WALTHAM, Mass. — More than 110 supporters, clad in their most festive and colorful attires, attended the inaugural Armenia Tree Project’s Kentucky Derby Watch Party at the historic Gore Place estate in Waltham. Party goers were treated to mint juleps and Derby-themed hors d’oeuvres while watching “the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” on big screen televisions.
Vanessa Hale of 103.3 AMP Radio served as mistress of ceremonies as she attended her first Armenian event in Boston.
The Kentucky Derby Watch Party event committee led by Linda and Karnig Ostayan included John Aftandilian, Kristin Asadourian, Berge Ayvazian, Karen Gilbert, Kelly Higgins, Gohar Diana Hovsepian, Marie Mabardi, Susan Piligian and Daniele Sarkisian.
Along with having the opportunity to win prizes that were generously provided by local businesses by “picking” the Derby winners, after the race attendees spent the evening playing roulette, black jack, and craps at the casino set up especially for the evening.
“A good time was had by all,” exclaimed Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian. “We enlisted volunteers from all over the community and everyone seemed to enjoy this new approach to fundraising. And it’s all done to support ATP’s mission in Armenia. We’re asking people to Get Rooted with ATP, and if you are planning to visit Armenia, please reach out to us so we can arrange a visit to one of our nurseries!”
