Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation and ATP to Plant Memorial Forest in Armenia

Kick off social media campaign to advance the late couple’s legacy. (view original article)

GLENDALE—Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation and Armenia Tree Project have announced the establishment of a memorial forest in Armenia in honor of Sosé Thomassian and Allen Yekikian. The young couple, who had strong ties in Armenia as well as throughout the diaspora, lost their lives as a result of a car accident four months ago.

Vaché Thomassian, Sosé’s brother, and several close friends launched the Legacy Foundation to support the couple’s core values: education, repatriation, volunteerism, and democratic development.  “The Forest will serve as a living, breathing memorial to Sosé and Allen, and will have a positive effect on Armenia’s environment,” said Vaché.

Here’s how the campaign will work. For every new “Like” on ATP’s Facebook page, five trees will be planted in the memorial forest.

“This is a collaborative and interactive campaign, highlighting the great work Armenia Tree Project does, and we’re asking the public to spread the word to grow the forest. The social media aspect emphasizes Sosé and Allen’s focus on utilizing technology and encouraging direct participation,” continued Vaché.

The campaign was launched on September 10th, Sosé’s birthday and will conclude on Allen’s birthday on March 10, 2014. The organizations hope that the effort will attract at least 10,000 “Likes” in order to plant 50,000 trees, covering 45 acres, and raise awareness of ATP’s mission in Armenia. Site selection will begin immediately, and planting will commence in the spring of 2014.

Tax-deductible contributions to support the memorial forest may be made to Armenia Tree Project by calling (617) 926-TREE, via ATP’s website www.ArmeniaTree.org, or by mail payable to Armenia Tree Project, 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Donors are asked to indicate that the gifts are “In memory of Sosé and Allen” online or on the memo line of their checks.

Armenia Tree Project was established in 1994 to plant trees in urban and rural sites throughout Armenia, provide environmental education to Armenia’s schoolchildren, provide jobs in seasonal tree-related programs, and help improve the environment and standard of living in Armenia.

Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation works to continue their vision by establishing programs and supporting existing programs aimed at bridging the gap between Armenia and its Diaspora, through an emphasis on education, repatriation, and volunteerism.