BERKELEY, CA—Thanks to the generosity of Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian and their family, the Grigoryan family of Gyumri moved from their “domik” to a new apartment through The Paros Foundation’s “Purchase a Home Project.” Over a ten day period in July 2015, the Grigoryan’s domik was dismantled, the land cleared and the family moved into a two bedroom apartment. The land, where their domik has been situated for 25 years, was returned to the adjacent school as part of an agreement with the school and city, and will be used by the school once more.

“It is a great day in Gyumri when another family can leave behind the desperation of “domik” living and move into a clean, safe and beautiful apartment,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “I would like to especially thank Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian and their family for their generous support to purchase a quality two-bedroom apartment for the Grigoryans.”

At the conclusion of a strict screening process, and confirmation that the Grigoryans qualified for an apartment through the “Purchase a Home” project, Paros Foundation staff, along with Paros Foundation partner, the Shirak Centre NGO, identified and purchased the apartment.  New kitchen cabinets and appliances were purchased then installed making their new home complete.

“We have only been in our new home for ten days, and we already feel like real people,”  said Armine Grigoryan, wife and mother of two.  “I wish for the day that no one is left living in a domik in Gyumri.”

Following the Grigoryan’s move, their old domik was dismantled and wood taken from the salvage has been stored for distribution to other domik families to use for heating and cooking fuel this winter. The metal and other construction materials were sold for scrap and above average wages were paid to locals who worked to tear down this domik.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses so that 100% of the Atamian contribution was allocated to this project.  This is the second family to benefit from the “Purchase a Home” project.  The Paros Foundation continues to raise funds to support the plight of other domik families in Gyumri.  To help this effort or another project of the Paros Foundation’s Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor a project and for more information about how to get involved, please visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

Agoura Hills, CA—On Sunday, August 9, Hilltop Dental served as the venue for a lovely evening of refreshments and fellowship benefitting the Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Special Children’s Center. The Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund, established and maintained through The Paros Foundation, has partnered with Dr. George Apelian to both support and help raise needed funding to maintain the ongoing free dental services the clinic provides to almost 1,000 patients annually.

“Through Marc’s Fund, I am very proud to support Dr. Apelian’s work to benefit the children at the Prkutyun Center in Armenia.” Said Esther Tognozzi, Marc’s mother “Dr. Apelian established this clinic 10 years ago and we hope to work together to raise the support necessary to ensure its success well into the future.”

The Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Special Children’s Center is named after George Apelian, Jr. and provides free dental services to more than 1,000 children of the center and their families who meet the financial guidelines established by the Center. The Center is currently in need of funding to replace its x-ray machine and operating funding to ensure operations through the end of 2015.

The Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund was established in 2013 following the untimely passing of Marc Tognozzi. In an effort to find solace in creating some good from this terrible tragedy, the Tognozzi family partnered with The Paros Foundation to create The Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund to implement valuable projects in Armenia.

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.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia with contributions of quality rent-free program space, operating funds and human resource support. To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia. To donate, or for more information, visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Proceeds to Benefit Verin Tsakhkavan Medical Center and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center

San Francisco, CA–On January 24, 2015 The Bay Area Paros Committee hosted their 2nd annual wine tasting fundraiser. The Sip, Savor and Share event raised funds for two important Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity; the creation of a math and science lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center and the reconstruction of a medical center in the village of Verin Tsakhkavan located in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region.

Proceeds from a similar fundraising event in 2013 were used to renovate the Kurtan Medical Center, and several committee members visited Kurtan for its official opening in June 2014. “The committee was excited to be able to raise funds for yet another medical center in Armenia. Witnessing the positive impact of a fully functioning medical clinic on the residents of Kurtan increased our sense of urgency to support more medical projects like Verin Tsakhkavan,” said Bay Area Paros Committee Member, Valina Agbabian. The residents of Verin Tsakhkavan live in a remote and isolated area. Their medical center serves more than 800 patients annually including more than 200 children. The medical center will be partially reconstructed including heating and water installation and will receive updated equipment and medical supplies to better serve their patients.

