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The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to go directly towards projects and supported organizations.

Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Category: Paros Blog

Paros Blog

WE MUST ACT NOW!

Photos courtesy of AFP – Aris Messinis

Surprise, Surprise — Not many of us in the Armenian community were surprised to learn that within minutes Azerbaijan for the third time broke the humanitarian ceasefire set to take effect this past Monday morning, which this time was brokered by the United States.  While Azerbaijan and Turkey laugh and snub their noses at the efforts of Russia, Europe and the United States to reach a humanitarian ceasefire, more than 100,000 Armenian civilians are displaced creating a humanitarian crisis and more than 1,000 of our heroes have been martyred defending our homeland.  Azerbaijan’s actions combined with Turkey’s support cannot go unchecked. WE MUST ACT NOW.

Here is what you must do immediately:

  1. Call both of your US Senators and demand them to support immediate sanctions on Azerbaijan and Turkey and to cut all military assistance to both countries. Recep Erdogan, Turkey’s dictator has publicly taunted the US to sanction Turkey! If you have already called your senators, call your friends and family and have them call too.
    To find your Senator, visit:
    https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
  2. Call your US Representative and ask them to support H.Res. 1203 which recognizes the Republic of Artsakh.  Artsakh’s recognition by the international community as an independent Country must take place. If you have already called, please call your family and friends and have them call their member of congress too.
    To find your Congressman, visit:
    https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
  3. Donate to Armenia Fund.  Armenia and Artsakh are facing a humanitarian crisis because of Azerbaijan’s attack.  The onset of winter and spiking Covid-19 numbers only make this situation more dire. Please donate generously.  If you have already donated, please work to raise funds from your family and friends to support the life-saving work of Armenia Fund.  Donate now at www.armeniafund.org

Azerbaijan and Turkey have made it perfectly clear that they intend on fighting until no Armenians are left in Artsakh and possibly even Armenia.  We must continue to rally the 10 million strong diaspora into a new global Armenian army to fight for our right to survive.  Please act now,  again tomorrow, the next day, until Azerbaijan and Turkey agree to allow Armenia and Artsakh to live in peace.

Paros Blog

Help Provide #HeatForOurHeroes

The defenders of our homeland need our help! As the weather gets colder and the war with Azerbaijan continues, thousands of volunteers have enlisted to help–and they need warm, quality winter coats.

Our goal is to supply a minimum of 1,000 coats via air freight to Armenia in the coming weeks. Please consider making a $75 donation to help us purchase a warm winter coat, liner and cover shipping toArmenia. This is an urgent and time sensitive need.

Let’s work together to reach our goal and provide over 1,000 heroes with coats this coming week!

 

Paros Blog

Together we raised $100,000 for ArmeniaFund!

With your generous support, and that of the generous anonymous support of those donors who established and increased the challenge match, we raised $100,000 for the Armenia Fund!

Make no mistake, our fight has just begun. On October 10th, a humanitarian ceasefire was brokered in Moscow between Armenian and Azerbaijan. It is unclear if this ceasefire will stick, or only be used as an excuse to give Azerbaijan a chance to regroup.  The Armenian Defense Ministry was announcing heavy attacks on civilians in Hadrut beginning 30 minutes after the start of the agreed upon time.  Drone strikes also took place in Armenia’s Syunik region’s Yeritsvank village.

Once the attacks have stopped, we will turn our attention to the task of rebuilding these communities.  In the coming days we will extend our Emergency Reconstruction Fund that was established in July following the brutal attacks against civilian communities in Armenia’s Tavush Region to help address the monumental task ahead of our community in rebuilding Artaskh.

We must remain active and support the aggressive effort spearheaded by the Armenian National Committee and Armenian Assembly to cut all military aid to Azerbaijan and Turkey along with their other critical initiatives.

This war is being fought on the battlefield, in the media and in diplomatic circles and we must do whatever we can to win.  

Paros Blog

$50,000 Challenge Grant For Artsakh

50000 Matching Grant challenge for Artsakh

Help us meet our match! We have received a challenge grant from an anonymous donor, who is matching donations up to $25,000, which will allow us to donate $50,000 to Armenia Fund in support of Artsakh with your help!

*Only donations made through our website will be matched. Please use the link above to donate. 

The Azeri attack on civilian targets throughout Artsakh and parts of Armenia have created a humanitarian crisis. Turkey’s involvement, and that of confirmed jihadist fighters threatens the Armenian nation’s existence.  The time is now to support Armenia and Artsakh’s humanitarian needs by joining the worldwide effort to support Armenia Fund.  Donate now and donate generously to help our brothers and sisters in this time of need.

