By Anahid M. Ugurlayan
NEW YORK—On Sun., Dec. 2, more than 100 guests gathered at a fundraiser luncheon at Byblos Restaurant sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Mayr” Chapter of New York.
Chapter chairperson Anais Tcholakian welcomed the clergy and guests, and thanked those who had helped organize the event. Anahid Ugurlayan, the vice-chairperson of the “Mayr” Chapter, provided background information on the work of the ARS, in particular its relief efforts and its immediate response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing the Armenian community in Syria. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the pastor of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, delivered the invocation, praising the work of the ARS and stressing the importance of working together to provide much-needed assistance to Syrian-Armenian community.
Guests danced the afternoon away to the sounds of DJ Harout Barsoumian. A successful raffle offered diverse and unique gifts and, thanks to the generosity of guests and donors, the ARS “Mayr” Chapter raised $3,500. The proceeds will be sent to the Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief, which is comprised of such organizations as the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern Prelacy), the Armenian Catholic Eparchy, the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, the ARS Eastern USA, and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.
The ARS was founded in 1910 as an independent, non-sectarian, non-governmental organization (NGO) serving the humanitarian, social, and educational needs of Armenians. The ARS has affiliate entities in 27 countries with a membership of approximately 15,000. An NGO on the roster in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the ARS is a 501© (3) charitable, tax-exempt organization. For more information, visit www.ars1910.org.
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If the Syrian-Armenians could enter Armenia in large numbers and integrate into Russian-Armenian society and enter politics, they might break the back of corruption. The problems is that the Hayastani government probably knows this and that is why it is not doing enough to help the Syrian-Armenians.
To: Albert
I find your comment puzzling! What does a calamity in one country have to do
with corruption in another? And, as the native Armenians there are already
financially challenged, how can they accomodate a large number of immigrants! People have to eat and be housed and must have income/jobs
before that! I suggest that we contribute generously to the many ongoing relief
efforts! I did!