PHILADELPHIA — The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) was founded in 2005 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to provide humanitarian relief to orphaned children living in Armenia. Today, SOAR provides assistance to approximately 2,000 orphaned Armenians across 31 institutions in Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, Lebanon and Syria. Headquartered in the suburbs of Philadelphia, SOAR has more than 400 volunteers in 75 Chapters and Junior groups around the world. SOAR made $60,000 in distributions in 2006, $80,000 in 2007, $102,000 in 2008, $111,000 in 2009, $118,000 in 2010, $360,000 in 2011, $469,000 in 2012, $700,000 in 2013 and $865,000 in 2014.
From March 12-15, SOAR will host a global conference in Philadelphia, bringing together its chapter volunteers from around the world to meet and collaborate for the first time. The capstone of the weekend is the 10th anniversary gala on Saturday, March 14, 2015, to be held at the Sheraton University City Hotel from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Among the program highlights will be Sister Arousiag Sajonian, who founded the Our Lady of Armenia Center (Gumri) and the Our Lady of Armenia Summer Camp (Tsaghgadzor). Keynote speakers will be Alexis Ohanian and Dr. Ronald Suny and guests of honor will be Mark Geragos, Esq. and Michael Aram.
Performances by Hamazkayin Meghry Dance Group, Artsakh Band, and International Superstar Robert Chilingirian
Chinese and silent auctions throughout the evening
