PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 13, 2006
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GIFT TO ENDOWMENT FUND TO HELP FUND YOUTH GROUP
In June, Helen Mardigian of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, added
$25,000 to the Edward and Helen Mardigian Endowment Fund, a fund managed by
the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF). The money was earmarked to
support the work of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America
(ACYOA).
Her latest contribution brings to $225,000 the amount of money in the
Mardigian Endowment Fund earmarked for ACYOA. Last year, that invested
principle provided $12,095 to help run the ACYOA’s ministry. The Edward and
Helen Mardigian Endowment Fund also has funds set aside to support the St.
Nersess Seminary, Christian education, and education programs of the Diocese
and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
"We thank Mrs. Helen Mardigian and, indeed, all those who have established
endowment funds to provide funding today and into the future for our
programs and ministries that make the Armenian Church significant in the
lives of every Armenian," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and President of ACEF.
"Her legacy will live on for generations, always providing our youth with
support and the ability to make programming ideas become a reality."
The principle of endowment funds in ACEF cannot be touched by beneficiaries.
The ACEF board distributes 4.5 percent of a fund’s value to its
beneficiaries annually, providing a continuous and predicable revenue stream
for programs and ministries. Any income earned above the 4.5 percent
payment is attached to the principle, increasing the value of the fund and
the amount of future payments.
"With her support, the ACYOA will better be able to achieve the expansionary
goals meant to provide its members with increased efficiency in programming
as well as a wider range of services and opportunities," said Greg Andonian,
ACYOA Central Council chair. "This contribution continues to provide
evidence of a strong and vibrant future, and helps secure the possibilities
available to future Armenian youth throughout the diocese who will be taking
advantage of the many benefits associated with membership in the ACYOA."
The ACYOA has recently launched a newly re-designed website,
Its newly-elected Central Council is finalizing plans for various regional
and national programs. Only through the continued support of the Armenian
community and individuals such as Helen Mardigian is it possible for the
ACYOA to continue its efforts and organize such successful programs as the
ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend, the ACYOA National Leadership
Conference, regional conferences, the Armenian Service Program (ASP) trip to
Armenia, the Archbishop’s Tournament, and the Holy Land Project, which is
spreading knowledge about the Armenian presence in the Holy Land.
To make a donation of support for ACYOA’s mission, please e-mail
[email protected].
ACEF was established in 1974, and independently incorporated in 2005, with
the express purpose of providing a vehicle for building a solid and enduring
financial foundation for the Armenian Church. The principal donations
invested in ACEF remain untouched. The future income generated from the
investments is distributed to beneficiaries named by the establisher of the
fund.
For more information on establishing an endowment fund to support ACYOA, or
any Armenian Church-affiliated organization, contact Berjouhi Saladin by
e-mailing [email protected] or calling (212)
686-0710.
— 9/13/06