By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
Julie Hindoyan and friend chef Ara Ekmekdjian raised more than $4,000 for the Armenian Relief Association and the construction of the new Laval Armenian church during the Sunday Funday Fundraiser (#SFF) on Aug. 10.
After losing her sister, Rita, to breast cancer in 2007 Hindoyan wanted to do something to give back and did just that. In the seven years since her sister’s death Hindoyan has raised more than $60,000 for breast cancer.
“This year, after three kids, a blog (www.julietalk.com), a live radio show (Julie Talk Live), and a full time job,” Hindoyan explained to The Suburban in an e-mail exchange, “I urged youth to stand up for a cause they have at heart. In my blog and radio show I talked about how it is important to take the time from our busy lives to give back — I invited anyone to take a stand and join me in organizing a fundraiser.”
Chef and owner of Chef at Home, a home chef service, Ara Ekmekdjian took her up on the challenge.
“He decided to take the only two week vacation he had from his work and dedicate it to giving back,” Hindoyan said. “We put our heads together and organized the first official Sunday Funday Fundraiser.”
According to Hindoyan the idea was to create an event with a summery feel that would suit all ages. This year’s MC was Mike Marounian (aka Uncle Mike from The Uncle Mike Show).
The dynamic duo hope to make this an annual event with music, food, a full bar, sweets, snacks and games. They have created a hash tag for the event for those who care to share on social media #SFF.
“I hope this is only the beginning of SFF, we are planning to have it again next year, bigger and better,” Hindoyan mused. “I hope that other people will also feel inspired to give back and take the initiative to stand up and do something out of their routine for a selfless reason.”
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