ORIENTAL RUG IMPORTERS ASSOCIATION (ORIA)
ESTABLISHES CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Secaucus, NJ (March 10, 2005) -- ORIA president Andrew Peykar announced the incorporation of the ORIA CHILD WELFARE FUND, INC as a charitable, fully tax-exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Initiated during the tenure of ORIA president Mikel Banilevi, the organization’s new tax-exempt status will allow it to solicit fully tax-deductible contributions from retailers and wholesalers for the purpose of improving the health, welfare and economic status of needy children and their families in major carpet weaving districts around the world. The funds in their entirety will be distributed to support existing non-governmental organizations that have established schools, health clinics and other assistance programs.
Officers of the new non-profit organization are: Mikel Banilevi, president; Andrew Peykar, vice-president; and Arash Yaraghi, treasurer. ORIA executive director Lucille Laufer will serve as the organization’s Director which will conduct business from the ORIA offices at 100 Park Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094.
"The ORIA and its members have been financially committed to improving the lives of children in rug weaving counties for over a decade. In reviewing existing overseas agencies and programs, we concluded that the ORIA'S humanitarian efforts could be most effective by concentrating on raising funds to support already existing initiatives" stated Mikel Banilevi, former ORIA president and president of the Child Welfare Fund. "Our aim is to minimize operating expenses so that close to 100% of the donations we collect can be sent overseas."
"We are delighted to receive certification as a non-profit organization," added Andrew Peykar, ORIA president. "Although the ORIA has been successful in soliciting donations from its members for several relief efforts in recent years, we anticipate that our new tax-exempt status will encourage even greater support from retailers and wholesalers in our industry."
In coming months, the ORIA will announce more specifics of its fund-raising plans. For information, contact Lucille Laufer at 201-866-5054.