For Immediate Release
December 8, 2008

ARMENIA FUND TELETHON BREAKS RECORDS, RAISES MORE THAN $35 MILLION TO REVIVE ARMENIA'S RURAL ECONOMY

NEW YORK, New York — Even the global financial crisis did not break the resilience and unity of Armenia Fund's supporters. The Fund is pleased to announce another record-breaking year for its annual Thanksgiving Telethon which raised more than $35 million in pledges on Thanksgiving Day to revive Armenia's rural economy. The 12-hour live broadcast originating from Los Angeles and being televised throughout the world brought together millions of Armenians to be part of the economic awakening of rural Armenia and Artsakh. The funds raised through the Telethon will go toward Armenia Fund's Rural Development Program - a comprehensive plan launched in 2007 to revitalize border villages of Armenia and Artsakh where development has not reached to struggling communities to build their families and lives.

This year's Telethon marked an unprecedented fundraising landmark for the Fund, surpassing the already impressive results of 2007. This global fundraising effort was made possible by the collective efforts of Armenia Fund affiliates with the following breakdown: Armenia Fund East Coast Affiliate - $200,000; Armenia Fund West Coast Affiliate- $1,300,000; Lebanon - $200,000; Montreal - $130,000; Argentine - $100,000; Great Britain - $200,000; Netherlands - $40,000; Australia - $50,000; France - $1,500,000; Germany - $85,000; Switzerland - close to $33,000, Toronto - $250,000; Greece and Cyprus - close to $40,000.

In the days leading to the Telethon, a number of fundraising activities were organized around the world including fundraising phonathons held in France, New York and Argentine, fundraising bike-ride, radiothon, galas, and charity concerts that registered unprecedented activity, raising awareness of the upcoming rally on Thanksgiving Day.

Telethon 2008 broke records in public participation as well, registering significant increase in small and medium-sized donations along with major contributions. Russia-based Armenian businessman Mr. Samvel Karapetyan has pledged $15 million to be used toward the construction of the regional hospital in Stepanakert. Other major donors include Mikael Vardanyan, Samvel Aleksanyan, Eduardo Eurnekian, Gagik Adibekyan, Varujan Grigoryan, Gagik Zakaryan, Norik Petrosyan, Barsegh Beglaryan, Aram Kocharyan, Khachik Manukyan, Karapet Aleksanyan, and VivaCell-MTS, a leading telecommunications services provider in Armenia.

As the result show, this year's Telethon draw unprecedented participation by Armenians in Armenia. People gave their vote of confidence in the future of the Homeland, rallying support from not only major donors, but also the general public. Donations were made through transfer of funds into Armenia Fund's accounts, through the local post offices or by visiting the Fund's headquarters on the Republic Square.

Among these donors was also the Hovsepyan family from Yerevan who visited the Fund Executive Board office shortly before midnight with the young members of their family - Armen 4, Vache 11, Arman 11 and Ara 13 - each contributing several dollars to the Telethon. Ara added with excitement that he had participated in the last year's Telethon as well. His wish for New Years was that Armenia Fund constructs more schools and kindergartens in villages, "just like the schools we have in Yerevan", he added.

Eleven years have passed since Armenia Fund's Telethon was first broadcasted from Los Angeles, CA on Thanksgiving Day. Since then, this annual event has become more than a way to give thanks in the name of Armenia. Armenia Fund Telethon has become an honored tradition attracting thousands and millions of viewers during the twelve hours of live airtime. This year, Armenians from around the world were able to tune in using television, satellite, cable, and internet networks. Thousands of men, women and even children were able to be part of this pan- Armenian effort to bring change and hope to communities in rural Armenia and Artsakh. These villages - some ravaged by war, others by economic turmoil - face a variety of complex issues that now seem less challenging because of the overwhelming support of the Armenian Diaspora and Armenia herself.

"This year's Telethon is a testament to the strength and unity of our nation," says Ara Vardanyan, the Acting Executive Director of Armenia Fund in Yerevan. "These are trying times, not only for Armenia and Artsakh but for the entire world that was badly shaken by current economic crisis. And yet, despite the many difficulties and obstacles, Armenians from around the world have come forth and extended a helping hand to their people living in border villages. Their unprecedented compassion and patriotism will be paid back with a stronger Homeland - Armenia that can stand on its feet and tell the world - Yes, we will be able to build Armenia together. I think that this is a day that each of us should be especially proud to be an Armenian, part of a nation that never gives up and is ready to build the future with its own hands".

ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: founded in 1992, was one of 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. 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 201-639-3985.