–"I will never be able to repay the ARS," said Ajemian.
GLENDALE–The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western US Regional Executive received an encouraging boost just in time for the holidays. An exciting office dedication at the ARS regional headquarters in Glendale–along with an elegant luncheon–with over 400 members in attendance–marked a memorable end to a great year.
As a former ARS sponsored student–Abraham Ajemian–with his wife Antaram–returned the favor by sponsoring one of the ARS offices. Last May–as Mr. and Mrs. Ajemian accompanied ARS members on a trip to ARS project sites in Armenia and Karabagh–they were inspired to do more for the ARS–in addition to the eight orphans they were already sponsoring through the ARS Sponsor-A-Child program.
The ARS General Accountant/Controller of the Western Region–Jasik Jarahian–arranged for the sponsorship of one of the offices located on the second floor of the ARS Western Region headquarters building in Glendale. The generous donation of $20,000 was officially made during a luncheon–with ARS Regional Executive Vice-Chair–Sona Madarian–calling it "a day of celebration."
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Executive–Madarian said–"There were–there are–and there will be those who believe in the ARS–because they appreciate the ARS’ accomplishmen’s. Our work speaks for itself."
Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian–along with parish priest of St. Mary Church in Glendale Rev. Ardag Demirjian–officiated the blessing of the newly refurbished office on December 5.
As Vice Chair of the ARS Central Executive Hasmig Derderian–along with Madarian–placed the ARS emblem and tri-color ribbons on the couple–the sponsors cut the ribbon to the office. In attendance were ARF Central Committee representative Karo Khanjian–Chair of the Armenia Fund West Coast Board Maria Mehranian–Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association’s Regional Executive representative Hrayr Shirikian–representatives of the Homenetmen Ararat Chapter–as well as over 100 former sponsors–current and former members of ARS Regional Executives–and current members of ARS chapter executives.