BY PATTYL APOSHIAN KASPARIAN
BEVERLY HILLS—“We should keep it classy,” said Elizabeth Boyajian. It was a crisp cold evening in Pasadena. Sitting at a near-empty Italian restaurant with programs, menus, contracts and charts scattered all over the table, we jotted down names of energetic, professional and dedicated supporters to help organize the highly-anticipated annual ACF Banquet.
This year’s banquet, co-chaired by Elizabeth Boyajian and Gerard V. Kassabian, Esq. took place at Montage Beverly Hills on Saturday, March 2nd. A capacity crowd of 300 guests supported the Armenian Cultural Foundation as it celebrated its progress and accomplishments and reaffirmed its commitment to the advancement of the Western Region.
AYF members Lori Boghigian and Aram Yacoubian commenced the program by sharing their personal stories. Both speakers attributed their advancement on various levels to the resources and activities made available through the efforts of the ACF. Boghigian and Yacoubian concluded that the ACF helps students and young professionals thrive in the struggle to make themselves better people and better Armenians.
Following the national anthems and invocation by Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, Elizabeth Boyajian welcomed and thanked guests for their steadfast support. Additionally, she thanked the banquet committee members for their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.
Throughout the four course dinner, guests enjoyed performances by Krisdapor Arabian and Ararat Band directed by Vik Momjian.
The lights dimmed and the guests turned their attention to the video presentation, ACF: In Pursuit of Our Dream. By way of personal testimonies, the video shared a powerful message—The ACF provides the stability and strength to never shy away from what needs to be done. It provides the fuel, direction and manpower. ACF has proven time and time again that together, as an organization, it creates monumental and permanent change.
Dr. Viken Hovsepian, Chairman, ARF Dashnaktsutyun Western US delivered a powerful message of appreciation and urgency. He thanked the ACF Board and its supporters and took inventory of the organization’s most valued asset—its ardent sponsors. He thanked them for making the ACF and its vision a priority. He celebrated the many accomplishments of 2012, but also addressed the many hurdles ahead. His message reignited the energy and passion that exists in our community to work better and with more vigor to advance the ACF mission.
Performer Ani Christy concluded the program on a high musical note and escorted guests with Davoul Zhourna to the Marquesa Foyer for a celebration toast.
On behalf of the committee, we thank our supporters yet again for another successful celebration.
