SAN FRANCISCO — On November 16,
2013, the Paros Foundation’s Bay Area Committee held a successful Wine Tasting Event to raise funds for the reconstruction of the medical center in the village of Kurtan in Armenia’s Lori Region.

“Medical care in Armenia’s rural villages is in a dire condition and is in need of substantial investments for improvement,” said Bay Area Paros Committee Member, Susanna Cogswell. The residents of the village of Kurtan have no choice, but to depend this medical center for all of their family’s health care needs. Unfortunately, the center is in deplorable condition and is in need of a new roof, new windows and doors, a bathroom and a heating system.

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the beautiful San Francisco home of Drs. Donald and Martha Missirlian to sample a variety of excellent wines paired with delicious food. Sommelier Michael Perry trained and led a team of Sommeliers to inform guests of the nuances of the various wines and sample throughout the evening. Paros Committee Members Valina Agbabian, Susanna Cogswell, Rita Kablanian, Martha Missirlian, Wendi Moradian and Julie Strauch prepared the evenings cuisine and created a delightful atmosphere in which guests could enjoy themselves while learning more about the Paros Foundation’s projects and help fund the Kurtan project.

Cogswell added, “The best way to determine which projects are in the most need is to simply visit the Paros 100 for 100 website (www.parosfoundation.org), which is exactly what happened when Rick and Wendy Moradian decided to make a wine donation toward rebuilding the medical center in village of Kurtan. This triggered momentum for the Paros Bay Area Committee to rally around this initiative and organize a wine event and auction. We were able to raise the necessary funds to fully support the renovation of the medical center. It was a fun, exhilarating and rewarding experience.”

Paros Foundation Founder and Chairman, Roger Strauch was in attendance and offered his vision for the Foundation’s approach and work in Armenia. Peter Abajian, Executive Director discussed the Paros 100 for 100 initiative and specifics on several projects in need of sponsorship including the Kurtan village’s medical center. At the conclusion of the evening, Abajian announced that more than $18,000 was raised throughout the event and that renovation on the Kurtan medical center would begin in the spring.

“I would like to extend our appreciation to the Paros Foundation’s Bay Area Committee, our Sommeliers and all the guests and donors that attended and contributed. Your hard work and generosity will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the people in the village of Kurtan,” said Peter Abajian.

For more information about the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, or to sponsor a project, please visit www.paros-foundation.org. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be allocated 100% to the project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

San Francisco, CA—Recently, two new pianos were donated to the Kanakeravan Art School by the St. Johns Armenian Church parishioners and their Sayat Nova Cultural Committee.

In honor of the first year Anniversary of the ordination of the Rev. Father Mesrob Ash, the Church held a Gala Concert with proceeds benefiting the purchase of two new pianos for the Art School in the village of Kanakeravan in Armenia’s Kotayk region.  This project was selected by the Sayat Nova Cultural Committee Members through The Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity list of projects.

“Students in the village of Kanakeravan were studying piano on instruments that were in terrible condition.”  Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation; “This is the second project we were able to successfully implement at this music school thanks to the support of our generous donors and friends.”

To both the excitement of the students and teachers the new pianos were identified, purchased and delivered to the school prior to the start of the 2013-14 school year. The Paros Foundation expresses its deepest appreciation to the St. Johns Armenian Church parishioners, the Sayat Nova Cultural Committee and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Ash for working to ensure the success of this important project.

Please consider sponsoring a project in memory of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, through the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, by visiting www.parosfoundation.org.  The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be spent 100% on the project.  Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  When in Armenia, The Paros Foundation’s staff will arrange a visit to and tour of your project.
Donations can be made online at www.parosfoundation.org via credit card or check made payable to: The Paros Foundation, and mailed to:  918 Parker Street, Suite A14, Berkeley, CA  94710.