| For Immediate Release
December 12, 2006
BOSTON AND DETROIT COMMUNITIES WELCOME PRESIDENT GHOUKASSIAN
OF KARABAKH, RALLY SUPPORT FOR ARMENIA FUND TELETHON
NEW YORK, New York – The 9th
International Armenia Fund Telethon which raised more than $13.7
million to benefit Hadrut region of Karabakh, would not have been
a success if not the dedication and commitment of Armenian-American
communities across the United States.
Detroit, L to R: Edmond
Azadian, Ovsep Sarafian, President Ghoukasian, Mrs. Ghoukasian,
Nadya Sarafian |
 |
On November 11-12, 2006, as part of their traditional drive for
the Thanksgiving Telethon, Boston and Detroit supporters of Armenia
Fund USA welcomed Nagorno-Karabakh President Arkady Ghoukassian
who was visiting the United States in connection with the Telethon.
A champagne brunch was held by the Detroit community on November
12, 2006 at II Posto Restaurante in Detroit. The brunch was attended
by many prominent community leaders and supporters of the Fund,
among them Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and his wife Sandie.
Welcoming the President, Congressman Knollenberg gave a short
briefing on current legislative issues affecting Armenia, while
Mr. Ghoukassian then took a moment and thanked the Congressman
for his work on behalf of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Among
the metro Detroit committee were Chairman Edgar Hagopian, Armenian
Congregational Church, David Terzibashian, St. John’s Armenian
Church & St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Ross Baghdassarian, St.
Vartan Armenian Catholic Church, Sako Karjian, Armenian Assembly
of America, Shirley Ann Sarkisian, Armenian National Committee,
Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Narses Gedigian, Knight of
Vartan, Edward Bedikian, Armenian Relief Society, Shakeh Basmajian,
Armenian Renaissance Association, Linda Lutz, Detroit Armenian
Women’s Club, Helen Movsesian, Tekeyan Cultural Association, and
Edmond Azadian, Armenian Democratic League. The transportation
for the event was provided by Simon Javizian.
Boston, L to R: Raffi and
Nina Festekjian, Mrs. Ghoukassian, President Ghoukassian, Nicole and Jean-Jacques
Hajjar |
 |
Hosted in the residence of Nicole and Jean-Jacques Hajjar, the
Boston reception drew Armenia Fund USA’s supporters and friends
from the greater Boston Armenian community. Guests welcomed the
President with their Armenian sense of hospitality expressing
firm support for the Fund’s mission. Accompanied by his wife Mrs.
Ghoukassian, the President met with donors and friends of Armenia
Fund USA answering individual questions and concerns regarding
the current peace process of the Karabakh conflict. The President
rallied support for the Thanksgiving Telethon and delivered an
uplifting speech about why it is important to help Karabakh stand
on its feet at this important crossroad of nation-building. Highlighting
that the toughest battle remains the one in the economic field,
Mr. Ghoukassian urged everyone to be part of the Telethon drive,
to learn more and participate in the long-standing effort to build
and revitalize impoverished villages of Karabakh.
Detroit, L to R: Congressman Joe Knollenberg, President Ghoukasian, Edgar Hagopian |
 |
This year’s Thanksgiving Telethon raised funds for the implementation
of the Regional Development Program in the Hadrut region of Karabakh.
Armenia Fund USA, with its international affiliates, has adopted
an integrated approach to economically revitalize the war-torn
villages. The initiative focuses on sustainability and continuity
of development, combining local expertise and need assessment
of rural communities. The project encompasses all key aspects
of socio-economic development – access to education, proper healthcare,
and clean water, as well as sustainable infrastructure to support
irrigation water systems, roads and agricultural development.
Armenia Fund has had a strong and measurable impact on the development
of Karabakh and Armenia since independence. The organization remains
the largest contributor to socio-economic infrastructure projects
there since 1992, having invested more than $150 million in large-scale
infrastructure.
Armenia Fund USA continues accepting Telethon donations through
its secure on-line donation site.
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA
FUND USA, founded in 1992, was the first of Hayastan All-Armenian
Fund’s 19 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 19 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 visit
our website at
www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org
or call us at 212-689-5307.
Armenia Fund USA
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 301
New York, NY 10038
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