Close to $15K Raised at Mer Doon Golf Tournament Held in Honor of Late Julie Ashekian

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SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Nearly $15,000 was raised for Mer Doon at its first Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser on May 15 in honor of its co-founder, Julie Ashekian, who passed away in May 2014. A resident of Connecticut, Julie devoted her life to improving and protecting the lives of thousands of children in Armenia.

On May 15, 45 golfers hit the green at the exclusive Carnegie Abbey Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island to support the organization. Tournament prizes were awarded for lowest scores, longest drive and closest to the pin. Following match play, guests were treated to cocktails and a delicious Armenian dinner, Armenian jazz music, a live auction, and a memory table dedicated to her years with Mer Doon.

“It was a beautiful day, and the event was held in a spectacular setting,” stated Stephen Ashekian, Julie’s son and tournament organizer. “I think it was an impressive success for our first year. I owe special thanks to my wife, Noël, and all of the members of the Mer Doon board, without whom, the event would not have occurred.”

Julie Ashekian began her pioneering work after the 1988 earthquake that left thousands of Armenian children without parents. Julie saw that once leaving the orphanages at age 18, these young people were at risk of the many evils on the streets with no family to guide or shelter them. In 2005, Julie co-founded Mer Doon, Our Home, to educate and nurture young Armenian women who have outgrown the orphanage system.

Today, Mer Doon continues to serve its mission, with an experienced, full time staff as well as a U.S.-based board, which oversees the finances and operations of the organization. Julie’s co-founder, Tigranoohi Karapetyan, has been the onsite coordinator at Mer Doon since its inception and continues in that role today, operating the successful program that she and Julie established together.

Donations to Mer Doon can be made by going to www.Mer-Doon.com and clicking on “Donate”. For information, email merdoonarmenia@gmail.com. Mer Doon is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S. and a registered non-governmental organization in the Republic of Armenia.

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