GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society Javakhk Fund Committee’s 9th Annual Dinner Reception was held on Friday, May 31, 2013 at the Armenian Society of Los Angeles. During the event, Haigoush Keghinian Kohler was honored with the ARS Humanitarian Award and Dikranouhi Rouhinian was recognized as a long-time sponsor.
Following her opening remarks, Master of Ceremony Sona Madarian introduced the evening’s guests, which included His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy; ARS Central Executive Chairperson Vicky Marashlian; ACF Central Committee representatives Dr. Vicken Hovsepian and Dr. Viken Yacoubian; Asbarez Daily Newspaper Editor Apo Boghigian; Armenian Educational Foundation board members; Prof. Richard Hovannisian; local gomidehs; ARS Regional Executive Board members, chapter representatives, and numerous supporters.
After Archbishop Mardirossian delivered his blessings, Roberta Arevian, a young native of Javakhk, provided musical entertainment by singing a solo of two Armenian songs. Next, a video presentation conveyed information to guests about the current conditions of Javakhk, as well as ARS’ humanitarian efforts in the region.
ARS Javakhk Fund Committee Chairperson Haigoush Kohler delivered remarks and expressed thanks to the committee’s members and supporters. Kohler assured that she would continue offering assistance to Armenians in Javakhk in order for the population to remain on their ancestral lands. Kohler then invited Dikranouhi Rouhinian to present her with a special plaque commending her for her years of support to programs and activities in benefit of Armenians in Javakhk.
ARS Regional Executive Board Chairperson Lena Bozoyan delivered remarks on behalf of the Board, highlighting ARS activities in Javakhk and stressing the importance of collective efforts to help meet the needs of the region. She discussed efforts aimed at securing expanded U.S. assistance for Javakhk and developing public-private partnership opportunities to promote jobs and industry in the region.
Bozoyan also noted additional research and relief efforts that have been carried out simultaneously by Vatche Thomassian, a Columbia University International Studies student and former member of the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee, community donors, investors, as well as the ANCA office in Washington to provide economic assistance and additional earmarked relief funds from USAID to Javakhk.
Following these remarks, Bozoyan invited Haigoush Keghinian Kohler to the podium. Along with ARS Central Executive Chairperson Vicky Marashlian, they presented Kohler with the ARS Humanitarian Award, commending her for her years of dedicated service as Chairperson of the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee and her outstanding moral and financial contributions in support of projects in Javakhk.
Kohler accepted the award and made a promise to continue fulfilling her responsibilities with strength and vigor. As an element of surprise, a congratulatory message was read to Kohler, which was received by her daughter, and messages were displayed by Pakrad Sarkissian of Javakhk and the ARS Georgia Regional Executive Chairperson Garine Tatevosyan.
With belief in the mission of the ARS Javakhk Fund and the evening’s honorees, generous and impromptu donations were made by guests and announced by Jasik Jarahian, General Manager.
Following the end of the evening’s official program, singer Hovhanness Shahbazyan entertained with lively music. Guests departed with renewed spirit to remain supportive of Armenians in Javakhk.
