RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

NEWS FROM THE U.S. BOARD

Nine young women are currently living at Mer Doon, and all of them are pursuing a college level education or are training in a trade or vocation.  On May 1, 2008 classes ended for the summer.  The staff and Board are very proud of Ira Poghosian, who received an award for her active participation in the scientific conference at the Gr. Lousavorich University.

The residents will continue to receive in-house education in Armenian history, language skills, religion, and other skills training from staff members. The residents continue to pursue their hobbies of carpet weaving, craft making, dancing and baking. In addition, they are planting and growing fruit and vegetables in the garden, and learning to preserve the fruits of their labor.

U.S. Coordinator Julie Ashekian recently returned from her first visit to Mer Doon since the program opened.  She was welcomed with great excitement by the staff and residents, many of whom knew Julie as children when they lived as the Gavar Orphanage.  During her two week visit, Julie worked with the NGO Board on administrative issues, and spent a great deal of time with the residents.  Julie was very excited to see the wonderful progress being made by the staff and residents in the nearly two years the program has been operating. 

On June 25, 2008, June 25, 2008 Armenian folklore singer Alla Levonian visited Mer Doon.  Ms. Levonian is a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in Armenia.  The residents and staff enjoyed a wonderful visit with Ms. Levonian and her guests.

In March and April 2008, the staff in Armenia received an anonymous donation from Holland.  As a result of that generosity, the residents took field trips to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, the town of Oshagan where St. Mesrob-Mashdotz, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, is buried, and they attended two concerts in Yerevan.  The Board is very grateful for those donors who make these extra-curricular events possible. 

In February, 2008 Mer Doon celebrated its second wedding.  Lianna Danielian, one of Mer Doon’s original residents, married Vahe Ghazarian from Apaga village in the  Etchmiadzin region.  Lianna has recently announced that she is pregnant.  Her child is due in January.  Vahe has a mother, father, and a married sister with two children.  Lianna will continue to pursue her university education thanks to the generosity of the Armenian Educational Foundation.  Lianna’s sister Diana remains at Mer Doon and is pursuing a university level education.

In November 2007, Mer Doon celebrated the marriage of Varsenik and Samvel Sargisian.  Varsenik has also announced that she is pregnant and their child is due in December.  The Board is excited that the voices of youngsters will soon be filling the halls of Mer Doon when our alumnae return for a visit.

On April 13, 2008, Board President Adrienne Krikorian and Alice Kalustian visited St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego.  The Parish in partnership with the Daughters of Vartan – Talar Chapter, hosted a delicious lunch and raffle after church.  After enjoying lunch, approximately 60 people enjoyed a presentation by Ms. Krikorian about Mer Doon and its residents.  Following the presentation, an MP3 player, a handmade carpet made by children of the Gavar Orphanage, and other gifts were raffled.  The Board is delighted and very grateful that the San Diego community contributed over $2500 for Mer Doon.  Thank you to Debbie Derderian and all those who worked with her to spearhead and plan this wonderful event.

On March 2, 2008, the Santa Barbara Choral Society and Orchestra conducted by renowned Armenian conductor Jo Anne Wasserman filled St. Peter Armenian Church sanctuary with the sounds of glorious music.  More than 300 people were mesmerized for nearly two hours as 135 musicians performed Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D Minor, Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, Edward Hampartzoumian’s Erevan Erebuni, and Hayr Mer.  The event was hosted by St. Peter Church in celebration of its 50th Anniversary.

Our Home-Mer Doon, Inc., led by Board President Adrienne Krikorian, held the event to raise awareness of its program in Armenia.  Board members Tanya Paretchan from Philadelphia and Barlow Der Mugrdechian from Fresno also attended the event.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, praised the efforts of the Mer Doon Board and the staff in Armenia, congratulated St. Peter on its 50th Anniversary, and warmly greeted guests who came to support Mer Doon. Following the Benediction by Fr. Shnork Demirjian and singing of Hayr Mer, guests mingled with the musicians in Karagozian Hall, enjoying a lavish buffet reception that was prepared by the many volunteers who helped to make the event a success. 



After the guests, many of whom traveled from all parts of California, listened to a greeting from the Mer Doon staff and residents in Armenia, Ms. Krikorian gave a short presentation about Mer Doon, introducing the Board’s “Sponsor One Day at Mer Doon” fund raising campaign.  The event was an overwhelming success thanks to the generosity of St. Peter Parish Council and organizations, the event sponsors, volunteers, Ms. Wasserman and the musicians, and the many people who attended and supported Mer Doon. 

SPONSOR A DAY AT MER DOON

The cost of running the program, maintaining the home, and providing clothing, food, and an education for the Mer Doon residents is approximately $200 per day.  Select one or more special days in your life or the lives of your loved ones, send in the attached FORM with your check, or a request that we remind you that your donation is coming due.  Each year your contribution will be used to cover the expenses for your designated day.

Thank you to our generous sponsors of the Sponsor a Day Campaign, who to date are: 

THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-ONE DAYS ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO SPONSOR!  PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY!

BAND OF HOPE GLOBAL FUND-RAISING PROJECT 

The U.S. Board has launched several fund raising campaigns to raise awareness of Mer Doon and other organizations who are helping serve the needs of Armenia’s motherland. 

This popular style wrist band is designed in the colors of the Armenian flag – orange, blue and red – each is inscribed with the words “BAND OF HOPE” “REMEMBERED AND LOVED.”  The bands are an affordable and easy way to raise money and awareness for groups serving the needs of their brothers and sisters in Armenia.

Wearing the band conveys the message that:

1.  I care.
2.  I have supported a cause in Armenia that is bringing hope and relief to people who need help.
3.  I am proud to have helped others.

 Do not miss this unique opportunity to raise awareness while raising money for projects in Armenia!  The Band of Hope is available for quantity purchase to organizations, churches, Sunday Schools, youth groups, and other groups supporting projects designed to provide a better life for their brothers and sisters in Armenia.  The Bands appeal to the masses, and brings attention to the many different ways the Diaspora is making a difference in Armenia.  Most important, the band is a visible reminder of the Golden Rule – love one another.

Bands may be purchased through Mer Doon in packages of 100 individually wrapped units, for $60.00 per package, plus shipping, or individually for a donation to Mer Doon.  CONTACT US to place an order and for more information.

MER-DOON T-SHIRTS

Mer Doon T-Shirts, displaying the Mer Doon logo, are available for purchase for $15, including shipping.  The T-Shirts are available in sizes Large and Extra Large.  Please CONTACT US to place an order and for more information.

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