Organizers Say $15.3 Million was Raised During the Thanksgiving Day Broadcast
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee participated in the annual Armenia Fund Telethon this year with its message being delivered by one of its members, Armen Hovannisian, Esq.
The Hayastan All Armenia Fund announced on Monday that annual Thanksgiving Day broadcast had yielded $15.3 million for upcoming projects that include infrastructure building and assistance to forcibly displaced Artsakh Armenians.
Armenia Fund’s 27th Annual International Thanksgiving Day Telethon showcased vital programs successfully accomplished in Armenia over the past year. From housing for the displaced families, to hospitals in border villages, youth assistance centers and athletic and mental health programs for the wounded soldiers, Armenia Fund was able to help alleviate the hardships endured by the most vulnerable in the homeland.
In 2025, Armenia Fund said it will expand its efforts in key areas, including educational opportunities for the youth, preservation of Armenian cultural heritage, improved health services, and the development of athletic programs.The Artsakh Cultural Center in Gyumri, will be Armenia Fund’s 2025 flagship project where artisans specializing in the traditional art of Artsakh carpet-weaving will live, work and exhibit their work in a lively community environment.
“On behalf of Armenia Fund, I am deeply grateful to all those who contributed throughout the year and during the telethon to support the vital work we do in Armenia,” said Maria Mehranian, President of Armenia Fund.
“The funds raised will directly impact the lives of countless Armenians, helping provide critical resources to build a brighter future. While we continue to celebrate our past successes, in the coming year, we will expand our efforts on new initiatives focused on the key areas of education, arts and culture, health and athletics in Armenia. The continued support of our community is vital as we work to strengthen Armenia’s future” added Mehranian.
The telethon, broadcast live from 2 to 6 p.m. PST on November 28—Thanksgiving Day—united Armenian communities worldwide in a powerful show of solidarity and support for the people of Armenia. The event was streamed globally on Armenia Fund’s website and aired on platforms including YouTube (ArmeniaFundUS), First Channel America (H1), Horizon TV, AABC TV, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Notable civic leaders and television personalities, including longtime telethon supporters Kev Orkian and Ellina Abovian, participated, energizing the program and celebrating the unwavering commitment of Armenian-Americans to the betterment of Armenia.
Funds raised during the “For You, Armenia” Telethon 2024 will support a variety of strategic projects, including:
Reconstructing and building new drinking and irrigation water systems in border communities.
Constructing new community medical centers.
Installing solar power plants in schools, kindergartens, and community centers in border communities.
Installing solar water heaters in the homes of vulnerable families in border communities.
Strengthening business capabilities and empowering women forcibly displaced from Artsakh.
Supporting cultural and creative initiatives.
In addition to these programs, Telethon 2024 will launch two major projects:
The construction of a residential area in the Balahovit community of Kotayk Province for war veterans with physical impairment and their families. The project to be implemented in partnership with the “Soldier’s Home” NGO.
The construction of the Artsakh Cultural Heritage Center and a residential area in Gyumri for the families of Artsakh carpet weavers.
Below is the breakdown of donations from various countries, as reported on Monday.
Armenia: $1,218,185
United States: $7,700,717
France: $5,000,000 (including $1.5 million from anonymous donors)
Toronto (Canada): $1,052,000
Germany: $133,000
The Netherlands: $50,000
Argentina and Brazil (joint donations): $47,529
United Kingdom: $40,000
Argentina (additional donations): $39,000
Australia: $20,000
Romania: $1,995
