December 2010
Coinciding with the holiday season, with the help of our Partners in Armenia, made the following distributions to the orphanages: baby supplies, food, and cleaning supplies to Sisters of Charity (Spitak and Bethlehem); baby and cleaning supplies to Nork; baby supplies, cleaning supplies, and toys/games to Nubarashen; a cash donation to Zatik to assist with their pickle preparation; school supplies for SOS; new shoes for the children at Houys; fuel subsidies for the Our Lady of Armenia Center and Trchoonian Home; chairs and Christmas candy for Gavar; and beds for Vardashen (from our New England Chapter).
November 2010
On May 2, 2010, SOAR volunteers in Seattle hosted an Armenian cooking class fundraiser. Chef Lesa Sullivan taught students how to prepare a variety of Armenian cuisines:
- Armenian Pilaf (baked rice, with sautéed pasta, nuts, and dried fruit)
- Matzoun (home-made whole milk yogurt)
- Grape Leaf Sarma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, currants, and lamb)
- Spinach-Lentil Soup
- Bourma (rolled walnut and sugar strudel)
More than $600.00 was raised, and the funds were earmarked for Nork and Gavar Orphanages. For Nork, the moneys were used to purchase diapers (always needed!!!) and a new vacuum cleaner. For Gavar, the moneys were used to purchase two (2) microwaves. Thank you Seattle!
October 2010
In October 2010, SOAR received two (2) anonymous donations, earmarked specifically for Nork Orphanage, which houses children under the age of 6. One of the donations was made in the memory of Terrez Khadjehturian, by family and friends. In all, more than $1,000.00 worth of supplies were delivered, including 50 sets of linen (sheets, blankets, and pillow cases), diapers and other baby supplies, and washing/cleaning supplies. Below are pictures of the delivery. Thank you to our generous supporters!
June 2010
In June 2010, SOAR shipped nearly $5,000.00 worth of physical therapy and gym equipment to Children's Home of Gyumri. This generous donation was provided by Kelly Hunt and Steve Madden and many of their friends and family members. In October 2008, Kelly and Steve adopted their youngest daughter, Anahit, from Armenia. Anahit spent most of her first year at CHG. Their memories of the orphanage and the children who lived there, many of whom were disabled, inspired their family to raise funds to support the purchase of sensory exercise equipment and toys for their occupational and physical therapy. They collaborated with Hopscotch Adoptions and SOAR to create the fund and purchase and ship the equipment. They thank many of their friends and family members who helped support the fundraising efforts towards these purchases.
May 2010
SOAR-LA expresses gratitude and appreciation to sisters: Lily Balasanyan and Ani Gafafyan, of Envy Salon and Spa in Studio City, CA, for hosting a very successful fundraising event for the orphaned Armenian children, on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. Envy salon hairdressers: Ani Gafafyan, Gayan Chivichyan, Angela Matadaryan, Helen Chaldranian and others donated their time and services and provided free hair cut and blow dry (valued $80) to all attendees. Participants in turn generously donated to SOAR-LA in support of the 1500+ orphaned Armenian children living in 14 orphanages in Armenia and Artsakh.
Helping children has always been Lily’s and Ani’s passion who continue their support of SOAR-LA and its mission in providing humanitarian relief and aid.
We appreciate Envy Salon’s selfless act and generosity, hoping that it will inspire other businesses and organizations to do the same.
In April 2010, SOAR we received an emergency request from Kharberd Orphanage to purchase 13 commodes for the physically and mentally challenged children who reside there. Immediately after receiving the request from Kharperd, we contacted the Jerrehian Foundation and inquired about funding for this project. Within only a few days, we had received a $2,000 check from the Foundation to cover this expense. The commodes were purchased shortly thereafter. We extend extreme gratitude to the Jerrehian Foundation, specifically Dean Jerrehian and Amy Jerrehian, for their generosity and their expeditious response to our request! Below are two pictures from the delivery of the commodes and a thank you letter from Kharberd's Director