All donations made through this link will be matched up to $25,000 regardless of the amount.  Please visit our website to donate or mail checks to the following address with a note saying “challenge grant”:

The Paros Foundation
2217 5th Street
Berkeley, CA  94710

Funds from this challenge grant will be donated to support Armenia Fund in their entirety.  For more information about this effort, please contact (310) 400-9061 or email:  info@parosfoundation.org.

Paros Blog

Armenia, we are with you ✊

Dear Friends:

As you are reading this brief update, our brothers and sisters in Artsakh and in parts of Armenia are under heavy artillery attack by the Azeris. Official sources have acknowledged at least 200 Armenian casualties including civilians. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in a statement released earlier today said that this battle is not about land or territory, it is about the elimination of the Armenian people.

Reports have been released by the Armenian and Artsakh Governments that Turkey has recruited upwards of 4,000 Syrian mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan. In addition, American made, Turkish deployed F-16s are attacking targets in Artsakh and Armenia proper. In fact, it is reported that Turkey is now leading Azerbaijan’s air campaign from Kars and Erzurum. The Armenian Government reports that 150 high ranking Turkish soldiers are on the ground in Azerbaijan coordinating attacks.

Civilian populations in Stepanakert, Martakert, Martuni and Hadrut have come under attack. Civilians in Armenia’s Vardenis and surrounding villages have also been shelled. Two French journalists have been injured (one of them in critical condition) as a result of the Azeri attacks. In addition to the tragic loss of life, homes and infrastructure in these communities have been significantly damaged. Azeri surveillance drones made their way all the way to Armenia’s Kotayk Region just outside of Yerevan before they were shot down.

The OSCE Co-Chairs of Russia, France and the United States have called upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and loss of life and return to the negotiation table. Azerbaijan has refused and Turkey has publicly stated that they wish Azerbaijan will fight on until Artsakh is Armenian free. Russia and Iran have both offered to help facilitate peace talks. The US Congress has introduced a Resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s attack.

What must you do?

1. Visit the Armenian Assembly & Armenian National Committee’s Websites

Send letters and make phone calls to your elected officials to support the Resolution in Congress and immediately cut military assistance to Azerbaijan and sanction Turkey for their actions.

2. Donate to the All Armenia Fund.

The Governments of Armenia and Artsakh have asked the entire diaspora to NOT start individual fundraising efforts, but to rally around the All Armenia Fund and make all donations to this organization. Please visit www.armeniafund.org to make your donation.

According to consolidated media reports, almost 3,000 people have been killed on the Azeri side, and they have sustained more than 3,300 injuries. Armenian forces have destroyed 114 drones, 14 helicopters, 247 Tanks and armored vehicles, 3 TOS systems, 1 smerch system and 11 aircrafts since the start of the attack.

It is our hope that a ceasefire can be quickly reached to prevent further loss of life among our brothers and sister and at that point, we will determine how best to help rebuild. Please act now!

Paros Blog

They Destroy. We Rebuild, BETTER!

Emma A. and her son, Vartan, live in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. On the morning of July 12, the Azeri’s launched a cross border attack on the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region utilizing attack drones, tanks and other heavy artillery. Although the Azeris ultimately lost control of strategic military posts to the Armenian defense forces, a considerable amount of damage was inflicted upon the villages of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar, Movses and Chinari.

In response to this assault, The Paros Foundation immediately committed to improving these villagers’ homes well beyond the damage sustained during this recent shelling. Work to rebuild Emma’s home began more than two weeks ago, thanks to the on-going generosity and sponsorship of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family, who have adopted this important border village and made major investments in its infrastructure since 2012.

No one should underestimate our resolve standing with our villages; for every house the enemy destroys, we will build 10 new homes.

– Jean-Marie Atamian

To support other home and infrastructure improvements in these border communities that were attacked by Azerbaijan, The Paros Foundation created the Emergency Reconstruction Fund. In addition to completing the repairs to the damaged Aygepar kindergarten, other residential projects in the neighboring border village of Aygepar will be addressed with monies raised from the Emergency Reconstruction Fund. #RebuildingTheBorder

Paros Blog

Reconstruction of the Damaged Aygepar Kindergarten is Complete!

Aygepar Kindergarten reconstructed after being shelled.

We are pleased to announce the reconstruction on the Aygepar Kindergarten in the Tavush region is now complete! With the quick support of our diasporan communities we were able to survey the damage and begin reconstructing days after the destruction occurred by Azeri forces. As we acknowledge this milestone, we look forward to our continued efforts in this region as we continue to #RebuildTheBorder through our Emergency Reconstruction Fund. Join us as we keep making a positive impact for these brave border communities.

