BURBANK—The Armenian Cultural Foundation Burbank Chapter announced that long-time activists and benefactors Mr. & Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian will sponsor the currently under construction gymnasium in the Burbank “Beshir Mardirossian” Youth Center.
The ACF Beshir Mardirossian Burbank Youth Center formally opened its doors in October 2013—an accomplishment 25 years in the making. The center serves as key gathering place for the community’s youth and, with its gym and other facilities, caters to the needs of the cultural, athletic and educational needs of the every-growing youth population in the city.
The official inauguration of the gymnasium will take place on Sunday, April 12 during a special ceremony and reception at 5 p.m. at the center located at at 75 E. Santa Anita Avenue in Burbank. The community is invited to celebrate this momentous occasion and show its support for the burgeoning center.
Not even the heat deterred over 300 participants in this festive, open air, occasion. The Armenian Cultural Foundation— Burbank (ACF – Burbank) had been working towards this day since 1990, with numerous heartbreaks along the way as many promising opportunities fell out of reach. But with the door-opening contribution from Mr. & Mrs. Timmy & Seda Mardirossian, after whose father the center is named, coupled with an opportune real estate market, and funds ACF— Burbank had slowly accumulated, and the facility was purchased. This bold step required the confidence that community members and institutions would rally to the cause.
The Melkonians are no strangers to philanthropic activities in the community and this generosity adds to the roster of their decades of benevolence. This past week the couple was the official event sponsor of the annual Armenian Cultural Foundation Gala, held Sunday, March 8 at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena. On Friday, they will serve as the benefactors of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School’s 45th anniversary celebration. Earlier this year, the Homenetmen Western Regional Executive announced that Varant and Hoori Melkonian will be the 2015 Honorary Chairs of the 36th Navasartian Games, scheduled for July.
