Amidst the turmoil of the 44-day war, then-10-year-old Ellen emerged victorious in a competition held in Russia, earning her a cash prize of 500 USD. Her upbringing and love for humanity led her to tell her parents "Mom, Dad, I really want to help my brothers and sisters in Artsakh who are fleeing the war." This led to the parents forwarding the funds to the All Armenian Fund which was then urgently collecting funds to save these victims of Turkish hatred.
Prior to the war, discussions had taken place with Ellen's parents about the crucial need for an instrument befitting her exceptional talent. The principal flute of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal lauded Ellen as "the greatest flute talent he has ever seen." With a promise to support her family if other options fell through, efforts were made over three years to secure the necessary funds (20-25,000 USD) for Ellen's flute. It is essential that at this level of playing, a talent like Ellen be given a good instrument to be able to develop to her full potential. For example, Ellen's counterparts in countries like Japan and Korea accessed flutes worth 30K, which demonstrates a societal understanding of nurturing prodigious talents. Indeed, Armenian society often directs resources towards extravagant events, drawing attention to star-studded performances and festivals. Redirecting these resources toward education and providing essential tools for the upcoming generation of cultural ambassadors holds immense value. These endeavours demand considerably fewer funds, yet yield significant impact. When all other attempts failed for the family, we finally intervened by contributing a portion of the required funds (6000 USD). The remaining 17,000 USD was covered by Ellen's family, with the aid of a substantial loan.
Believing in the transformative power of nurturing extraordinary talent, we invite you to join us in supporting Ellen's future. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in empowering Armenia's cultural ambassadors. Together, we can ensure that exceptional talents receive the recognition and support they deserve. Get in touch with us now and become a part of this movement to create a lasting impact.
Watch Ellen, on Armenian TV!