Proceeds from this year’s wine event will also fund the creation of a math and science lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Yerevan. The goal of the math and science lab is to provide after school science and math enrichment for at risk children who do not otherwise have access to such classes. The lab will be equipped with science lab supplies, and proceeds will also pay the salary of a science teacher. There will be computer science classes and math tutoring. Hopefully, these enrichment opportunities will both stimulate creativity and provide necessary skills for these children to be successful. “My wife Wendi and I are pleased to participate in an effort to expand upon the important work of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center with this science lab,” said Rubik Moradian, Bay Area Paros Committee member and key event sponsor.

Fifty guests spent the evening tasting French, California and Armenian wines at the home of Roger Strauch and Julie Kulhanjian. Rubik and Wendi Moradian generously donated the French and California wines. Armenian wines were also featured and included wines from ArMas winery, which donated their wines, and wines from Zorah and Karas. Later, sauternes and the ever-popular Ararat Nairi cognac were served with desserts and cheese. Paros Committee members worked and prepared delicious food to complement the excellent wines. Professional sommelier Michael Perry provided a particularly wonderful flair to the evening’s wine tasting and the silent auction that followed. Bay Area Paros Committee members include Valina Agbabian, Suzanna Cogswell, Laura Conrow, Rita Kablanian, Martha Missirlian, Rick & Wendi Moradian and Julie Kulhanjian Strauch.

During a short formal presentation, Roger Strauch, Paros Foundation Founder and Chairman, welcomed guests, recognized organizations, supporters and friends, and presented the Foundation’s vision for the future. Guests also learned more about The Paros Foundation and its projects, the foundation’s future goals and volunteer opportunities from Executive Director, Peter Abajian.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses associated with both projects allowing all contributions to be allocated 100% to these projects.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity or to find out how you can help fundraise, please visit  www.parosfoundation.org.

Armavir Region, Armenia—Building upon its 2013 successes, The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2014 group continued renovation of the Hatsik village school. With the generous support of donors and SERVICE Armenia volunteers, five additional classrooms, the corridor and one additional restroom were renovated during summer 2014. Five classrooms and two restrooms at the school had previously undergone renovation during the 2013 SERVICE Armenia program.  Hatsik school renovation is one of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, an initiative aimed at commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by implementing 100 special projects in the homeland. To date 76 projects have been funded of which 56 are complete since the fall of 2012.

The upgrades to the classrooms include new doors and windows, laminate and tile flooring, chalkboards, window blinds, electrical upgrades and renovated desks. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing 100% of donor contributions to go directly to this project. The local Hatsik community has joined the effort by providing volunteer labor and as well as contributing financially to the purchase of window treatments and electrical materials.

“We are actively seeking a donor or donors to sponsor the renovation of the school gymnasium which would complete the final phase of the Hatsik School,” said Peter Abajian, Paros Foundation Executive Director. “We are hoping to raise these funds in time to complete the gym during our SERVICE Armenia 2015 program this summer.”

The Paros Foundation established SERVICE Armenia to provide young people between the ages of 16 and 24 with the opportunity to experience Armenia in a positive, productive, and fun way. Participants spend one month working on a variety of projects and touring Armenia and Artsakh, while developing life long friendships. Applications for this summer’s program are currently available.

To participate in SERVICE Armenia, to sponsor the Hatsik gym or other projects, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor a project and for more information about how to get involved, please visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

BERKELEY, CA—Applications are now available for The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2015 Program. The Program will run from June 22 to July 23, 2015 and enables young people to travel and tour Armenia and Artsakh, while engaging in meaningful service projects benefiting Armenia and her people.

“I am looking forward to a fun and successful SERVICE Armenia 2015 program this summer.” Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “It is quite exciting to see students from throughout the country develop friendships with one another while working on meaningful service projects in Armenia.”

Throughout the Program, participants will tour historic, religious and cultural sites in Armenia and Artsakh with experienced, English speaking staff and guides. Safe and well located accommodations and transportation combined with interesting cultural and educational activities will ensure all will have an engaging and memorable experience. The program is open to both Armenian and American young people wishing to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Knowledge of the Armenian language is not required. Join us and create a lifetime of great memories and friends. The deadline to submit the completed application is April 1, 2015.

