Armenia Fund Gala Celebrated 20th Anniversary at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

For Immediate Release ~ November 19, 2012

Los Angeles, CA – Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund with a spectacular Gala at the prestigious Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Los Angeles Music Center on Sunday, November 18, 2012.

Reflecting true pan-Armenian unity, the event was attended by the global organization’s long time benefactors and volunteers as well as member organizations, religious, political and community leaders. Guests from Armenia and Artsakh included the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, the Honorable Ashot Ghulian, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan and Executive Director of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, Ara Vardanyan. The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, Ambassador Karen Nazaryan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, Grigor Hovhannissian and Permanent Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States, Robert Avetisyan were also present.

World renowned Inga and Anush Arshakyans captivated the audience with a live performance of traditional and modern Armenian songs. Breathtaking dance numbers were presented by the Vardan and Armine Aghajanyan dance company. The national anthems of the United States, Armenia and Artsakh were performed by Raffie Kerbabian.

The program focused on the nation building mission of the pan-Armenian charity by highlighting the tangible, positive impact of its more than 1000 projects in the Homeland. This unparalleled success has affected the lives of hundreds of thousands living in Armenia and Artsakh.

“Armenia Fund symbolizes the unity of Armenians of all walks of life, no matter where they live, no matter what their religious affiliation is or political views are. The $250 million that more than 300,000 of our donors contributed over these 20 years resulted in 300 miles of roads, 175 miles of water supply networks, 90 miles of natural gas lines, 230 schools and kindergartens, 424 residential units, 40 hospitals and health care centers, 24 cultural centers and sport facilities as well as countless humanitarian, educational, cultural and scientific projects,” said Ara Aghishian, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Armenia Fund, U.S. Western Region.

The evening paid tribute to the Fund’s long-term benefactors, bestowing the highest honor of the organization, the True Patriot medal upon Mr. Albert Boyajian, Mr. Vahe Karapetian, Mr. Gerald Turpanjian, Mr. Hakob Baghdassarian, Mr. Raymond Hartoonian, Mr. Anto Baghdassarian, Mr. Ralph and Mrs. Savey Tufenkian, Mr. Hagop and Mrs. Mina Shirvanian, Dr. Harout Mesrobian and Mr. Levon Kiradjian.

Mark Geragos, Esq., member of the International Board of Trustees of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, was given the True Patriot as well for special services to the organization.

The lifetime commitment of Armenia Fund’s longest serving volunteers was also recognized with the True Patriot medals given to Ms. Annik Sahakian, Ms. Anahit Sarian, Mrs. Jasik Jarahian, Mrs. Janet Mirzayan and Mrs. Julia Aghishian.

Ara Aghishian, Esq., who served the organization for more than 12 years in different leadership positions, was recognized with the Certificate of Special Gratitude issued by the President of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan.

Armenia Fund thanks the Gala Organizing Committee comprising Mrs. Jasik Jarahian, Ms. Anahit Sarian, Mrs. Julia Yeranossian, Mrs. Nancy Arabian, Mrs. Sonia Babayan and Mrs. Lalik Tokatlian as well as the sponsors of the Gala – Massis Kebob and Ameria Group.