May 25, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
As a proud and active member of the community, I founded the Hye Riders in 1999 to bring together a group of like minded individuals who wanted to contribute to the greater good and enrichment of Armenians everywhere. This is a personal project to me and any allegations made towards the club are deemed to have been made personally towards me.
Recently several people have begun to circulate vicious gossip about the intent of the club. I find it extremely disheartening that these people hide behind their official titles or positions in other organizations and attempt to thwart the efforts of the Hye Riders.
Specifically we have been accused of keeping the money we raise through our year-round fund raising events such as Poker Nights, dinner dances, food banks and Toy Runs. The long standing reputation and work of the Hye Riders directly gives back to the communities and individuals in need in the United States, Armenia and the Middle East.
We are a legal 501(c)3 non-profit organization that makes it's financial statements open and accessible to its members. This practice is in-line with the practices of other organizations and charities that do similar work. We are not required by tradition or law to comply with this demand but we always respect our members and donors by making this information available to them upon request.
The Armenian community has been extremely supportive of the charitable work the Hye Riders and we wish to openly than them. Sadly, the inconsequential 5% of the community who are detractors poison the goodwill of the majority of supporters who allow us to do our benevolent work. It is unfortunate that the above mentioned individuals and their organizations, jealous of our rapid growth and success feel that they must spread their ill intent through veiled and unfounded gossip.
We wish much luck and success to any group or individual who, through their hard work, contribute back towards the greater good of all Armenians.
Sincerely,
Berge Kasbarian
President
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