Proceeds to benefit programs for disabled children in Armenia
LOS ANGELES–The Los Angeles chapter of Pyunic–the Armenian Association for the Disabled–will hold its 2nd Annual Kef Night on Saturday–October 16–with live music and dancing by the John Bilezikjian Band–along with an extensive silent auction offering Armenian art and dcor.
"Kef Night is one of our most important fundraising events of the year. The evening’s proceeds will provide much needed funds for special programs to aid disabled children in Armenia," says Pyunic president Sarkis Ghazarian.
Several Pyunic programs will benefit from Kef Night–including the Summer Camp at Lake Sevan–the Early Intervention Program–and the training of disabled athletes for international competitions. Four Pyunic athletes recently competed alongside 3800 other participants from 136 countries in the 2004 Paralympics Games in Athens–Greece.
Representing the Republic of Armenia at the Games were archer Marine Hakobyan–wheelchair marathoner Onik Hovakimyan–powerlifter Gevorg Karagashyan–and swimmer Mariam Sahakyan. Pyunic athletes have participated in the last five Paralympics including Salt Lake City in 2002–Sydney in 2000–as well as in the Los Angeles and New York City Marathons.
"With the generous support of the Diaspora–Pyunic has been able to provide training–assistance–and opportunity for disabled Armenian athletes to compete in the international arena," reveals Ghazarian.
Founded in 1989 to help the disabled children of the devastating 1988 earthquake in the Republic of Armenia–Pyunic has become the leading non-governmental organization assisting individuals with physical and psychological challenges–as well as promoting welfare and assisting in shaping public awareness for the disabled. Pyunic provides humanitarian aid–social services–career training–and annual summer and winter teaching camps for children with disabilities.
Kef Night will begin at 8PM–at the Baghdasarian-Shahinian Banquet Hall located in the Glendale Homenetmen Ararat Chapter at 3347 North San Fernando in Los Angeles. Tickets are $35.00–and include gourmet appetizers and entertainment. For reservation–call Lorig Sivazlian at 818-517-1208.
To learn more about Pyunic and its programs–contact Sarkis Ghazarian at 818-785-3468.