GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA (ARS) hosted a kick-off reception on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the Glendale Hilton Hotel where 140 guests gathered and enjoyed good company while receiving enlightening details about the forthcoming ARS Gala 2012. As a precursor to the gala, the reception offered guests a first-chance opportunity to reserve tickets, become table sponsors, and candle lighters for the main event. Supporters and members rallied in support as 45 table sponsors and 40 candle lighters, as well as individual donations, were secured.
Alongside ARS members, who have been chosen by their chapters to be honored at the gala as a result of their service in select categories, guests included representatives from local sister organizations and individual ARS supporters.
Everyone in attendance was in high spirits in anticipation of the gala, which will celebrate the region’s 28th anniversary and service to communities in need both locally and internationally. This year’s event will honor chapter members in an effort to recognize their exceptional service as part of the driving force of ARS activities in their local communities.
Dr. Nyree Derderian, Chairperson of the ARS Regional Executive Board, welcomed guests and paid special mention to International Women’s Day, which is marked on March 8th. Thereafter, she presented Jasik Jarahian, General Manager of the ARS Regional Headquarters, who is heading the gala organizing committee comprised of representatives from nearly each of the region’s 27 chapters, to deliver the committee’s message. She recognized the importance of collaboration amongst community organizations and remarked, “With your support, we look forward to holding an exceptional event that highlights the impactful nature of ARS activities throughout the Diaspora and in Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk.” Following the remarks, Ms. Jarahian invited Rev. Fr. Artak Demirjian, who offered his blessings to the ARS on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy.
All proceeds from the ARS Gala 2012 will benefit the region’s vital programs, including its Social Services Division; Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center; scholarships; disaster relief efforts; as well as education and youth programs.
The ARS thanks the Glendale Hilton Hotel and Remedy Liquor for their generosity, which contributed to the success of the evening.
The ARS Gala 2012 will be held on Friday, April 27th at the Glendale Hilton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The ARS Regional Headquarters can be contacted at (818) 500-1343 or office@arswestusa.org for additional information.
The ARS of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale, California, is a humanitarian organization with 27 chapters and over 1,500 members in five western states. The ARS of Western USA operates a Social Service Division with five social service centers and a Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center in Southern California, in addition to funding numerous youth programs, scholarships, and relief efforts around the word. For further information, please visit www.arswestusa.org.
