WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Central Executive Board of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) announced that the first of the functions planned for its centenary will take place on March 10 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
President and CEO of Women’s World Banking Mary Ellen Iskenderian will be the keynote speaker at the centennial inaugural event at Carnegie Hall.
“ARS entities, operating in 26 different countries around the world, have been busy organizing functions to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Relief Society. Similarly, the Society’s Central Executive Board has planned several pan-Armenian functions, the first one of which in New York, the birthplace of the ARS,” explained ARS chairperson Vicky Marashlian.
President of Carnegie Corporation Dr. Vartan Gregorian, noted performer Alisa Nakashian-Holsberg, opera stars Yeghishe Manucharyan (Tenor) and Victoria Avetisyan (Mezzo-Soprano) will participate in the March 10 event. The event, with the president and CEO of Women’s World Banking Mary Ellen Iskenderian as keynote speaker, will also include the presentation ceremony of the ARS “Ararat” award.
“We wish to take our centenary a step beyond mere celebration by casting a critical eye on our 100-year history, in order to set our next century of work on solid foundations befitting present and future demands and conditions. We must do this from the vantage point of a thorough analysis of our people’s needs, as well as our potential—and that of Armenian women—in adapting and implementing an up-to-date modus operandi. To this end, on the day following the Carnegie function, on March 11, in New Jersey, we have scheduled a seminar with the participation of prominent Armenian women holding responsible positions in international organizations and in academia,” said Marashlian.
The New York Centennial function will be attended by more than 200 ARS members from the U.S., Canada, South America, France, Greece and Lebanon, alongside many supporters of the Society.
Later in the year, centennial celebrations will include the second ARS European Cruise in August, a pilgrimage to Der Zor and a seminar in Aleppo in October, a series of functions in Armenia, the publication of a volume depicting the century-long history of the ARS, and various films.
During 2010, all ARS regions, from the Americas to Australia, from Europe to the Middle East and Nagorno Karabakh, will organize separate events celebrating the centennial. Details of these events can be obtained by visiting www.ars1910.org.
Hye, congratulations to the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) on the occasion of celebrating their 100th anniversary!
Formed by our Survivors to meet the needs of our Armenians as they were dispersed across the world – as they fled to the civilized nations. Living in cultures new to them, they survived, married, had children, grandchildren, and
pursued highest educations for their youth. These ARS women, volunteers, dedicated themselves to continue to be the force Armenians could turn to seek their needs. I recall so many of their names, all selfless, all bound together in their efforts – all to better the lives of their fellow Armenians. All women, of one mind, of one heart – across the world, still into today.
One hundred years of dedicated services and still going strong! And, as our Survivors look down upon the continued efforts of their sisters of today, secure in knowledge that the destiny of the Armenian Relief Society is in strong and able hands – still.
Getzeh ARS!
Manooshag
I also congratulate the Armenian Relief Society (ARS)’s 100 anniversay! ARS was created by Agnouni and kudos to our sisters throughout 100 years who helped the needy, the sick, the migrating masses, the students, the orphans, the survivors from the earthquake in northern Armenia and the schools and the students in Artsakh. Indeed our ARS sisters throughout 100 years deserve to be congratulated. May they continue their relentless mission for another 100 years and beyond!!!!!