Paros Foundation Holds Fundraiser to Benefit Kurtan Village Medical Center Reconstruction

SAN FRANCISCO — On November 16, 2013, the Paros Foundation’s Bay Area Committee held a successful Wine Tasting Event to raise funds for the reconstruction of the medical center in the village of Kurtan in Armenia’s Lori Region.

“Medical care in Armenia’s rural villages is in a dire condition and is in need of substantial investments for improvement,” said Bay Area Paros Committee Member, Susanna Cogswell. The residents of the village of Kurtan have no choice, but to depend this medical center for all of their family’s health care needs. Unfortunately, the center is in deplorable condition and is in need of a new roof, new windows and doors, a bathroom and a heating system.

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the beautiful San Francisco home of Drs. Donald and Martha Missirlian to sample a variety of excellent wines paired with delicious food. Sommelier Michael Perry trained and led a team of Sommeliers to inform guests of the nuances of the various wines and sample throughout the evening. Paros Committee Members Valina Agbabian, Susanna Cogswell, Rita Kablanian, Martha Missirlian, Wendi Moradian and Julie Strauch prepared the evenings cuisine and created a delightful atmosphere in which guests could enjoy themselves while learning more about the Paros Foundation’s projects and help fund the Kurtan project.

Cogswell added, “The best way to determine which projects are in the most need is to simply visit the Paros 100 for 100 website (www.parosfoundation.org), which is exactly what happened when Rick and Wendy Moradian decided to make a wine donation toward rebuilding the medical center in village of Kurtan. This triggered momentum for the Paros Bay Area Committee to rally around this initiative and organize a wine event and auction. We were able to raise the necessary funds to fully support the renovation of the medical center. It was a fun, exhilarating and rewarding experience.”

Paros Foundation Founder and Chairman, Roger Strauch was in attendance and offered his vision for the Foundation’s approach and work in Armenia. Peter Abajian, Executive Director discussed the Paros 100 for 100 initiative and specifics on several projects in need of sponsorship including the Kurtan village’s medical center. At the conclusion of the evening, Abajian announced that more than $18,000 was raised throughout the event and that renovation on the Kurtan medical center would begin in the spring.

“I would like to extend our appreciation to the Paros Foundation’s Bay Area Committee, our Sommeliers and all the guests and donors that attended and contributed. Your hard work and generosity will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the people in the village of Kurtan,” said Peter Abajian.

For more information about the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, or to sponsor a project, please visit www.paros-foundation.org. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be allocated 100% to the project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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Photo 1. The Paros Foundation’s Bay Area Committee (left to right) Valina Agbabian, Susanna Cogswell, Rita Kablanian, Martha Missirlian and Julie Strauch.

Photo 2. The Evening’s team of Sommeliers (left to right) Robert Rice, Steve Melikian, Michael Agbabian, Michael Perry, Rick Moradian, Adam Kablanian.