LONG BEACH, Calif.—After a month-long undertaking through March for Javakhk Awareness Month, the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee capped off its 2017 campaign with a fundraising event held on April 2 aboard the historic Queen Mary. Numerous supporters gathered to demonstrate their backing to the cause and raise funds for youth centers in Javakhk
Guests included Archpriest Fr. Ashod Kambourian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Las Vegas Adroushan Armenian, ARF Central Committee Representative Dr. Carmen Ohanian, ARS Javakhk Fund Central Committee member and regional liaison Harout Manoukian, ARS Regional Executive Chairperson Rebecca Berberian, Vice-Chairperson Aida Babayan-Alrayes and members Maro Papazian and Carmen Libaridian, former ARS Javakhk Fund Committee Chairperson and long-time supporter Haigoush Kohler, representatives of sister organizations, sponsors, donors, ARS members and supporters.
ARS Javakhk Fund Committee Member Carnie Armenian carried out the role of Master of Ceremonies and accounted her personal experience through visits to Javakhk and her passion and affinity toward the region, people, and culture. She recounted famous Javakhk-born Armenians including Hamo Ohanjanyan, Vahan Derian, Rupen Tarpinian, and Jivani, depicted the thriving spirit of Armenian youth living in the region, and conveyed their will and tenacity in learning the Armenian language, history, and cultural preservation.
Archpriest Fr. Ashod Kambourian conveyed blessings on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and commended the active work and commitment of the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee, whose aim is to advance the welfare of Armenians in Javakhk.
Thereafter, guests had the opportunity to view a 15-min. long video detailing the socio-political and economic challenges faced by Armenians in the region, the history of the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee, and its wide array of programs and activities, including outreach, education, awareness, fundraising, and the provision of aid to Javakhk.
ARS Javakhk Fund Committee Chairperson Lena Bozoyan delivered remarks on behalf of the Committee and stated, “Once again this year, we are gathered to share in the activities of the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee, focus on the trials and tribulations faced by Armenians in Javakhk, and collectively support social, health, cultural, and youth-oriented projects in Javakhk.â€
