Telethon paves the way
By Mark R. Madler, News-Press and Leader

Glendale News Press
LATimes.com
Nov 26 2004

Armenia Fund raises millions in annual event for highway linking
villages and economic growth.

GLENDALE – With hours to go in Thursday’s telethon for the Armenia
Fund, pledges surpassed the amount raised in 2003.

The fund had a goal of $10 million, to go toward the completion of
a 105-mile highway in the Karabakh region of Armenia.

As of 6 p.m., the telethon had raised $8.7 million.

Gagik Kirakosian, the counsel general of Armenia, said the highway
was important in the creation of economic development of the region.

“As a strategic project, it’s the best way of connecting all of
Karabakh,” Kirakosian said.

Originating from Glendale Studios, the 12-hour telethon reached
45 million households in 25 cities across the country. It was also
shown in other parts of the world such as Europe, the Middle East
and Australia, said Sarkis Kotanjian, a public relations consultant
for Armenia Fund.

Through phone records, organizers are able to track which speakers and
entertainers were most effective in getting viewers to donate money,
Kotanjian said.

“The quality of the telethon has improved with the use of more
professionals, instead of all volunteers, and it shows,” he added.

About 500 volunteers participated in the telethon. Even with its
global reach, there were still many area participants, such as Armenian
clubs from local schools.

Arno Khachikyan, a senior at Burbank High School, was at the telethon,
along with Burbank Unified School District board Vice President Paul
Krekorian, who presented a $500 check.

The school is in the process of setting up an Armenian Club that will
continue to do fundraising, Arno said, who is the Burbank High School
school board representative.

“Hopefully, it will be an annual thing with the club doing fundraisers
and presenting a check to the Armenia Fund,” Arno added.

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From: Baghdasarian