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Wisconsin fundraiser supports SOAR's outreach to Armenia orphanages
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2012-09-19-wisconsin-fundraiser-supports-soar-s-outreach-to-armenia-orphanages-
Published: Wednesday September 19, 2012
Bob Bergum, former Detroit Lions football player and now teacher in
Armenia, talks about Armenia's orphanages.
Delafield, - The third annual "Day on the Blue" Armenian orphanage
fundraiser at Lake Nagawicka, drew over 130 Armenians and their
friends, who gathered on the patio at the home of Dr. Chuck and Mary
Kay Hajinian here to raise money for the most disadvantaged children
of Armenia.
The August 4 fundraiser, sponsored by the SOAR Wisconsin chapter,
brought in close to $14,000 in cash contributions plus about $4000 in
donated items. This was the third annual "Day on the Blue" event, and
by far the most successful to date. Successful orphan fundraisers were
also held in 2010 and 2011.
100% of the funds raised in 2012 will be allocated to three
institutions in Armenia all of which care for children with special
needs-the Kharberd orphanage, the Vardashen orphanage, and the Sisters
of Charity Bethlehem orphanage. The donation will provide winter
clothing, blankets, and other needed items for some of Armenia's most
disadvantaged children.
Orphanages date from the dark days of the Armenian Genocide a century
ago, when several were established to aid destitute refugees in Near
Eastern countries. A huge orphan city was established in Alexandrapol
(now Gyumri, Armenia) by the American Near East Relief. This
institution played a key role in rescuing an entire generation of
children who later contributed to rebuilding Armenia during the Soviet
period. When the 1988 earthquake destroyed the same city, orphanages
again became the means to rescue Armenian children who had been left
without homes and parents.
Even though the earthquake orphans are now grown, orphanages have
become permanent institutions as difficult economic conditions in
Armenia persist. In addition, a few specialized institutions exist for
disabled children and those with special needs.
The gracious hosts for the event were Dr. Chuck and Mary Kay Hajinian,
who opened their home to the guests. Organizers from the local
community included Dr. Levon and Shirley Saryan and family, Dr. Gary,
Nancy and William Seabrook, Mike and Lori Bode, AJ and Sarah Bianchi,
Harry Aghjian and family, Dr. David and Eddi Schmitt. Support was also
provided by Mark Khatchatourian, Ara Cherchian, Dr. Stacy and Steve
Michels, and Danny and Kari D'Acquisto.
This year, for the first time, live Armenian dance music was provided
by Vahan Kamalian, Kai Kazarian, and Michael Kamalian. Dr. Ani Saryan
provided instruction in Armenian line dancing on the patio, enjoyed by
Armenian and non-Armenian guests alike. A remarkable acrobatic water
ski performance was mounted by Harrison Aghjian and friends from the
Pewaukee Waterski Club. Party guests enjoyed light refreshments
including homemade Armenian pastries.
A vigorous silent auction included a number of exceptional donated
items, including an original framed example of Armenian needlework, an
oriental carpet, medieval Armenian coins, original artwork, golf
vacations, jewelry, Armenian brandy, wine, and other items.
When asked why he was organizing this effort, Dr Hajinian replied:
"Look into the eyes of these orphan children. These were the eyes of
my grandmother who grew up in an orphanage along with a hundred
thousand others from 1915. In the words of Jesus, `as you have done so
unto them, you have done so unto me.' This event is a big party, we
Armenians now party with a purpose. Join us next year, we are looking
for helpers, or for more information, send your email to
[email protected]"
SOAR-the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief-was established a few
years ago to provide financial and moral support for Armenian
orphanages and to address their unique needs. Headquartered in
Philadelphia, SOAR now has more than 25 chapters around the world.
