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PRESS RELEASE
Friday, August 5, 2005
AGBU FOCUS 2005 Unites Worldwide Young Armenian Professionals, Raises
$30,000 for AGBU Scholarship Program
Over 550 Young Armenians Converge in South Beach
AGBU FOCUS has wrapped up its third biennial affair and is proud of
the unprecedented success that culminated from the weekend’s
festivities. Over 550 young Armenian professionals from around the
globe came together from July 14-17 in South Beach, Florida. The
stylish city played the perfect host to the program’s itinerary and
the shared vision of FOCUS organizers assisted in weaving together the
numerous events. Courtney Cachet, the sole Committee Member hailing
from Miami, held the responsibility of coordinating with the New
York-based Organizing Committee. “After a year of planning, it was a
pleasure to see our hard work come to fruition as we hosted hundreds
of Armenians from different hometowns on the shores of Miami. FOCUS
2005 garnered much enthusiasm from all its guests and has particularly
excited and inspired many local young Armenians to continue this
tradition of coming together to celebrate our common bond,” Cachet
said.
AGBU FOCUS was initiated in 2001 and designed as a weekend event where
young Armenian professionals from all over the world could congregate
and share their international perspectives, as well as provide a venue
to showcase notable contributions and achievements made by the
organization’s diverse youth programs. This landmark affair, organized
entirely by a new generation of AGBU beneficiaries and members, allows
participants to pay tribute to the programs that have positively
impacted their lives.
RAISING AWARENESS & FUNDS
“In addition to planning a weekend filled with activities that enrich
the relationships among young AGBU supporters, every two years, FOCUS
seeks to highlight a specific AGBU youth program. In doing so, FOCUS
educates its attendees on the true generosity and spirit of the
organization and demonstrates that a new generation is prepared to
continue AGBU’s mission. This year, we selected to honor the AGBU
Scholarship Program. Our Organizing Committee initiated pre-weekend
fundraising which allowed us to donate to this program. We are
grateful to all the donors who supported our efforts,” explained FOCUS
Chairperson Ani Manoukian.
For more than 70 years, grants and loans have been awarded to highly
qualified candidates who demonstrate excellence in their chosen fields
of study. AGBU Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to
full-time students of Armenian descent enrolled in colleges and
graduate programs around the world. Today, over $300,000 in
scholarships and loans is distributed annually to students in 25
countries. Many former recipients, selected for both their academic
and extracurricular involvements return to the Armenian community and
express their desire to continue the legacy of philanthropy in their
local communities. AGBU takes great pride in planting the seeds for
these future community activists. FOCUS 2005 applauded the Program’s
achievements and raised over $30,000 to ensure continuing support for
each generation of ambitious students and emerging leaders.
EXCHANGING INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
This year’s guests flew in from Belgium, Canada, England, France,
Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon and Switzerland, in addition to over 20
U.S. cities, to take part in FOCUS 2005 events. Everyone enjoyed the
weekend’s diverse schedule, including Thursday’s Perspectives, a
networking evening featuring a panel discussion; Club Night on Friday
at the heart of Miami’s spicy nightlife; FOCUS on Art on Saturday
afternoon, which coupled a casual lunch with a silent auction of art
from AGBU Children’s Centers in Armenia; a closing Sunday Brunch; and
the weekend’s highlight, an Saturday evening Gala at the Mandarin
Oriental Hotel.
Perspectives, which has become the traditional kick-off event to the
weekend, took place at the Wolfsonian Museum of Art & Design. The
topic of the evening, “Success Stories: Taking Chances in the
Professional World”, was moderated by Young Professionals of Northern
California’s Kimberly Bardakian, who was joined by four guest
speakers: Ara Balikian, Deborah L. Devedjian, Dan Janjigian and Debbie
Ohanian. Panelists shared their professional experiences, the
influences of their Armenian background, and the career lessons they
learned through risk-taking.
Debbie Ohanian, a Miami resident with vast entrepreneurial experience
in real estate, restaurants, nightclubs and fashion, started off the
evening on a high note. Ohanian recounted her adventures, including
her latest venture, a maternity clothing line called “Meet Me In
Miami,” which has been featured in numerous magazines and television
shows, including HBO’s “Sex and the City.”
Another unique career path was forged by Olympic bobsledder Dan
Janjigian of Northern California, who fulfilled his dream by securing
the funds needed to participate as part of Team Armenia in the 2002
Winter Olympics.
With her strong credentials in private equity investing and
international business, New York City-based Deborah L. Devedjian
shared her experiences in setting up the Copernicus Learning Fund,
LP. Realizing the great void in the for-profit education sector, she
launched a business plan and raised millions to set up this innovative
fund which invests in for-profit companies in K-12, university and
post-secondary, corporate training, lifelong learning and human
capital management.
Wrapping up the panel session with his trademark humor, Ara Balikian
from Boston recounted his personal journey in the legal world. Leaving
a secure position in a large firm, he established his own private
litigation law practice.
Canadian guest, Vicky Tarakjian from Montreal, was pleased with the
evening’s impact, “I found the Perspectives event to be inspiring,
motivating and beneficial, as it instilled a sense of pride toward the
achievements of fellow Armenians. The stories and experiences shared
by the panelists were true testaments to the fact that courage, drive
and perseverance are key ingredients to realizing one’s dreams and
aspirations.”
The Club Night on Friday attracted close to 600 people, who mingled
and danced till late into the evening at Rumi, situated on the
ever-popular Lincoln Road. Featuring both a local and New York DJ,
guests enjoyed a truly eclectic mix of world rhythms throughout the
night.