“I had such an amazing experience and made so many friends with SERVICE Armenia, that I cannot wait to go back to back!” Said Vanna Kizirian, SERVICE Armenia 2014 Participant.

More information including photos, video and the application form can be found at https://www.parosfoundation.org. For more information, please contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061 or via E-mail peter@parosfoundation.org.

CENTER FUNDED THROUGH THE DADOURIAN FOUNDATION

Yerevan, Armenia
On October 27, the second Ghoghanj Children’s Center opened its doors in the community of Nor Nork. The beautiful new center will provide “at-risk” children with the opportunity to learn and thrive in afterschool and summer school enrichment programs free of charge. This important project was sponsored by the New York based Dadourian Foundation through The Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. To date 74 Paros projects have been completed or are in progress.

The new center in Nor Nork is modeled after the first Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in central Yerevan. The first center has been operating since 2004 under the leadership and vision of its founder and director, Diana Grigoryan. She and her professional and dedicated teaching staff have provided over 400 children with countless hours of mentorship, counseling and tutoring aimed at academic success.

“Our mission is to help children who come from very poor families, often times from single parent households, who are not likely to receive proper supervision at home,” said Diana Grigoryan. “Children are nurtured through our programs with the goal of helping them reach their dreams.” The Ghoghanj Children’s Center has achieved many successes including helping 13 of the center’s previous students attend and graduate from college.

Recently, the need for a second center was identified in order to help more “at-risk” children in yet another neighborhood. The new center will provide several core classes including English, Russian, Computer, Design, Painting, Theater and Dance and can accommodate 100 children. The goal of this project is to broaden the services offered to socially vulnerable children and families and to provide them with the proper support and guidance needed to excel in school and become self-confident and successful young adults.

“The decision to establish a center in Nor Nork was made with consideration for the large number of economically challenged families and children who could benefit from their services,” said Roger Strauch, Paros Foundation Chairman and Founder, who visited and evaluated the new center in early December.

The building, which houses the Nor Nork Ghoghanj Center, is located in a commercial plaza and is close to the street and public transportation. The building required minor upgrades. Furniture and supplies were also purchased with the Dadourian Foundation donation.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with this project, allowing 100% of the Dadourian Foundation’s contribution to be allocated to the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Nor Nork. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in 2011 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising, and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia. For more information and to get involved visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

To sponsor a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor a project and for more information about how to get involved, please visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

Armenia–What do computer classes for children, new traditional Armenian dance costumes, and a photo exhibit of Armenian women have in common? All three are the latest projects completed through the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, bring the total number of projects completed or in progress to 69.

While children in the villages of Lanjik and Torosgyugh in Armenia’s Shirak region have been fortunate enough to participate in local dance ensembles, they have lacked their own costumes. Upon learning of this need through the Paros website, Nairi Balian and her family immediately decided to help make these children’s dreams a reality. Mrs. Balian had been in an Armenian dance group during her childhood an
d appreciates how important costumes are to children’s motivation and enthusiasm. Through the Balian family sponsorship, 30 village children received two sets of costumes and a pair of dance shoes.

On August 16, both communities came together and organized a one of a kind dance concert in celebration of the costumes. “Receiving their own new dance costumes and shoes was a dream come true for these children! It has truly been a unifying experience for the entire village,” said Gohar Markosyan, President of the “Women f
or Development” NGO, who oversaw the design and manufacturing of the costumes.

In Yerevan, children attending the Ghoghanj Children’s Center benefited through another important project, the implementation of computer and associated Internet instruction. Founded in 2003, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center works with vulnerable “at-risk” children and their families to help them overcome social, psychological, and legal issues, and it provides proper support and guidance for the children so they can excel in school.

“We are so grateful to have secured funding for our computer and internet courses. Many of our students have had absolutely no
access to computers and Internet usage outside of Ghoghanj, ” said Diana Grigoryan, Director of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.

This project received funding through donations made in honor of Maroush Dekermenjian’s birthday. It was Ms. Dekermenjian’s birthday wish to give back to children in Armenia. Now students at the Ghoghanj Center will develop new innovative skills that will positively impact both their schooling and hopefully future careers.