 

 

The children of Aygepar thank you all for rebuilding their school & community!
Paros Blog

Join our efforts to continue the SERVICE Armenia 2020 project

We are sad the SERVICE Armenia 2020 trip won’t be happening this year, but we wanted to still make a positive impact and continue with the project for this summer, renovating the Drakhtik Village School. In an effort to raise money for the SERVICE Armenia project, we will be holding a fundraiser with new SERVICE Armenia shirts!

Proceeds from this t-shirt fundraiser go towards the renovation of the Drakhtik School. 
We are accepting donations of any amount.

Order Now

 

 

Why Drakhtik?
Drakhtik Village is home to almost 1,100 people, with 160 students who attend the school. It is located in one of the most isolated and poverty-stricken areas of Armenia’s Gegharkunik region, along the northern shore of Lake Sevan. The village’s school is in very poor condition. It needs to have seismic upgrades made to parts of the building, along with a complete interior remodel including the school’s roof, windows, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. This is a large project that we hope we will be able to begin this summer. Please consider supporting this important project with a donation of any amount.

 
 
 
Paros Blog

How Paros is #FeedingArmenia Through COVID-19

Berkeley, CA— With stay-at-home orders in place for communities throughout Armenia, The Paros Foundation has risen to the challenge of helping feed Armenia’s elderly, at-risk and impoverished populations.

In the Berd Consolidated Communities, which is comprised of 17 towns and villages in Armenia’s North Eastern border with Azerbaijan, The Paros Foundation responded to an urgent need for food packets to be distributed to 800 elderly and disabled residents in these communities. With financial support from the Armenian diaspora, Paros staff quickly contracted with food suppliers to get the food staples delivered to the Berd municipality where staff and volunteers coordinated this massive distribution effort. This process has been repeated twice to date.

Food packages for the families of children at the Debi Arach Children Center ready for distribution.

When the spread of Covid-19 closed schools throughout Armenia, the staff at the Debi Arach Children’s Center took similar safety precautions and closed its doors temporarily. This, however, created another problem. Many of the children that attend this academically focused after school program count on the nutrition they receive as their main meal of the day. The Paros Staff worked closely with leadership at the Debi Arach Children’s Center to prepare and distribute food packets based on the number of children in each household to all the Debi Arach families. This process has been repeated twice to date.

“We launched the #FeedingArmenia campaign to immediately respond to this important need,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “Our next challenge is how to reopen and operate centers like Debi Arach in a safe and effective manner, while staying true to its core mission. While this challenge presents itself to every organizations, I am proud of the fact that our team is already engaged in these discussions and planning.”

An elderly resident of Tavush’s Verin Tsakhavan Village receives a food packet distribution.

In the town of Nor Geghi, the mayor led an effort to provide food support for his town’s elderly and at risk population. With support from the Nor Keghi Association and its Detroit-based leadership and members, 25 families in need received a large food pack to support them for approximately one month.

Armenia’s current stay-at-home order is slowly being lifted, and the hope is that the virus will not spread, but it is unclear when the need for #FeedingArmenia will cease. While much still remains uncertain, one thing is becoming clearer—Armenia will reopen to a new reality. Masks, greater personal space and distancing and enhanced personal hygiene will all become part of Armenia’s future. To support #FeedingArmenia, or other projects of The Paros Foundation, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

Paros Blog

2020 Cares Act & Charitable Giving

As stimulus checks start going out and new tax law is in place, we have received a few questions on how this affects your charitable giving in 2020. With the help of The Paros Foundation friend and donor, Eric Nikssarian, CFP® a wealth advisor with EP Wealth Advisors, we were able to understand some of these changes.

Here are a few things you should know…
  • One of the rules that can directly affect your charitable giving is that you can now donate up to $300 ($600 for joint filers) to The Paros Foundation or any bona fide 501(c)3 organization and deduct it above-the-line on your tax return in 2020 directly lowering your taxable income. This new rule is available for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions in 2020. *Please note this rule change is only in effect for 2020 and donations to a Donor Advised Fund do not count for this deduction.
  • For those that are itemizing, charitable deduction limits have increased from 60% of adjusted gross income to 100% of adjusted gross income for 2020 only. Charitable deduction limits for corporations have also increased to 25% of their taxable income, up from 10% for 2020 only.  *Please note donations made to Donor Advised Funds again do not count for this incentive. Be advised if you plan to donate property, securities, and other non-cash assets that they may not qualify.
  • Lastly, required minimum distributions have been waived for 2020 in most cases. However, individuals who want to donate from their IRA can still make qualified charitable distributions to 501(c)3 organizations, even though there is no incentive to do so.

The silver lining to these trying times is that we can still make a positive impact. If you have any questions about donations feel free to direct your questions to Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. If you’d like to contact Paros friend Eric Nikssarian, CFP®, a Wealth Advisor at EP Wealth Advisors, you can email him at enikssarian@epwealth.com.