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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
YPGNY Armenian Christmas Fundraiser Sends $15,000 to Armenian Children
NEW YORK, NY – On January 20, 2007, AGBU Young Professionals of
Greater New York (YPGNY) kicked off 2007 with its seventh annual
Armenian Christmas Reception and Silent Auction that attracted over
100 guests from as far afield as Los Angeles and Paris. The event
raised $15,000 for the AGBU Children’s Centers in Armenia.
Anticipated as one of YPGNY’s signature events, the affair at
Kaleidoscope Imaging, Inc., made possible by the kindness and
generosity of hosts Mr. & Mrs. Joe and Souzi Kasparian, and brought
together Young Professionals (YPs) ready to open their hearts to
support the charitable cause — a favorite among YP groups around
the world.
The evening included a stylish silent auction with items donated
from some of the city’s leading businesses, including Hermes, Lauren
K Jewelry, Sirius Radio, Exhale Spa, Cutler Salon, and 6th Avenue
Electronics. Private individuals also contributed an array of items
including popular tickets to Broadway shows and sporting events to
ensure the event’s success. Among the most coveted pieces available
for auction were needlework, handcrafted cards, canvas paintings and
woodwork from the AGBU Children’s Centers that exhibited the skills
of the children and highlighted their role in continuing the artistic
heritage of Armenians. "It was a very festive and fun event, and
seeing the children’s artwork made the cause immediate and personal,"
guest Michael Manasar said.
Contributions from local restaurants ensured that guests were treated
to a mezze of Middle Eastern and Italian delights and Mr. Kasparian
contributed to the evening’s ambiance by DJing a diverse array music
that captured the fundraiser’s youthful spirit.
"A truly spectacular event!," visiting guest Ara Arzumanian, Director
of the AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program in Pasadena, said
about his first time attending the annual event. "I was visiting NY
from Los Angeles and was very impressed to see so many Armenian young
professionals from all over, coming together to have fun and raise
money for our little brothers and sisters in Armenia. I met a lot of
great people, had a blast and supported the youth of our nation–what
more could you ask for out of an event?"
AGBU YPGNY would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to honorary
YP Onnig Djingueuzian for his enthusiasm and support in making this
an unforgettable and truly successful affair. Other notable donors
that made the event possible were Harout Balabanian, Harut Dermenjian,
Schumers Wine & Liquors, Cognito, Inc., and the Akda Family.
To date, AGBU YPs have made a global commitment to support the AGBU
Children’s Centers and established an endowment in 2002 for the Centers
which now totals over $40,000. Money raised from the YPGNY Armenian
Christmas Reception as well as from the annual HALO Campaign (Help
Armenia’s Little Ones) is added to the YP endowment. Suitable for
recipients of all ages, the YPGNY HALO Campaign allows individuals
to make a donation in the name of a child, grandchild, parent,
grandparent, sibling or friend for any occasion. HALO’s team of
designers creates specially designed certificates and distribute them
to recipients the world over. This year, close to 100 certificates
spread holiday cheer to mailboxes worldwide.
Established in 1999, AGBU YPGNY is part of a growing network of
global Young Professionals groups, whose mission mirrors AGBU’s
promise to preserve and promote Armenian identity and heritage by
adding dimensions to the lives of young professional Armenians through
educational, cultural, social and humanitarian programs. Those wishing
to volunteer should contact YPGNY at ypgny@agbuyp.org. Those wishing
more information about AGBU YPs should visit: