GLENDALE, Calif.—On December 3, the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat center was home to a joyous and festive occasion: the chapter was celebrating its 38th anniversary. The organizing committee, brilliantly led by Jasik Jarahian had done a masterful job: the center was transformed into an elegant red carpeted event and dazzling ballroom for the evening, complete with drapes and elegant centerpieces.
Once Ararat’s in-house soprano, Evana Grigorian, performed the national anthems, the party was underway.
Alec Baghdasaryan, the master of ceremony for the evening, starting things off with his opening remarks before yielding the floor to Representative Adam Schiff, representing California’s 28th District. The Congressman congratulated the chapter upon its birthday and was followed by Lieutenant General Artur Aghabekyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), who added his heartfelt wishes of success and presented the chapter with the emblems of the 25th anniversary of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. Also present that night were Senator Anthony Portantino, Glendale Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian and Supervisor Michael Antonovich field deputy Rita Hadjimanoukian who added their congratulations and best wishes to the mix.
Among the over 480 guests were representatives of various Armenian organizations, including the Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Zavarian and Aharonian), the Iranahye, Davidian and Mariamian and other civic organizations. Also present that evening was Viggen Davidian, member of Homenetmen’s central committee as well as representatives from Homenetmen’s regional committee and local chapters.
Robert’s Catering had handled the dinner with style, the guests were treated to a host of scrumptious appetizers and mouthwatering dishes, but no birthday celebration is complete without cake and candles and this was no exception. Once dinner was over, the cakes came out in a flurry of fireworks and flames as dozens of candles lit up the ballroom: our beloved chapter rang in its 39th year in style!
Before world-renowned Allen G. and his orchestra could take over and rock the house, there was one thing left to do: celebrate our heroes of the evening, Commendable and Outstanding Homenetmen Member Andre Pashai and Lifetime Honorary Member Arick Gevorkian.
Chapter Executive Board member Garen Moghoyan did the honors: in a speech whose main theme was selflessness and altruism, he extolled the virtues and qualities of our honorees. Pashai is a basketball coach who has collected countless trophies and awards since starting coaching in 1983 but it is his passion for teaching and educating that sets him apart. As to Gevorkian, his selfless devotion to the youth, his desire to instruct children and prepare the next generation of Armenian citizens and his passion for Armenia and the Armenian cause have earned him worldwide praise and recognition. Following a standing ovation, Gevorkian, in a touching thank you speech, paid tribute to his mother, wife and children and reiterated his love of country and his passion for our culture and history.
Allen G. and his orchestra then regaled the crowd with their international repertoire and entertained the guests until the wee hours of the morning, stylishly punctuating a successful evening and anniversary.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter Celebrates 38th Anniverary
