The Homenetmen Santa Clara “Ani” Chapter’s 20th anniversary gala celebration took place on May 7, at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Santa Clara, California. With a high spirit and festive atmosphere and more than 270 guests including St. Andrew Armenian Church parish priest, honorable Homenetmen Western Regional representatives, many Armenian organization leaders and members who joined to celebrate the anniversary gala which was organized by “Ani” chapter’s special banquet committee members.
The celebration program started with Master of Ceremony Kuyr Ani Baghdasarian with welcoming remarks and inviting Rev Father Datev Harutyunyan for opening prayers.
Next in the program was the flag ceremony by Homenetmen Ani Scouts, singing the American and Armenian national anthems.
Ani Baghdasarian presented the history of the “Ani” chapter by recognizing the founders Vahe Baronian, Shahen Aghababian and Jano Khachian by the support of Hrayr Tashjian and Jirair Sarkissian. She also recognized the efforts of Fr. Vazken Movsesian who was the parish priest whom opened St. Andrew church doors to Homenetmen “Ani”. Ani continued remembering and recognizing the dedications and efforts of all the members, scouts, athletes and families who contributed and supported Homenetmen “Ani” chapter.
Ani then invited Garnik Abrahamian, the chairman of the Homenetmen Western Region. Garnik congratulated Ani chapter’s 20th anniversary by recognizing their hard work and dedications with continues efforts and then he presented a recognition plaque to “Ani” chapter with words of encouragement from Homenetmen regional office which was received by the Chairman of “Ani” Chapter Krikor Krikorian.
Next on the program was the Armenian folklore entertainment. Hagop Nazarian’s impressive performance of “Gilligia” on his violin followed by “Arax” dance group. The “Kisher ou Tsereg” dance which was choreographed by Neomi Araxie was performed by Lena Dakesian and Nayree Kouyoumdjian which delighted the audience.
Baghdasarian invited Rev. Father Datev Harutyunyan the parish priest of St. Andrew Armenian Church and Vicar of western Armenian Diocese whom congratulated Homenetmen “Ani” Chapter’s 20th anniversary and praised their hard work and wished them continued success. Father Datev recited his Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s Primate of Western Diocese congratulatory letter addressing Homenetmen “Ani” chapter. Father Datev also recited congratulatory letters from Rev. Father Vazken Movsessian, parish priest of St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale and congratulatory letter from very Rev. Father Khoren Habeshian parish priest of St. Gregory Armenian Church of San Francisco.
Baghdasarian invited Krikor Krikorian chairman of the Homenetmen Santa Clara “Ani” chapter to the podium for his keynote remarks. Krikor started his remarks stating that Homenetmen “Ani” Chapter is continuing its mission with the “Elevate and Elevate Others” spirit for the past 20 years with the hard work and dedication of all its organizations and members. He recognized that the founders and members for the past 20 years built a very strong foundation and assured that the future of this chapter will not be any different from that paramount past. “Ani” Chapter will continue its successful mission to build a healthy Armenian youth to serve the Armenian Church and the community.
Homenetmen “Ani” Chairman concluded his remarks by recognizing the exceptional efforts, contributions and dedication of “Ani” members whom worked very hard, hand in hand and made “Ani” Chapter one of the most important organizations in the Bay Area and wished them continuing success. Also thanked the Founders, sponsors, St. Andrew Armenian Church, Homenetmen Regional Executives, “Ani” Chapter’s Executives, all committees and the banquet committee members who made this event a very successful and memorable.
With big applause the founders of Homenetmen “Ani”, Vahe Baronian, Shahen Aghababian, Jano Khachian and Jerayr Sarkisian were invited to the stage to receive “Ani” Chapter’s appreciation rewards. Due to other commitments Shahen Aghababian was not present at the event to receive the award.
Honorary member of Homenetmen “Ani” Hrair Tashjian was invited to receive the life time achievement award for his half a decade dedication to Homenetmen and 20 years of continues efforts to Homenetmen “Ani”. After receiving his award of a golden pin and a recognition plaque, Hrayr took the podium and thanked Homenetmen “Ani” Chapter Executive and all members, Founders, Regional executives, St. Andrew Church and all the audience for their support and believing in Homenetmen’s glorious mission.
The anniversary program was concluded with Homenetmen’s “Harach Nahadag” Anthem.
With DJ Raffy Khorozian’s music, the entertainment and celebration started throughout late hours of the night.
