ARS ‘Mayr,’ ‘Erebouni’ Chapters of NY Hold Fundraisers in Support of ‘Women of 1915’

On Sept. 19-20, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Mayr” and “Erebouni” Chapters of New York, under the auspices of the ARS of Eastern USA, held fundraisers in support of Bared Maronian’s upcoming documentary, “Women of 1915.” More than 80 people attended both fundraisers. The Sept. 19 reception was graciously hosted by Virginia Davies and Willard Taylor at their home in the West Village. The Sept. 20 reception was graciously hosted by Narine and Sandy Petropoulos at their home in Manhasset, N.Y.

Singer songwriter Hooshere and her accompanist, Peter Douskalis
Singer songwriter Hooshere and her accompanist, Peter Douskalis

Davies welcomed the guests to her home and thanked Talin Daghlian, chairperson of the ARS Eastern USA, for her leadership, and the ARS chapters for their efforts. Davies recounted how her ties to the ARS are long-standing, as her grandmother was one of the founding members of the ARS Toronto Chapter. She presented Daghlian with Armenia: A Historical Atlas by Robert H. Hewsen as a token of her appreciation. In turn, Daghlian presented Davies with a gift on behalf of the ARS “Mayr” and “Erebouni” Chapters—Hrair “Hawk” Katcherian’s new book, One Church, One Nation. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, presented Davies with a framed picture of a cross. Daghlian then introduced Anahid Ugurlayan, a member of the ARS “Mayr” Chapter and master of ceremonies for the evening.

Cleveland H. Dodge
Johnson Garrett

Ugurlayan welcomed the guests and provided a brief overview of the ARS and its mission, including its work as an NGO at the United Nations. She then invited Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian to give the opening prayer. Lakissian thanked the ARS chapters and noted that the ARS is his favorite Armenian philanthropic organization. He added that Bared Maronian, like him, is a native of Anjar, Lebanon, and was delighted to reconnect with him in New York after 25 years. Lakissian congratulated Maronian on his upcoming documentary and wished him and the ARS continued success.

Ugurlayan then welcomed Johnson Garrett, a digital media executive, internet entrepreneur, and the great-grandson of Cleveland H. Dodge, the first president of the Near East Foundation (NEF), formerly known as the American Committee for Syrian and Armenian Relief. The NEF was founded in 1915 in response to the massive humanitarian crisis precipitated by the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. “Women of 1915” highlights, among other things, the work of the NEF, and Garrett discussed the important role that Armenian and non-Armenian women played in the relief efforts during the genocide, and the herculean task of Armenian women who not only cared for their families but ensured that the Armenian language, culture, and history would survive the dark days of 1915. Garrett thanked Maronian for giving these women the tribute they deserve. He also talked about NEF’s educational initiatives leading up to the Armenian Genocide Centennial in 2015.

Following Garrett’s remarks, award-winning singer/songwriter Hooshere provided a stirring performance of songs, some of which were included in Maronian’s preceding documentary film, “Orphans of the Genocide.” She performed the following evening as well, and expressed her gratitude to Maronian and to the ARS for the opportunity to help them raise money for “Women of 1915.”

Hooshere’s performances were followed by a presentation by Bared Maronian. A four-time Emmy Award-winning documentary film-marker, Maronian presented excerpts from “Orphans of the Genocide” and explained how the film inspired his current documentary, “Women of 1915.” According to Maronian, the purpose of “Women of 1915” is two-fold: to bring to light the lesser known but equally compelling stories of compassion and humanitarian relief provided by Armenian and non-Armenian women from the U.S., Canada, and Europe; and to highlight the integral role Armenian women played in their families and communities, coupled with the courage and resolve they emulated to save their children and their Christian faith from forced Islamization. He provided a preview of key figures featured in “Women of 1915,” and thanked the attendees and the ARS for sponsoring his documentary.

The Sept. 20 fundraiser followed a similar format, with welcoming remarks by host Sandy Petropoulos, who went on to explain the influence his mother-in-law, Hasmik Goulian, had on his life and his understanding of Armenian culture history. Petropoulos introduced Nayda Voskerigian, a member of the ARS “Erebouni” Chapter and the evening’s master of ceremonies.

Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, spoke about the ARS, its mission, and its noteworthy accomplishments. Following Terterian’s remarks, Richard Sarajian, chairperson of the ARF Central Executive Board, speaking on behalf of the ARF, thanked Maronian for dedicating his professional ambitions to such a noteworthy cause and encouraged attendees to donate as generously as possible to bring his project to fruition. The evening continued with performances by Hooshere and a presentation by Maronian.

More than $16,000 was raised from both fundraisers through the generosity of the attendees and other donors. For those who were unable to attend but would like to make a donation in support of “Women of 1915,” donations can be made online by visiting www.arseastusa.org/donate and clicking on the “Women of 1915” hyperlink. Readers may also donate by mailing a check payable to “ARSEUSA” (mention “Women of 1915” in the memo) to ARS of Eastern USA, 80 Bigelow Avenue, Suite 200, Watertown, MA 02472.

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

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