AMAA RAISES $624,000 FOR CHILD AND ORPHAN CARE PROJECTS

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Friday May 15, 2009

Children’s fashion show and luncheon held in Los Angeles

Beverly Hills, Calif. – Over 450 guests attended the Armenian
Missionary Association of America’s Orphan/Child Care luncheon and
children’s fashion show at the Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills
Hotel. The event raised $624,000 for the association’s programs.

The luncheon co-chairs Leslie Kevorkian and Caroline Tufenkian warmly
welcomed those present. Tina Segel gave a moving devotional and prayer
thanking God for the support received for this worthy cause.

The ballroom was adorned with floral centerpieces donated by Mikaela
& Co.

The silent auction was spectacular. Nicole Barsom Nishanian, the
silent auction chair, Leslie Tevrizian Shahinian, Sandy Bedrosian,
and several other members had procured many of over 100 high-quality
items auctioned, including resort packages.

Joyce Stein, national co-chair of the Orphan/Child Care Committee,
spoke about AMAA’s ministry to deprived children and their
families. Andy Torigian, executive director of the AMAA, described
AMAA’s programs. Mr. Torigian thanked everyone for their continued
support, especially of the child and orphan care projects. During
lunch, a poignant video was shown portraying the substandard living
conditions of many of Armenia’s children. Maro Najarian Yacoubian asked
everyone to sponsor a child, and over 60 needy children were sponsored.

After dessert, the children’s fashion show was introduced by
coordinators Caroline Tufenkian and Marilyn Bezdikian, with 50
children participating. Nordstrom Glendale sponsored and produced
the fashion show.

The finance and reservations chair, Sandra Kalemkiarian, announced that
the proceeds this year totaled $624,000. "We are grateful for the very
generous donations we received this year," said Ms. Kalemkiarian. "This
has been a record year."

Each guest received a bag of goodies donated by Jessica Vartoughian of
Jessica Nails and LindaKay Abdulian of National Raisin Company. The
beautiful gift bags with the AMAA logo were created and donated by
Arsi Seraydarian of Pacobond, Inc.

Plans are already underway for next year’s fashion show and luncheon,
which will be held in April at the Beverly Hills Hotel, said Lori
Muncherian, the west coast co-chair of the committee.

Many children in Armenia lack the basic necessities of normal life –
food, clothing, and shelter. "We are trying to help change a child’s
life and give hope for a better future – one child at a time," said
Ms. Stein, who has led this committee for many years.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress