The Iraqi war–launched five months ago–continues to affect the daily lives of citizens who face not only shortages of basic supplies–but also economic losses. Armenia’s–who have resided in Iraq for decades–have become self-sufficient and orderly citizens. But unfortunately they too face these difficulties as a result of the war.
To provide immediate assistance to Iraq’s Armenia’s–a committee was formed in May. Composed of representatives from the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church–ARF Central Committee–ARS–Homenetmen–and the California Armenian Youth Association–the committee organized a dinner on August 24 to present an overview of their plans for future fundraising efforts.
Present was the ARF CC’s Representative Hovig Saliba–ARS Central Executive’s Anahid Meymarian–ARS West Regional Executive Chairwoman Nova Hindoyan–Prelacy Executive Council Chair Avo Donoyan–representatives of the ARF Aharonian Gomideh– Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Church–and Reverend Fathers Vasken Atmajian and Ardag ANCA-Western Region’s Government Relations Director Ardashes Kassakhian served as the MC. ARS’s Hindoyan welcomed guests and especially thanked Mr. and Mrs. Varant Melkonian for sponsoring the evening’s dinner.
Presenting the committee’s progress in efforts to assist Iraq’s Armenia’s–Hindoyan said that in response to fundraising letters sent to Armenian organizations and organization members–the committee has received $23,000; she noted that the committee–through private efforts–will assume all administrative expenses.
Those present then viewed a fundraising video prepared by the Armenian Diocese of Iraq–describing the plight of Armenia’s in the country. After viewing the video–those gathered pledged $40,000 to bring the total of funds collected in the United Iraqi Relief Fund (UIBF) at Bank of America to $63,000.