On July 23, Christina Cherekdjian’s Paros 100 for 100 Project came to life with the opening of the Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit in Yerevan, Armenia. The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit sheds light on the role of women in Armenia. Christina, a high school student from Campbell, California, spearheaded this project. Her interest in women’s issues prompted her to apply and win a grant through her school to initiate this important project.

The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit is comprised of a series of photographs taken by Christina and several of her peers during The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE-Armenia 2014 trip this summer. The photographs feature women of different ages and socio-economic backgrounds, and from rural and urban environments throughout Armenia.

“The photos tell interesting stories about the role of women in modern day Armenia,” explained Christina. “As we traveled and worked throughout Armenia and Artsakh, we witnessed the many challenges faced by women in their everyday lives, and we tried to capture these moments in the photos.”

The exhibit, comprised of more than 40 large format photographs, began its tour at the Narekatsi Art Center in Armenia during September 2014 and will be showcased throughout Armenia and the United States over the course of the next year.
The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with these projects allowing all contributions to be allocated 100% to this project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia. For more information and to get involved visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

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Armenia’s First Security Wall Built at the Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur Kindergarten.

Tavush Region, Armenia–The village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, located in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region celebrated the re-opening of its kindergarten on August 31, 2014 following the complete renovation undertaken by The Paros Foundation. The project was generously sponsored by the New York based Atamian Family through The Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is home to 1,380 brave residents. During the conflict with Azerbaijan, it was the single most damaged Armenian village, losing nearly 400 homes to the devastation. Today, this community still lives with the risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. 70% of their land remains uncultivated due to the dangers of farming on the border. Little opportunities remain for residents, making unemployment and migration a huge problem. Village children are among those greatly affected by these dangerous living conditions. For years the kindergarten could only serve 25 village children due to its poor physical condition and location, with part of the building and playground being exposed to Azerbaijan.

“The beautiful children of this village deserve to start their education in a safe and warm environment that is conductive to learning. This is one of the most attractive school renovations I’ve seen anywhere in Armenia,” said sponsor Jean-Marie Atamian. “Several years ago my family decided to invest in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur because of the strategic and economic importance of the village. Our border villages protect Armenia’s territorial integrity and secure the country’s food supply. Accordingly, we feel that it is absolutely critical for the residents of our villages know that they are not alone and that the diaspora stands with them in their fight to safeguard Armenia.”

The renovation of the kindergarten, a two story 4,600 square foot building, included a new roof, doors and windows, flooring, heating system, restroom, plumbing, electrical and staircase. The facility was also completely painted with attractive wall murals and was furnished with beds and closets for the children. Substantial repairs were also made to the building’s foundation and first floor to repair damage sustained from Azeri shelling. The project included the construction of Armenia’s first “security wall,” a cement, steel and stone wall which surrounds the renovated playground and protects the children from being easy targets while they play and attend school. As a result of the renovation and building modifications, 50 children can now attend the kindergarten safely.

During renovations, Azeri sniper fire continued and damaged several parts of the building, including a newly replaced water pipe, the roof and gutters, a bold reminder of how tenuous the situation remains, and that we must continue to support and invest in the residents of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

“My parents, George and Ines Atamian, inspired us to help build a prosperous nation for future generations. Having now completed the renovation of the medical clinic and nursery school we will move on to equally important projects in this village. We urge everyone to join the extraordinary work being carried out by The Paros Foundation by financing similar infrastructure projects in Armenia’s other border villages,” said Atamian.

“On behalf of the Paros Foundation we extend our deepest gratitude to Jean-Marie Atamian and his family for their continued support of our projects and this border village,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with this project, allowing 100% of the Atamian Family’s contribution to be allocated to the kindergarten.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor an orphanage excursion, or other project and for more information about how to get involved, visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit  www.parosfoundation.org.

Yerevan, Armenia
While orphanages in Armenia do their best to provide children with basic care and necessities, their limited funding does not allow for outside visits to museums, amusement parks, and other fun excursions. During this summer of 2014, with the support of several donors, The Paros Foundation hosted several enjoyable daytrips for over 120 children from three of Armenia’s orphanages. Children from the Yerevan Children’s Home and the Gavar Orphanage were treated to a day at the Yerevan Zoo, while children from the Kharpert Home For Special Children spent an afternoon at Victory Park. Project donors, volunteers, and the wonderful youth of the SERVICE Armenia 2014 group were responsible for planning and executing these fun and exciting trips.

