NEWS AND EVENTS

Successful Fundraising Event Raises Nearly $10,000 for Mer Hooys

On May 8, 2010, Board advisory member Harriet Phillips hosted an elegant afternoon tea in Pacific Palisades to kick off “Club 100.”  More than 45 women enjoyed a lavish buffet tea service at the lovely home of Mrs. Phillips’ daughter Joy Barnett.  Guests were treated to sandwiches, Armenian delicacies, scones and delicious desserts to accompany their choice of tea or coffee, iced tea and lemonade.  The guests enjoyed visiting with other members of Club 100, and received an update on the status of the Mer Hooys program from Board president Adrienne Krikorian.  Thanks to the successful efforts of Harriet Phillips, Club 100’s kick-off event resulted in membership of over 80 people and donations equaling almost $10,000.

Club 100 is a unique opportunity for Mer Hooys supporters to donate $100 annually.  Members will enjoy an annual invitational event, at which they will receive updates from the Board on the progress of the Mer Hooys in Armenia, and renew their membership.  Volunteers in  the Northern California Bay Area, San Diego, Palm Desert, Santa Barbara, San Gabriel Valley, and Orange County  areas have expressed interest in hosting Club 100 events for those regions.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Club 100, or in hosting a Club 100 event in your area, please contact us.  

New Facility Is in Final Stages of Preparation for Resident Occupancy

Over the past year the Board has been in the development phase of this important program for young adults in Armenia.  Included in our work has been the development of goals, identifying key staff needs, budgeting, and acquisition of and furnishing a facility for our residents.

The Board has been blessed to receive an offer to use a newly renovated institutional facility for our residents.  We have completed plans to furnish a 2 story, plus basement, facility in Yerevan.  This facility will house approximately 35 young adults and the necessary staff.  It is located adjacent to an operating youth center, and across from a community hospital. 

The cost to furnish and equip the facility with basic furniture, linens, window and floor coverings, will be approximately $55,000.  In order to complete this project, and bring program participants into the facility and start operations, we need the following items, which we are looking to our supporters to sponsor:

WISH LIST

• (4 ) Computers w/Windows 7 OS, flat-screen monitor, 1 - all-in-one printer/scanner/fax, 3 ink-jet printers -- $6000
• General office supplies -- $1000
• (4) Computer Tables -- $1200
• Director’s Furniture (office, bedroom) - $1800
• Walk-in commercial refrigerator -- $3500
• Stacking dining chairs (130) -- $2500
• Folding Dining Tables (12) - $2500
• Commercial cookware - $1200
• Kitchen appliances (commercial grade) -- $2500
• Library Bookcases – $2500
• Carpet Runners & Window coverings - $4000
• Kitchen/basement Storage Cabinets - $2500
• 35 Twin Beds (mattress, box spring, frame) – $7000
• 35 Bedside Tables - $1750
• 18 closets for clothes - $2250
• Common area furniture (sofas, chairs) - $2500
• 2 Televisions - $2000
• Desks/study tables - $2500

Please contact us.  if you are interested in contributing toward the purchase of these necessary items for our program.  Your support will make a difference in the life of a young man or woman in Armenia who otherwise has no hope for a decent future.

Gala Concert and Reception Raises Money for Mer Hooys Facility in Armenia

On March 8, 2009 Mer Hooys sponsored a Gala Concert and Reception featuring the Santa Barbara Choral Society and Orchestra, conducted by Jo Anne Wasserman. The event was hosted by St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, California. Following a spectacular performance of the Mozart Requiem Mass in D Minor, and Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, along with other pieces, those in attendance feasted on a lavish buffet in the Karagozian Hall. Mer Hooys Board President Adrienne Krikorian greeted guests with a presentation of slides showing the proposed new facility that will house young adults from the ages of approximately 13 years old to 17 years old in Armenia. Mer Hooys is currently raising funds to furnish the 16 bedroom facility that can house as many as 30-40 young adults. The program will provide educational opportunities, as well as psychological support, job skills training and other programs to enable these young adults from disadvantaged lifestyles to lead productive lives in Armenia.

Individuals and groups interested in sponsoring the cost of furnishing a room can contact by email or phone at (818) 347-6107. All donations are tax deductible.

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BAND OF HOPE GLOBAL FUND-RAISING PROJECT

The U.S. Board has launched several fund raising campaigns to raise awareness of Mer Hooys 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 Hooys in packages of 100 individually wrapped units, for $60.00 per package, plus shipping, or individually for a donation to Mer Hooys.  CONTACT US to place an order and for more information.

Support Mer Hooys – Sponsor an Event

If you are interested in sponsoring an event to support Mer Hooys, please Contact Us.

MEET OUR SUPPORTERS

If you are an avid traveler with a passion for unique cultures and stunning landscapes, you will want to consider Armenia for your next travel. An unforgettable experience awaits. SIMA Tours will help you make all your travel arrangements. Friendly and professional hosts will introduce you to the unmatched charm of this little known, but truly astounding destination. Click on the SIMA Tours logo or go to www.simatours.com.

House of Hope – Mer Hooys is a charity listed on GoodSearch.com. For each search you make on the internet using Good Search, Mer Hooys will earn a nickel. GoodSearch.com is a search engine (powered by Yahoo!) that donates half its revenue to charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine. Click on the GoodSearch logo, or go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter House of Hope - Mer Hooys as the charity you want to support. Three hundred searches 5 times a day will raise about $3860/year – that will pay tuition for one of our residents, and it will cost you nothing!

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