GLENDALE–The Armenian Relief Society Western US Region unveiled the donor’s wall in its new building located in Glendale–last Friday. The wall lists individuals who contributed financially to the construction of the new ARS building.
Alongside the benefactors were Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–Bishop Nareg Pehlivanian–Assemblyman Scott Wildman–Glendale City Council member Rafi Manoukian–John Kossakian–of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee–ARS Central Executive member Rosine Saghdejian of Fresno–alongside other members and supporters.
The opening ceremony was conducted by Prelate Bishop Mardirossian. Rita Vorperian–of the ARS Executive Director then addressed the gathering–remembering benefactor Dr. Garo Chalian who during his life was always dedicated to the ARS. Even in the education of his children–Dr. Chalian stressed the importance of the ARS and other community organizations as the pillars that hold a society together.
Vorperian then went on to thank all those present stressing that it was through their efforts that the new ARS building was made possible. The donor’s wall is testament to the strong spirit and giving nature of the local Armenian community.
Next to speak was Western US ARS regional executive chairwoman Maro Chalian-Read–who stressed the important role the new building will be playing in the life of the community–and drew a timeline of the work the ARS has carried out throughout the last year.
Addressing the donors–Chalian-Read thanked them not only for their financial contribution but for their continued dedication and benevolent attitude toward the organization and ultimately to all those people the ARS reaches out to.
Upon the unveiling of the donor’s wall those in attendance were treated to a rich luncheon. Gifts in the form of medals were handed out to all those who donated money for the ARS project. The medals had the ARS logo on one side and various Armenian themes on the other. Prior to the ending of the luncheon the ARS reminded all those present of the upcoming dinner-dance to be held July 15. Tickets for the upcoming ARS banquet are $1,000 a piece.
With the completion of the new building another page turns in the long history of the Armenian Relief Society. Future regional executives can now use the building to focus their attention on their goals of serving the community and helping the Armenian people.