ArmenPress
March 1 2005

HAYASTAN FUND COLLECTS 80 PERCENT OF PLEDGED DONATIONS

YEREVAN, MARCH 1, ARMENPRESS: Hayastan all-Armenian Fund said it
has collected some 80 percent of donations, pledged during a last
year telethon. The latest telethon on 2004 November 25 set a
fundraising record on Thanksgiving Day by raising over $11 million
during live, 12-hour international broadcast event.
Funds are raised to complete the crucial North-South “Backbone”
Highway and provide for vital infrastructure projects in Armenia and
Karabagh. Telethon 2004 was broadcast to over 45 million households
in 24 cities throughout the United States and Canada, as well as to
major capitols and cities in Europe, South America, the Middle East,
the CIS and Armenia.
The Fund said construction of a section of the highway stretching
from Stepanakert to Karmir Shuka is underway. Construction of other
sections is set to start in late March.