ORINDA, Calif.—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, “Erepouni” Oakland Chapter, held a fundraiser for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Genocide. The Genocide Commemoration Committee of the Bay Area is in the process of planning a number of projects and events for next April, and each organization in the area has dedicated a stated amount towards those projects. Prof. Stepan Astourian, head of the Armenian Studies Program at U.C. Berkeley and chair of the Commemoration Committee, was on hand to explain the goals and plans of the Committee.
The “Art & Wine” event, which was held on Sept. 28 at the home and garden of Dr. Roupen and Lara Horoupian in Orinda, featured a number of Lara’s original paintings for sale to help the cause. There were also several offerings by other Bay Area Armenian artists. Additionally, one room was dedicated to paintings, jewelry, and other artifacts imported from Armenia, which were also for sale. As guests entered, they were able to “purchase” a wine glass which was tagged with their name and a number. They could then sample several different wine offerings, and if their number was called at the end of the event, they won a very nice prize.
ARS Erepouni members had prepared a generous buffet of hors d’oeuvres and Armenian delicacies. For entertainment, guests were delighted by the talented kanonist and singer Leana Mardirosian from Los Angeles. She had everyone singing and dancing along with her.
The event was truly a successful one, and everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the day, especially in the lovely surroundings of the Horoupian home.