“Spending the day with these amazing children and helping to put smiles on their faces was both humbling and rewarding,” said Laura Kulhanjian Conrow, whose family sponsored and participated in these excursions during their first family trip to Hayastan.

At the zoo, the children spent hours feeding and admiring the animals, while the children at Victory Park enjoyed the rides, as they played and danced with their new friends. Both groups had a short break for refreshments.

Since 2011, The Paros Foundation has successfully organized a total of nine orphan excursions in Armenia. These projects help these children receive much needed social interaction, and they ensure that the children have some fun and memorable experiences.
“With projects such as these, we can bring more awareness about the high number of orphans and orphanages that still exist in Armenia, ” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the Paros Foundation. ” We all hope that one day Armenia will no longer need orphanages, but until that day comes, we should all we can to lessen the emotional struggles which these children live with every day.”

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with these excursions, thus allowing 100% of the contributions to be allocated to these projects. The Paros Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for making these excursions possible:

Chris & Lena Adishian
Catherine & Lauren Conrow
Adam & Rita Kablanian “In Memory of Angela Varderesyan”
Keith & Heghnar Watenpaugh

In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to the staff and administration of both the Yerevan Zoo and Victory Park for their continued support and accomodation.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor an orphanage excursion, or other project and for more information about how to get involved, visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

KURTAN, ARMENIA—On June 30, 2014, the Kurtan village Medical Center re-opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony following a complete renovation of the facility. The renovation was funded through a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity with funds raised by the Bay Area Paros Committee during their November 2013 Wine Tasting event.

Thanks to the generosity of Rick and Wendy Moradian, who donated all the exceptional wines for this event, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the beautiful San Francisco home of Drs. Donald and Martha Missirlian to sample wines paired with delicious food. Paros Committee members Valina Agbabian, Susanna Cogswell, Rita Kablanian, Martha Missirlian, Wendi Moradian and Julie Strauch prepared the cuisine and created a delightful atmosphere in which guests both enjoyed themselves and learned more about the Paros Foundation’s projects including the Kurtan project.

“It was so very satisfying to witness firsthand the completion of this project,” said Martha Missirlian, who was present in June at the opening. “I am confident all the donors who contributed so generously at our event will take pride in knowing that the Medical Center was renovated both quickly and to a high quality.”

Tigran Badoyan, the Deputy Governor of the Lori Region, attended the ribbon cutting and offered both his appreciation to the Paros Foundation and his ongoing support for future projects in both Kurtan and the Lori Region. Mher Gevorgyan, the Mayor of Kurtan, also expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Medical Center staff and the residents of the village.

The renovation of the Medical Center consisted of installing a new roof, new doors and windows, new flooring, new electrical, a new bathroom and repairs to the walls and ceiling.

“The completion of this project represents a successful partnership between the Diaspora and the village of Kurtan,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the Paros Foundation. “The village of Kurtan offered both funding and labor, joining with the Bay Area Armenian community to address the reconstruction of the Medical Center.”

This project, as with all Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, was implemented without any administrative fees. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative costs allowing 100% of donor contributions to be applied to the intended project.

Following the opening of the medical center, the Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2014 participants, who also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, proceeded to the village school to distribute shoes, dental supplies and soccer balls as part of three other Paros 100 projects.

For more information about the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, or to sponsor a project, please visit www.parosfoundation.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.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Officially launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation continues to support six organizations in Armenia (The Paros Chamber Choir (www.paros.am), Unison NGO (www.unison.am), Vanadzor Arts School (www.vanadzormusic.org), Manana Youth Center (www.mananayouth.org), Vanadzor Museum of Fine Art (www.vanart.org) and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center (www.childrenscenter.am).) These organizations serve as leaders in their respective fields of children, people with disabilities and the arts. Foundation sup

port often comes in the form of organizational operating funds, office space and organizational resources, and mentoring. The mission is to help these organizations and their leaders to attract financial, human, and physical resources to their respective causes.

The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing 100% of donor contributions to go directly to the projects. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit  www.parosfoundation.org.