Providence AYF ‘Varantian’ Ball Another Huge Success

On Sat., Jan. 25, more than 300 community members and supporters of the Providence “Varantian” AYF Chapter came together at the Venus de Milo Restaurant to celebrate another successful year and to dance to the sounds of the three-piece band “Yerakouyn,” which includes hometown keyboardist Raffi Rachdouni.

The 2014 Providence AYF Junior and Senior Chapter

The evening’s emcee Jason Pjojian, a newly elected member of the 2014 Senior Executive, welcomed the crowd and invited Arch Priest Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, to offer the blessing. Dinner was served following the singing of “Mer Hairenik” and a moment of silence for the community members who passed away in 2013.

Pjojian began the program by recognizing the chapter’s honorary members, the V-Ball committee, and the sister organizational representatives. Adam Aktchian, vice president for the Providence Senior AYF Chapter, reviewed the chapter’s activities over the past year and gave a heart-warming speech honoring Steve Elmasian, who served as the Senior Chapter’s ARF advisor for more than 30 years. Aktchian touched on the many important lessons “U. Steve” taught the chapter, and thanked him for his hard work and dedication to both the AYF and the community. Rachel Minassian, a member of the 2013 Junior Chapter Executive, spoke on behalf of the Juniors, and emphasized how the past year saw Juniors and Seniors come together even closer through their joint meetings and social events.

The drawing of the annual fundraising raffle was held following the speeches. All of the proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Junior Chapter to help defray the costs of the numerous events held throughout the year. Juniors helped the V-Ball committee secure some of the prizes and sell tickets, successfully raising $1,750!

Hrant Khatchadourian, a member of the 2013 Central Executive and a longstanding member of the Providence AYF, was then welcomed into the ranks of alumni by honorary members Doc Bedrosian, Anto Mesrobian, and Joyce Yeremian. The community congratulates Hrant for all he has contributed to the chapter over the years, including co-chairing the 2009 Providence AYF Olympic Steering Committee.

Der Gomidas closed the evening with a prayer, and all “Varantians” gathered on the dance floor to take the annual chapter picture and kick off the dance, as the band played the Providence AYF’s song, “Hey Djan.”

The AYF “Varantian” Chapter would like to extend their warmest thanks to everyone for their continued support! We look forward to seeing everyone next year!