Led by Detroit’s five Armenian Relief Society (ARS) chapters—“Maro,” “Shakeh,” “Sybille,” “Tsolig,” and “Zabelle”—a benefit concert for Artsakh (Karabagh) relief was held on June 11, under a tent on the grounds of the Armenian Community Center of Dearborn.
The concert was attended by 450 supporters who donated generously in a spirit of moral obligation to defend Artsakh and its military and civilian population, and to provide assistance to the families that recently suffered casualties by an aggressive and unprovoked Azerbaijan.
Additional contributions from a spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian” Chapter and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Detroit “Azadamard” Gomideh’s annual May 28 Independence Day celebration rounded out the $40,000 total contribution from the Detroit community.
Benefit concert volunteer musicians Kristapor Arabian, Greg Hosharian, Ara Topouzian, Tom Kazarian, Shahin Krikorian, Hrant Gulian, Sam Alajajian, Jiro Tavitian, Shant Massoyan, and Shahe Sekayan sang through the night and inspired those attending to dig deep for the good cause.
ARS “Tsolig” Chapter representative Ani Attar welcomed those present and outlined the ARS’s relief efforts to help Artsakh in its time of need, in addition to the ARS’s long-standing social and educational programs throughout the country. She was joined by the event co-sponsor, ARF Detroit “Azadamard” Gomideh Chair Raffi Ourlian, who congratulated the ARS for its hard work to ensure a successful event and support for our brothers and sisters in Artsakh.
The event’s guest speaker was Lernik Hovhannesian, who was touring the Eastern United States. A member of Artsakh’s Parliament from the ARF faction, Hovhannesian provided an update on Artsakh’s current events.
Funds were raised by admission fees, dinner and drink sales, and the raffle of a package for two flight tickets to Armenia. The prize was won by Toros Chopjian, who generously purchased many tickets.
The benefit concert was co-sponsored by the St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Congregational Church, St. Vartan Armenian Catholic Church, ARF Detroit “Azadamard”Gomideh, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, AYF-YOARF, Homenetmen General Athletic Union and Scouts, Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Michigan, and the Armenian Community Center.
Those wishing to contribute to the ARS’s Artsakh Relief program are urged to donate through the ARS Eastern USA’s webpage at https://www.arseastus.org/ or by calling the ARS Eastern USA office at (617) 926-3801.