In addition to FOCUS activities, the weekend also provided a venue for
a meeting of leaders within the AGBU Young Professionals (YP)
network. This fast-growing association of professionals, comprised of
ambitious volunteers dedicated to the organization, design
philanthropic, educational, professional, cultural and social
activities that respond to the lifestyle of young Armenians. AGBU YP
members from the United States, Canada, France and Lebanon convened to
brainstorm and exchange ideas on a range of topics that will help
foster the growth and strength of the YP chapters. Led by AGBU YP
Liaison, Kim Yacoubian, the meeting brought forth positive
outcomes. “Over 15 representatives from YP Groups attended this year’s
meeting, where topics of discussion included fundraising, teamwork and
communication. This type of exchange of ideas is vital to the future
growth and sustainability of the YP movement,” she noted.
COMING TOGETHER TO FOCUS ON AGBU
Building on the success of the premier event held in Montreal in 2003,
the second FOCUS on Art took place Saturday afternoon at the art deco
Abbey Hotel. A silent auction showcased paintings, woodwork,
embroidery, needlework and other beautiful artistic renderings by
young students ages 11 to 16 from the Arapkir, Malatya and Nork AGBU
Children’s Centers in Armenia. The afternoon event proved to be a hit
once again as each of the 26 pieces of artwork sold to the highest
bidders.
Three-time FOCUS guest from Milan, Italy, Vatche Istanboulli, enjoyed
the afternoon of sunshine and bright colors, courtesy the Centers’
creative students. “FOCUS on Art demonstrates the vast talents of
Armenia’s newest generation. I was personally impressed by the tempera
works of a 13-year old artist…so impressed that I was eager to fight
till the very last second to bid the highest price on the beautiful
painting. But all fun aside, I do believe that through our collective
encouragement and with AGBU’s continued support, projects like the
Children’s Centers will create a brighter future in Armenia,” he said.
The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday night Gala held at the
Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The evening attracted 450 guests to the
elegant ballroom that was filled to capacity. Guests enjoyed a
cocktail hour overlooking the Biscayne Bay, a full-course sit-down
dinner, and an evening with the Renowned Johnny Roubian and Orchestra
entertaining the guests with live Armenian and international music as
they danced and socialized with friends old and new.
Enthralled by the convivial atmosphere of the Gala, Natalie
Golnazarians of Southern California noted, “The 2005 FOCUS Gala was
amazing. As we gathered from across the globe in celebration of our
friendship, our culture and our heritage, I felt the genuine meaning
of being an Armenian throughout the evening.”
At the Gala, guests were touched by the inspiring sentiments conveyed
during a video presentation that featured a dynamic presentation of
images and clips from past FOCUS events, along with AGBU Scholarship
Program recipient experiences and narration by alumni of various AGBU
youth programs, including Camp Nubar, the New York Summer Intern
Program and YPs. The applause of the crowd was encouraging to all,
especially as former beneficiaries thanked the organization for the
assistance and support in aiding them toward making their life
aspirations come true.
Many former and present scholarship recipients, including Dr. Joe
Bastadjian from New York City, joined in the festivities held in South
Beach: “Through a balanced mix of entertaining and educational events,
this weekend seamlessly unified Armenians from all corners of the
world. The video presentation at the Gala demonstrated the global
reach of AGBU’s tireless efforts in providing the means for Armenian
students to further their educational goals.”
On the final morning, more than 300 guests came together for the
Sunday Brunch at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The sentiment echoed
continually amidst the goodbyes was that of excitement and eagerness
to reunite again soon and to become more active within AGBU.
“This fantastic event has deepened my connection to AGBU. From Camp
Nubar and the New York Summer Intern Program to FOCUS, I have built
lifelong friendships-that is the spirit of AGBU, unity. We grow as
individuals and a community with each event and now we must all give
back to AGBU in our own special way,” said Stephanie Yacoubian, who
traveled from Beirut, Lebanon to attend.
Stephen Odabashian, a continuous FOCUS supporter, shared his view on
this endeavor: “I have been to all three events in New York, Montreal
and Miami. I am amazed at how each weekend manages to top the previous
one. Everyone was blown away by all FOCUS had to offer. The hotel
provided a picture postcard setting and the event venues offered the
perfect backdrop for this unforgettable event. Most importantly, the
people made it most memorable. FOCUS always manages to attract a
diverse group of professionals and we now anxiously await the
announcement of the 2007 host city.”
AGBU FOCUS 2005 has helped to unite young Armenian professionals from
around the world, leaving a lasting impression on their lives and
nurturing friendships. Each participant left the weekend with a
stronger connection to AGBU and a better understanding of its mission
to preserve and promote the Armenian identity and heritage. The young
group of volunteers that comprised the FOCUS 2005 Organizing Committee
worked diligently behind the scenes to flawlessly choreograph this
weekend of events. Thanks to the time and efforts of Chairperson Ani
Manoukian and committee members Hripsime Arissian, Courtney Cachet,
Aline Ekmekji, Anthony Ekmekjian, Natalie Gabrelian, Talia Jebejian,
Natalie Kaypekian, Lisa Markarian, Salpi Mekhjian, Tamar Nahabedian,
and Hrag Vartanian, AGBU FOCUS has taken another step forward and
hopes to plan bigger and better things for its next event in 2007.
To view photos from the weekend or learn more about FOCUS, please
visit:
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with
an annual budget of $26 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in 35
countries.