ARLINGTON, Mass. — Representatives from the 37 parishes and organizations serving on the Armenian Heritage Foundation’s Board of Directors attended a meeting on Tuesday, November 10, at the Armenian Cultural Foundation.
The purpose of the meeting, the first in a series, was to kick off the Special Gifts initiative of The Campaign to Build and Endow Armenian Heritage Park on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in Boston. Special Gifts Committee members are asked to contribute and secure commitments of a minimum of $1,000 and above.
Haig Deranian, foundation vice president, in his welcoming remarks, gave a brief overview of the project’s history and extended thanks to all those whose commitment and leadership are making a significant difference.
James Kalustian, foundation president, in his update emphasized the importance of every member of the community supporting the campaign because “every gift makes a difference.” He emphasized that to reach campaign goals, the foundation was depending on the generosity and support of lead and major gift donors. To date, $3.8 million has been raised towards the $5-million goal. Raising the additional $1.2 million required is now the key focus. Kalustian’s Power Point presentation gave an overview of the park’s design and financial goals.
Armenian Heritage Park both commemorates the Armenian Genocide and all genocides that have followed, and celebrates the immigrant experience consistent with one of the themes of the Greenway, which is to acknowledge the history of Boston as a port of entry for immigrants worldwide and contributed to the richness of American life, he reported.
Kalustian also spoke of the importance of the North End and Rowes Wharf neighborhood associations and their leadership and commitment to the realization of Armenian Heritage Park.