The Westside Ararat Guild’s unequaled annual Christmas Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel has come and gone once more. A Currier and Ives Gingerbread House theme was the inspiration of Event Chairperson Andrea Fehring. The theme was carried through on the invitation and program booklet with a Gingerbread House watercolor painted by Janis Betkijian Elias. It was such a happy time for everyone! The 300 guests were greeted at the entrance by two mimes, one was a cheery Santa Claus and the other an enchanting elf, both happily posing for pictures with any and everyone.
The silent auction pieces were bid on with enthusiasm and guests were equally excited about the raffle prizes. A marvelous lunch of beef tenderloin underwritten by the generosity of Louise and Henry Arklin was preceded by a devotional by Grace Kurkjian. Other underwriters included Paulette Kardashian for the table favors, an anonymous sponsor for the Gingerbread House Centerpieces, and Andrea Fehring for the invitations and program booklet. A busy “Cook’s Corner” bake sale included an extraordinary array of home-made Armenian delicacies as well as other beautifully packaged goodies. It wouldn’t be the success it was without the untiring efforts of Event Chair Andrea Fehring and co-chairs Debbie Avedian, Linda Nazaretian and Barbara Poladian, along with committee chairs Louise Arklin, Linda Avazian, Tamara Goodrow Buuck, Kathy Dagermangy, Noralea Goodrow, Susan Kardashian, Canary Poladian, Sandra Tomassian and Marianne Zahka.
A feature of the program was information on the current status of the Home presented by Armen Hampar, Chairman of the Board of the Ararat Home.
The highlight of the day was presentation of the “Angel of the Year” award to the truly angelic Virginia Abajian who has done outstanding service to the Westside Ararat Guild, the Ararat Home and the community. She is one of the founding members of the Westside Guild who chaired the first Christmas boutique in 1991, and has served on the Board for several years.
She was a teacher for 17 years; her last position being Assistant to the Dean of Psychology of Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education. For over 20 years she has worn many hats in service to the United Armenian Congregational Church.
She and her husband recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. As a role model to all, self-effacing and humble, she truly serves from the heart.
