DETROIT, Mich.—One of the most innovative and exciting up-coming community events to anticipate is the metro Detroit’s ARS sister chapters’ centennial celebration cruise on beautiful Lake St. Clair, slated for Sun., June 7, from five to nine p.m. to benefit the ARS Endowment Fund.
It is sponsored by the five area ARS chapters, the Tsolig, Maro, Shakeh, Zabel, and Sybille. Ticket prices are $125 per person and include gourmet quality dining, appetizers, a premium open bar, and live music provided by Tommy Gerjekian. Note: Ticket price also includes ample parking.
Boarding the 138-foot yacht “Ovation” starts at 4:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., the “Ovation” departs from the foot of Jefferson and Ten Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, Mich. A reminder: The boat leaves promptly at five. You don’t want to be left waving at on-board guests already embibing and getting into the spirit of what is being described as “a good time party.”
This floating pleasure craft features three decks with luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces, and offers spectacular views of the Detroit and Windsor, Ontario skyline. As nightfall begins, you will be dazzled by the beauty of thousands of lights twinkling on either side of the bordering cities divided by this international waterway.
The “Ovation” will dwarf passing pleasure boats enjoying the warmth of a late spring evening as its passengers celebrate the ARS Centennial in style. There is an air of mystery and romance as ocean going vessels glide by with their engines humming smoothly, leaving the “Ovation” riding the gentle waves of their wake.
Capacity on the yacht is 300 people and an important detail to note is that the ARS has hired it as a private event. All Armenians and their non-Armenian friends are welcome. Be sure to secure your tickets in advance to not be left out.
Canadian Armenians, take advantage of this opportunity to join in the festivities with your Detroit Hye paregams.
A mix of Armenian, American, and easy-listening music will be on-going along with some dancing, good food, ample refreshments, a convivial crowd, and gorgeous views, as Lake St. Clair then flows into the Detroit River, past Belle Isle, and toward the Motor City’s downtown skyline, to the turn round point of the Ambassador Bridge looming overhead.
What more could one ask for?
Angele Manoogian will speak briefly, but there will be no other fundraising.
Native Indians used the 26-mile long, 24-mile wide Lake St. Clair as a waterway for centuries. The lake is described as the smallest in the Great Lakes system. Discovered by French explorer de La Salle in 1679, isn’t everything French always ooo-la-la?
The goal of the worldwide ARS centennial events is to raise $5 million. Your participation helps assure the ARS’s ability to assist humanitarian and educational opportunities to Armenians everywhere. Their programs include but are not limited to subsidizing Armenian -language schools, community centers, and nursery schools; sponsoring orphans and orphan meal programs in Armenia and Artsakh; and granting scholarships to deserving students.
When you think of a free and independent Armenia, give thought to the importance of a healthy growing population. For one thing, the Armenian Relief Society is providing critical maternal care and general health services to the Gyumri region, an area hard hit by the 1988 earthquake.
We should also be proud of their participation and collaboration with international humanitarian and non-governmental organizations such as the USAID, UNICEF, World Health Organization, World Council of Churches, and various Red Cross affiliates.
The southwestern portion of the lake shore is lined by the wealthy eastern suburbs of Detroit known as the Grosse Pointe communities where beautiful mansions line the shoreline. Public access to the lake is highly restricted in these areas. The marinas and parks are restricted to its residents but this ARS event is your unique opportunity to take in all this splendor and start your summer festivities in a feel-good way by helping the Armenian Relief Society launch into its next 100 years of service with gusto.
Tickets and information can be secured from committee chairperson Helen Darakdjian by calling (248) 302-1660.
Betty Apigian-Kessel
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