Contributions to SOAR-Wisconsin by check are still being gratefully
accepted c/o Dr. Levon Saryan, treasurer, at P. O. Box 210313,
Milwaukee, WI 53221-8006. And a big Armenian hug and thank you to
everyone who contributed large or small to the success of this year's
event! --L. A. Saryan
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2012-09-19-wisconsin-fundraiser-supports-soar-s-outreach-to-armenia-orphanages-
Published: Wednesday September 19, 2012
Bob Bergum, former Detroit Lions football player and now teacher in
Armenia, talks about Armenia's orphanages.
Delafield, - The third annual "Day on the Blue" Armenian orphanage
fundraiser at Lake Nagawicka, drew over 130 Armenians and their
friends, who gathered on the patio at the home of Dr. Chuck and Mary
Kay Hajinian here to raise money for the most disadvantaged children
of Armenia.
The August 4 fundraiser, sponsored by the SOAR Wisconsin chapter,
brought in close to $14,000 in cash contributions plus about $4000 in
donated items. This was the third annual "Day on the Blue" event, and
by far the most successful to date. Successful orphan fundraisers were
also held in 2010 and 2011.
100% of the funds raised in 2012 will be allocated to three
institutions in Armenia all of which care for children with special
needs-the Kharberd orphanage, the Vardashen orphanage, and the Sisters
of Charity Bethlehem orphanage. The donation will provide winter
clothing, blankets, and other needed items for some of Armenia's most
disadvantaged children.
Orphanages date from the dark days of the Armenian Genocide a century
ago, when several were established to aid destitute refugees in Near
Eastern countries. A huge orphan city was established in Alexandrapol
(now Gyumri, Armenia) by the American Near East Relief. This
institution played a key role in rescuing an entire generation of
children who later contributed to rebuilding Armenia during the Soviet
period. When the 1988 earthquake destroyed the same city, orphanages
again became the means to rescue Armenian children who had been left
without homes and parents.
Even though the earthquake orphans are now grown, orphanages have
become permanent institutions as difficult economic conditions in
Armenia persist. In addition, a few specialized institutions exist for
disabled children and those with special needs.
The gracious hosts for the event were Dr. Chuck and Mary Kay Hajinian,
who opened their home to the guests. Organizers from the local
community included Dr. Levon and Shirley Saryan and family, Dr. Gary,
Nancy and William Seabrook, Mike and Lori Bode, AJ and Sarah Bianchi,
Harry Aghjian and family, Dr. David and Eddi Schmitt. Support was also
provided by Mark Khatchatourian, Ara Cherchian, Dr. Stacy and Steve
Michels, and Danny and Kari D'Acquisto.
This year, for the first time, live Armenian dance music was provided
by Vahan Kamalian, Kai Kazarian, and Michael Kamalian. Dr. Ani Saryan
provided instruction in Armenian line dancing on the patio, enjoyed by
Armenian and non-Armenian guests alike. A remarkable acrobatic water
ski performance was mounted by Harrison Aghjian and friends from the
Pewaukee Waterski Club. Party guests enjoyed light refreshments
including homemade Armenian pastries.
A vigorous silent auction included a number of exceptional donated
items, including an original framed example of Armenian needlework, an
oriental carpet, medieval Armenian coins, original artwork, golf
vacations, jewelry, Armenian brandy, wine, and other items.
When asked why he was organizing this effort, Dr Hajinian replied:
"Look into the eyes of these orphan children. These were the eyes of
my grandmother who grew up in an orphanage along with a hundred
thousand others from 1915. In the words of Jesus, `as you have done so
unto them, you have done so unto me.' This event is a big party, we
Armenians now party with a purpose. Join us next year, we are looking
for helpers, or for more information, send your email to
[email protected]"
SOAR-the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief-was established a few
years ago to provide financial and moral support for Armenian
orphanages and to address their unique needs. Headquartered in
Philadelphia, SOAR now has more than 25 chapters around the world.
Contributions to SOAR-Wisconsin by check are still being gratefully
accepted c/o Dr. Levon Saryan, treasurer, at P. O. Box 210313,
Milwaukee, WI 53221-8006. And a big Armenian hug and thank you to
everyone who contributed large or small to the success of this year's
event! --L. A. Saryan