PRESS RELEASE
ARS of Western USA, Inc.
Regional Office
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel: 818-500-1343
Fax: 818-242-3732
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web:
FB:
Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Regional Executive
ARS-WUSA Donates 304 Pajamas to City of Hope Hospital
Embarking on a special project this year, the ARS of Western USA
donated 304 pajamas tothe City of Hope hospital in Duarte, CA to
benefit thehospital’s 13th annual Pajama Party, which is hosted by the
Desi Geestman Foundation, for pediatric cancerpatients.
Thanks to donations from companies such as Ross Stores, Inc. and
Jockey, as well as the support of chapters and individual members,
ARS-WUSA collected the pajamas, which where then distributedduring the
Pajama Party on December 9, 2011, with the presence of ARS
representatives.
Alongside the ARS, 27 foundations, police and fire departments,
schools, and other volunteers brought their participation to this
worthwhile event.
ARS-WUSA Hosts Christmas Luncheon at Glendale Salvation Army
The ARS-WUSA extended its role in helping the community by hosting
a Christmas luncheon at the Glendale Salvation Army on December 23,
2011. Approximately 200 low income persons and families, seniors, and
the homeless enjoyed a free holiday meal, which was prepared and
served by over 20 ARS members, including ARS Central Executive
Chairperson Vicky Marashlian, Regional Executive Board Chairperson
Dr. Nyree Derderian, board and chapter members, as well as
staff. Members from various chapters contributed funds for the
luncheon, including many retirees with limited income.
Those in need of a warm meal took great pleasure from the
assortment of foods and refreshments.This luncheon was not the only
way that ARS members contributed to Salvation Army clients this
Christmas season. In Los Angeles and Orange Counties,ARS chapters took
part in food drives with other community organizations.
Given the need that exists throughout the community and the
heartwarming memories from the experience, the ARS will continue its
close affiliation with the Salvation Army in support of such
beneficial projects.
Regional Executive Heads to Arizona
On December 2, 2011, ARS Regional Executive Board members departed
for Phoenix, Arizona to visit the ARS “Ararat” Chapter and its
Saturday School. The trip allowed the opportunity for Board members to
meet with the executive and chapter members, as well as familiarize
themselves more closely with the work and activitiesof the school.
Winter Wonderland 2012
Saturday, January 14 (11 am – 10 pm)& Sunday, January 15 (10 am – 10
pm) at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 500 S. Central Ave.,
Glendale, CA 91204
Admission for One Day: $3; Admission for Both Days: $5; Discount
Game Packages AreAvailable
Enjoy Snow, Arcade and Toy Centers, Games and Rides for Kids of All
Ages, Magician, International Dance Festival and Good Food!
Saturday School parents photographtheir children
Christmas Celebrated at ARSSchools
It is the season that the ARS Saturday and One Day Schools, and Day
Cares celebrate Christmas, as children are taught the Armenian
traditions.
During the past week,children performed Christmas carols and
recited poems, while parents took pride in saving the memories to
digital film.
Celebrating the City of Burbank’s Centennial
ARS-WUSA representatives joined the Armenian National Committee of
Burbank in a celebration of the City of Burbank’s 100th
anniversary. Held on December 7, 2011 at Arbat Banquet Hall, the event
was also attended to by city officials, including Burbank City Mayor
Jess Talamantes, as well asother local organizations,in support ofthis
milestone.
ARS Javakhk Fund Starts Coin Bank Preparations with Help of AYF
Special thanks to the AYF Glendale “Roupen” and La Crescenta
“Zartonk” Chapter members, including Gasia Boghigian, Naz Papazian,
Yeprem Chavdarian, Palig Kodjanian, Verginie Touloumian, and Aleena
Sivazlian, who volunteered to prepare the coin banks, which are
distributed annually to students of Armenian schools as part of the
ARS Javakhk Fund Committee’s fundraising efforts to benefit ARS Youth
Centers in Javakhk (Georgia).
ARS “Gars” Chapter Enjoys Holiday Season with Christmas Luncheon
ARS Santa Monica “Gars” Chapter members and guests gathered at the
Bistro Garden at Coldwater on December 7, 2011 for a festive and
lively Christmas luncheon.Over 150 guests enjoyed the luncheon program
and musical entertainment. Part of the proceeds from the chapter’s
event will benefit children with speech disorders in Yerevan, Armenia
(schoolno. 8).
Qoute: “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an
environment where excellence is expected.” ~ Steve Jobs
Save these Dates for Regional Programs
Hindoyan Christmas Party To Benefit the Youth Forum: December 28, 2011
at 7 pm; Contact (818) 500-1343
March 17, 2012: LA 5K Run/Walk
March 18, 2012: LA Marathon
March 18, 2012: Javakhk Fund Cruise
April 27, 2012: ARS Banquet
May 5-6, 2012: 11th Annual ARS Day & Armenian Festival