2023 St. Gregory Family Picnic

St. Gregory’s annual picnic was held on September 24, which ended up being a very rainy day! The rain did not deter the St. Gregory community, however, from celebrating our Armenian heritage and culture. Thanks to our beautiful church complex and the ingenuity and determination of our picnic team, we were able to have a wonderful “indoor picnic” with all the traditional Armenian food and music that our community enjoys and has come to expect at this cherished annual event.

Despite the weather, we had a strong turnout, with guests enjoying delicious Armenian food prepared by the Women’s Guild and Men’s Club. Grill Teams did an exceptional job improvising their grilling locations so they could stay dry and perfectly grill lamb, chicken and luleh kebobs and vegetables. The Women’s Guild sold out, once again, of all the offering they prepared, which included Armenian mezze, desserts and baked goods. Armenian wine for the event was provided by Krush! Armenian Wines.

Because of the rainy conditions, food and drink were served in Tutak Hall, where guests sat at tables and enjoyed live Armenian music performed by St. Gregory’s very own band, Hye Guys and Gal. Band members include Paul Dederian, Arsen Yelegian, Dan Bullock and Arpi Nakashian. Additional DJ services were provided by Betty Sagatelian Ortiz.

Children’s activities where held in a “Kids Zone” in HEK Hall. This year’s activities included a professionally set up 9-hole mini-golf course, corn-hole and ping pong competitions, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn and board games.

We also used our picnic as way to help raise funds for humanitarian relief for refugees forced from their homes in Artsakh. We collect over $7000 in donations at the picnic, which St. Gregory will forward to relief groups working with the refugees.

Picnic Co-Chairs Arek Ohanissian and Elizabeth Shaghalian Vranka were thankful for the support and guidance of past picnic chair Ann Daw and for the hard work of all the other volunteers that prepared food, organized the picnic, provided entertainment, set up Tutak and HEK Halls and worked at the event to make it a success.

We are especially thankful to all our sponsors, generous food, wine and raffle donors and to all who purchased raffle tickets. You greatly contributed to the success of the 2023 St. Gregory Picnic!

Click here to view the pictures.

 

St. Gregory Picnic SPONSORSHIPS—2023

Meredith Barton

Gary E. Bashian, P.C.

Gigi R. Bazarian

Arman & Maria Bedonian

Antranig Berberian – In Memory of Serpouhy Kalfayan Berberian

Chris & Adriane Keleshian Bonfiglio – In Honor of those who served before us & those who serve with us

Mark & Joanne Chitjian

Tom & Ann Giragosian Daw

Elizabeth & Mark Derderian – In Honor of Alice & Puzant Balaian and Rose & Aris Derderian

Miguel & Adrena Hernandez

Rosalind Hewsenian – In Memory of Margaret Hachadoorian Brophy

Fr. Mesrob & Yn. Ruzanna Hovsepyan and the family

Edna Keleshian – In Memory of Harry Keleshian

Dennis & Ellie Krolian

Raffi G. Kutnerian – In Memory of Louise Kutnerian

Arek, Barbara & Ella Ohanissian

Dr. Simon & Mrs. Annie Ovanessian and Family – In Memory of Dyramayr Seta K. Hovanessian

Richard & Dawn Papalian

Mandeep Johar & Valentina Poghosyan

Bonnie Proudian

Maria Elyse Rabar

Sylvia Sarkisian

Alisan Harte Shenberg – In Honor of Zaven Tachdjian

Larry & Elizabeth Vranka

Anita & John Wolohojian – In Memory of Aida Pisani

David Mangum Sports LLC

Westchester Tai Chi Center, Inc.

St. Gregory Cultural Committee – In Memory of Aida & Michael Pisani

St. Gregory Men’s Club – Donation toward “HYE Guys & Dolls” Band

St. Gregory Women’s Guild – Donation toward Children’s Activities

St. Gregory ACYOA Srs. – Donation toward Children’s Activities

St. Gregory Sunday School – Donation toward Children’s Activities

Please view the collaborative photo album here