Stewardship

Regional Committees Reach Out to Teach People about Diocese

One of the goals of the Diocese’s development work is to finance the ministries and programs that make the Armenian Church significant in the life of every Armenian. However, the Diocese’s fundraising efforts have a more important goal: to reach out to new people and give them a sense of pride and ownership in their faith.

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, in its second year in 2003, is the primary annual fundraising activity of the Eastern Diocese. With the help of a dedicated group of lay and clergy leaders, the Appeal raised $822,602 in 2003 – an increase of 55 percent over the amount raised in 2002. More encouraging, the 2003 Appeal received donations from 1,244 individuals – up 51 percent from the 824 donors in 2002.

Part of the reason for the increase in donations and individuals giving is because the development team expanded its efforts. In 2002 the committee focused its work on two regional committees, in New England and Chicago. In 2003, regional leadership committees were established in two additional areas, New York/Connecticut and New Jersey.

These regional committees promote the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, solicit funds, and host receptions, which help increase the number of donors and the amounts raised. They also give local leaders a chance to talk to their friends and neighbors about the importance of stepping forward as stewards of their faith.

The annual giving program is led by the Diocesan Development Committee, appointed by the Diocesan Council and chaired by Alex Dadourian. It includes Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, Oscar Tatosian, Barbara Tellalian, and George Kassis. While they do focus on raising money for Diocesan ministries, the committee is equally committed to raising awareness of how the Diocese’s programs aid every local parish and community.

“We had some people who gave many thousands of dollars, and others who gave $100,” Mr. Dadourian said. “I’d rather have more people giving $100 than a few giving $1,000, because then we’re reaching more people, and more people are becoming interested in the church. We want everyone interested.”