Monday, October 21 2013

Orran's 8th annual fundraising banquet took place on October 18, at the Armenia Marriott Hotel's Tigran Metz ballroom. The press service of VivaCell-MTS reports that the purpose of the event was to raise funds for Orran and to call the public's attention to the problem of the needy families in crisis.  

The day's principal speakers were Orran benefactor, financial advisor and board member Krikor Krikorian and VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian. Ralph Yirikian addressed the guests with the following message: "Each of us has tried to define happiness at least once in our lifetime. And though we may perceive things differently, seeing a smile on a child's face is an undisputed joy".  

The participants of the evening had the opportunity to enjoy an exquisite dinner called Silk Road which featured the various foods of Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The guests participated in a champagne raffle with the prize of a diamond ring and took part in a live auction of unique art pieces as well as had the opportunity to support the children of Orran by buying their handmade arts and crafts.  

During the evening, the guests had the chance to support the children of Orran by meeting the costs of their meals, education, cultural and health services.  
Orran was founded in the year 2000 with the aim of eradicating begging among the children and elderly of Armenia.  More than 200 children and 60 elderly receive a daily hot meal, medical, social, education and cultural services at the Orran centers in the cities of Yerevan and Vanadzor.  

VivaCell-MTS consistently supports and is committed to assisting continuously the bold initiatives of Orran aimed at alleviating the needs of the vulnerable groups of the population. In particular, in October 2009, with support of the Open Society Institute and VivaCell-MTS the Orran Vanadzor branch was established. Two years ago, during Orran's charity dinner, VivaCell-MTS provided than 40 million drams. During the 7th dinner VivaCell-MTS donated 90 million drams to the organization.  

This year at Orran's fundraising banquet nearly 94 million drams were raised, out of which 55 million drams were allocated by VivaCell-MTS.