SAN DIEGO—The St. Sarkis Armenian Church of San Diego on November 2 held the “Bridge to the Future” gala dinner and dance at the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, with vibrant music and 170 guests from across Southern California.
The Gala raised $200,000 to support the second building phase of the St. Sarkis Church campus near Del Mar, which will serve as the new spiritual and cultural home for the Armenian community of San Diego and beyond. Parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, presided over the evening with his blessing and remarks, under the auspices of Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
This year’s Gala saw performances by the popular Allen G. Orchestra from Los Angeles, soprano Andria Elam, emcee Zanni Kalaydjian, and auctioneer Suzanne Martin. The event also featured a champagne reception with musicians Mattias Von Herrath and Lynn Talley, and youth vocalists performing the national anthems: Vaughn Der-Avakian, Elisa Avanesian, Ani von Herrath, Aram Badalyan, and Arina Badalyan, directed by Sona Baghdasarian, choir director of St. Sarkis Armenian Church.
Guests in attendance included Dr. Karen Israyelyan, Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles, and his wife Anna Grigoryan; David Ojakian, Western Region Director for the Armenian Assembly; Joe Kellejian, former mayor of Solana Beach, and his wife Mary; Harry Krikorian, Chairman of the St. Sarkis Trust Fund Committee, and his wife Linda; Jim Sahagian, Chairman of the St. Sarkis Building Committee, and his wife Jane; and Bob Barsam, former Chairman of the Diocesan Council of the Western Diocese, and his daughters Tina and Helena; and Greg Martayan, VP of External Affairs at Valley Economic Alliance, Senior Advisor of Public Safety for Assembly Member Schiavo and Former Director of Public Safety for City of Los Angeles.
At the evening’s conclusion, Martayan presented a United States Senate Commendation from California Senator Alex Padilla, in honor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church’s third anniversary.
Gala Chair Kathy Kassardjian thanked attendees for their support of an unforgettable evening. “With faith in God and your support, all things are possible, and our church campus is becoming a reality,” Kassardjian said.
“The new church campus established in 2022 has become a landmark for Armenians near and far and an inspirational partner as we support Armenians around the world,” noted Consul General Dr. Israyelyan.
Archbishop Derderian, who was in Armenia to attend meetings of the Supreme Spiritual Council, shared in his congratulatory message that the St. Sarkis parish, “with unrelenting dedication and zeal, has served as the spiritual, educational and cultural center of the faithful community.”
Local businesses that sponsored or donated to the event included: Kassabian Vineyards, Meze Greek Fusion, Phil’s BBQ, South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, SDVP, Chris Aslanian, Arpi Adourian, Americare Adult Day Healthcare Center, as well as several anonymous donors.
The Gala Committee was chaired by Kathy Kassardjian and Dr. Anna Khatchatrian, under the guidance of parish priest Rev. Fr. Berjekian. Committee members included Arpy Adourian, Nora Balikian, Zanni Kalaydjian, Rita Kanberian, Nora Kassardjian Belmer, Lisa Kradjian, Harry Krikorian, Mariam Kutukjian, Sylvia Philibbosian, Jim Sahagian, Sonia Serpekian, and Gina Tashjian.
Patrons are encouraged to save the date, as next year’s gala will be held on November 8, 2025.
Donations to the new building campaign can be mailed to St. Sarkis Armenian Church Trust Fund, 13925 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130, (619) 284-7179. Tax ID #95-2500735 or online.
