Assistance to Armenians in Syria Kicked Off
PADADENA—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western U.S.A., 92nd Annual Regional Convention was held on July 27-29, 2012, at the new Pasadena Armenian Center in Pasadena, California.
This convention was characterized by the level of concern for the plight of the Armenian community in Syria, upon the ARS Central Executive Board (CEB) Representative Annie Kechichian’s report of the latest developments about the situation.
The convention decided to form a special committee to raise funds for the Armenians in Syria, and asked for volunteers from the convention delegates. The committee will ask the communities of the Western U.S.A. to open up their hearts to make their contributions.
The Convention kicked off the fundraising for the Armenians in Syria, showing its commitment by both words and exemplary actions. Dr. Nyree Derderian, the past Chairperson of the Regional Executive, conducted the impromptu fundraising, announcing the donations as they were passed on from the floor of the convention. The delegates, guests and observers presented their personal and chapter contributions for the fund supporting the Armenian community in Syria, collecting payments and pledges amounting to $18,050.
Four members of the Regional Executive had completed their 2-year terms: Nyree Derderian, Kristine Keshishian, Carmen Libaridian and Seta Hagopian-Soghomonian. The Convention elected Lena Bozoyan, Christina Khanjian, Carmen Libaridian, and Karine Barikian-Setian.
ARS CEB Chairperson. Vicky Marashlian congratulated the convention for its smooth performance and the newly elected board members. The ARF Central Committee representative, Dr. Viken Yacoubian, congratulated the newly elected board members, wished the whole ARS family success in their endeavors, promising support and assistance to collectively achieve the goals of our people.
Following the end of the Convention, the 2012-2013 Regional Executive board elected its officers as follows:
Lena Bozoyan, Chairperson; Carmen Libaridian, Vice-Chairperson; Armenouhi (Mimi) Tomassian, Secretary; Liza Santikian, Treasurer; Christina Khanjian, Accountant; and Zharmen Mirzakhanyan, Judy Jingirian, Angele Ohannessian, and Karine Barikian-Setian Advisors.
Support the Armenian community in Syria by donating by credit card or PayPal at www.arswestusa.org/donate, through a chapter, or sending your check to ARS of Western U.S.A., Regional Executive, 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812.
The ARS of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale, CA, has 27 chapters and more than 1,500 members in five western states. The ARS-WUSA operates a Social Services Division, a Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center, and funds numerous youth programs, scholarships, and relief efforts. For further information, please visit www.arswestusa.org or call 818.500.1343.
