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For Immediate Release
December 3, 2005
Contact: Arpiné Kocharyan
Tel: (212) 689-5307
ARMENIA FUND USA HOSTED PRESIDENT ARKADY GHOUKASIAN
OF KARABAKH AT THE “REBIRTH
OF ARTSAKH” DINNER RECEPTION
to benefit Agricultural Initiative for Karabakh
NEW YORK, New York - On November
14, 2005, Armenia Fund USA hosted a benefit reception and
dinner at the Long Island residence of Raffi and Haigouhi
Megerian, Bayville, NY to raise funds for the Agricultural
Initiative of the “Rebirth of Artsakh”
Regional Development Program being launched this year. The
dinner was well- attended by many supporters and friends of
Armenia Fund USA, among them the President of Nagorno-Karabakh,
The Honorable Arkady Ghoukasian and Executive Director Naira
Melkoumian of Hayastan Himnadram All-Armenia Fund, Yerevan,
Armenia.
The cool autumn breezes of the Long Island Sound welcomed
the Megerians’ guests to their elegantly-appointed waterfront
home where, once inside, they were met with the splendor of
lighted Christmas boughs bouquets of long stemmed roses. The
cocktails and traditional Armenian meal - presented
in the warm atmosphere that Armenian homes offer so graciously
contributed to the friendly discussion and sharing of ideas
among all present. Chairman of Armenia Fund USA, Mr. Kevork
Toroyan welcomed the guests introducing the new initiative
Armenia Fund USA is undertaking this year - Agricultural
Initiative phase of the “Rebirth of Artsakh”
Regional Development Program. Mr. Toroyan emphasized the necessity
and need in Nagorno Karabakh of a major economic boost, an
agricultural revitalization of the land that once served as
one of the most fruitful ‘brad baskets” of the
former Soviet Union. He shared with the guests his vision
of a new Karabakh - strong, stable and in well-being,
able to provide basic agricultural products (presently imported
into the country) not only for Artsakh, but also for the Republic
of Armenia.
Mrs. Melkoumian and President Ghoukasian also greeted the
guests talking about the importance of the three-region, three-year
program launched by Armenia Fund USA and its 18 worldwide
affiliates. The President particularly highlighted the political
and economic strategic importance behind the “Rebirth
of Artsakh” initiative, and how, after having provided
the political stability, an economic boost would revitalize
the agricultural economy and improve the standards of live
in the country. “During my first presidential campaign,”
the president remembered, “villagers I met would ask
me to make sure peace prevails in the region, while during
the second campaign, they would ask for jobs and better standards
of life… the picture is very clear - we have to
sustain the land that was so heroically liberated” the
president added.
The “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development
Program is a three-year three-region strategic plan designed
to stabilize and improve the economic well-being of the country.
The Project involves an agricultural initiative that would
be spearheaded by Armenia Fund USA and would start from Mardakert
region - the region that suffered most during the war.
Following a comprehensive development plan provided by highly
professional experts in the field, the Agricultural Initiative
will directly help farmers to cultivate the land, and train
them with strategies to integrate new ways of sustainable
agricultural development.
Over $15,000 was raised through the reception dinner. The
Megerian family’s hospitability made the event very
memorable. Armenia Fund USA would like to extend special thanks
and gratitude to the host and hostess, Mr. Raffi and Haigouhi
Megerians, for their efforts and willingness to help organize
and host the dinner.
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA FUND USA, founded
in 1992, was the first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s
18 international affiliates and serves constituents in all
states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit, non-governmental,
nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all Armenian
constituents.
Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 18 international
affiliates - supporting strategic infrastructure projects
in Armenia and Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles
of roads, 100 miles of waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission
networks, 210 residential buildings and 15 healthcare institutions.
Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development
of strategic socio-economic infrastructure in Armenia and
Karabakh, focusing on major projects such as major highways,
schools, drinking water to communities and humanitarian programs
in education, training and medical facilities. The Fund has
adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and Mortar”
to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.
To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, please
go to our website at www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org
or call us at 212-689-5307.
Armenia Fund USA, 152 Madison Ave., Suite 803,
New York, NY 10016
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