100 LIVES is an initiative led by Vartan Gregorian, Ruben Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan, along with individuals of Armenian origin whose achievements were made possible by acts of valor committed a century ago.

We have a dual purpose: to celebrate those who helped Armenians in need one hundred years ago and to continue in their spirit by supporting people and organizations that keep the legacy of gratitude alive.

Telling the stories that must be told

A century ago many people stood up in the name of humanity. Their compassion, generosity and sacrifice show the best of humankind.

100 LIVES will tell their stories.

We will uncover and tell the stories of survival and humanity that emerged during the Genocide, which began in 1915. We will collect stories of survivors and those who helped them. We will do this through academic research, personal accounts and from your submissions to this website.

This will form the central part of a global effort to pay tribute to and express our gratitude to the individuals and institutions whose actions saved so many Armenian lives.

But we want to do more.

Helping where help is needed

So many people owe their survival and prosperity to the strength and generosity of others. Not just Armenians, but all of us. It's time to acknowledge these deeds. We want our actions to help inspire others to stop, to think about those who have helped them during a moment of crisis, and to express gratitude by doing something in return.

It could be saying "thank you" to the nurse who survived Ebola and still returned to Sierra Leone despite the odds. Or a "thank you" to the person who donated an organ to save a life. Or simply thanking a neighbor who opened his door to you in a time of need.

One hundred years ago, thousands were saved by the courage and humanity of strangers. One hundred years later, it is not enough to just say "thank you."

100 LIVES is showing our gratitude through action: through launching the Aurora Prize and supporting humanitarian projects around the world.

100 LIVES is an IDeA Foundation initiative.