter, former Olympics kings and queens, Varadian Spirit Award recipients, and sister organization representatives were also recognized at this time.
Varadian, the newly elected senior president, gave a report on the chapter’s activities over the past year and thanked the out-going executive for a job well done, with special emphasis on the chapter president, Talene Taraksian.
Elmasian then gave a report on the Seniors’ activities. He focused on the importance of the chapter to reach out to its members no matter their background and to continue the traditions that have been maintained for close to eight decades. He spoke at length about the near-fatal injuries Cory Garabedian recently suffered in a car accident on Christmas Eve and how he has galvanized a community and a nation.
After Elmasian’s hopeful and inspirational speech, it was revealed that all of the proceeds from the raffle and silent auction would be donated to Garabedian and his family to help cover the cost of expensive medical treatments. The support of all in attendance, including those from other communities, was overwhelming. It was the true meaning of community, with everyone coming together, whether they knew Garabedian or not, to give all they could to support one of their own. Twenty raffle items were donated, and the chapter raised over $6,000.
Four members of Seniors have graduated to the ranks of alumni and were honored next. Two alumni in attendance, Margaret Stepanian and Peter “DOC” Bedrosian, were called to the front of the room to be greeted into the alumni fraternity. Those successfully reaching the rank of alumni are Melkon Megerdichian, Vicken Rachdouni, Christine Tutunjian, and Sonig Varadian.
Der Gomidas closed the evening with a prayer.
The Junior and Senior members were then asked to step to the floor as the band played the chapter song, “Hey Djan.”
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