GLENDALE–More than 400 community members Friday attended a fund-raising event at the for the Armenian Cultural Foundation Glendale Chapter’s Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian Youth Center, during which $600,000 was raised for the construction of the center. The Kazandjian brothers of Glendale donated $150,000.
Attending the event were representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee, local ACF chapters, Executive Council of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, Prelacy Executive Council, St. Mary’s Armenian Church Pastor and Board of Trustees and affiliate organizations. Also attending the banquet were California State Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and Glendale City Council member Bob Yousefian.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Christine Hovnanian, who invited the to Masters of Ceremony Hovan Tashjian and Ardashes Kassakhian to lead the day’s program.
A video presentation about the center and the organizations that will be occupying it was presented, followed by musical performances by the Cilicia Chamber Orchestra conducted by Michael Avedissian, and Salpy Mayilian.
During a special presentation, the Glendale ACF honored three long-time supporters for their dedication to the construction project. Varouj Keoseian, Rouben Amirian and Isahak Kazandjian were each presented silver medallions of ARF founding members.
Vahik, Harmik, Edik and Armen Kazandjian donated $150,000 in their parents’ name. The grand hall of the center will be named Isahak and Janet Kazandjian Hall. The center’s main benefactor Dr. Albert Karamanoukian made an additional donation of $25,000 in memory of her sister.
At the conclusion of the event, Vahe Bozoyan, chairman of the Glendale ACF thanked all those present for their continued support and dedication to the center.
