August 8, 2012

ARMENIA FUND USA FINALIZES PLANS FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

New York, NY — Almost two months shy of its official 20th anniversary, Armenia Fund USA has formally announced its gala celebration to be held in midtown Manhattan at Gotham Hall.

On September 29th at seven o’clock in the evening, guests from the tri-state area and other parts of the eastern region will arrive at this magnificent space that combines the old world architectural detail of the old Greenwich Savings Bank building and the fresh contemporary elegance of a state-of-the-art venue. “It’s an ideal location for a grand celebration such as the one we are planning, complete with sumptuous dining and ballroom dancing,” stated 20th Anniversary Gala chairperson Vesna Markarian.

At the top of the roster of featured participants is Mark Geragos, Esq. Widely recognized as one of the top defense attorney’s in the U.S., Mr. Geragos is also on the Board of Trustees of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund since 2006. As such, for past ten years, he has taken time from his high-powered schedule to host the 12-hour long Armenia Fund Thanksgiving Day Telethon, broadcast live from Los Angeles. Now this charismatic personality will preside over the festivities in New York.

The keynote speaker will be H.E. Edward Nalbandian, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

In homage to the 22 worldwide affiliates that have been established over the past two decades, the entertainment will be provided by the acclaimed French-Armenian pop singer Patrick Fiori. This will be his premiere New York performance of contemporary eclectic genres, including several favorite Armenian classics.

“Our geographically diverse participants reflect the worldwide unity that Armenia Fund has come to stand for, “ explained Khoren Bandazian, chairman of the board of directors of Armenia Fund USA eastern region.

“Over these two decades, we have proven that Armenians from different parts of the world can work together for a noble cause worthy of our ancient and great nation. Our constructive relationships with the governments of Armenia and Karabakh as well as Diaspora affiliates are essential to bringing Armenia and Karabakh into the 21st century,” Mr. Bandazian stated.

Building on the theme of the 15th anniversary celebration, “Building Armenia’s Tomorrow Today,” the slogan of the 20-year milestone is “Building a Homeland Built to Last.” Irina Lazarian, executive director of Armenia Fund USA, described the evolution of the message this way: “When we refer to ‘a homeland built to last’, we are acknowledging that nation-building is an ongoing process. We must continue to challenge ourselves to work smarter, act faster, and think bigger. For example, despite all our successes in modernizing the physical infrastructure of rural Armenia, there are still too many people leaving towns and villages in search of jobs and a better life. “This trend puts national security at risk. So in addition to infrastructure projects, we are focusing on education, health care delivery and community life,” said Ms. Lazarian. “These are the four building blocks that will make it possible to live, work, raise a family, and most of all -- raise hope,” Ms. Lazarian added.

The 20th Anniversary Steering Committee is now working in high gear to ensure that this milestone event is both meaningful and memorable. Vesna Markarian is managing a fully engaged team of volunteers including Alex Karapetian, Aline Markarian and Kristine Toufayan Casali. Armenia Fund USA chairman Khoren Bandazian who served as chairperson for the 15th anniversary gala is also on the committee. Honorary chairs are H.E. Ambassador and Mrs. Garen and Nana Nazarian.

Tickets ($350 per person) can be ordered conveniently online by credit card. Or, call 212-689-5307; toll-free at 866-446-6237. Those who receive a printed or electronic invitation are urged to RSVP by September 15, 2012.

ARMENIA FUND USA: founded in 1992, was one of the first of “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund’s 20 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, 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.