Photo gallery: 240 attend La Jolla gala celebrating first anniversary of St. Sarkis Armenian Church

La Jolla Light
San Diego, CA – Feb 17 2023

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria joined more than 240 other guests Feb. 4 at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla hotel to celebrate the first anniversary of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in San Diego.

“I was honored to join the Armenian American community to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their magnificent building here in San Diego” (at 13925 El Camino Real), Gloria said. “The Armenian community is a vibrant, productive part of San Diego’s multicultural population, and I congratulate them on realizing their goal of building a new sanctuary.”

The black-tie-optional dinner and dance featured the Allen G Orchestra and live and silent auctions.

Proceeds from guests raised $142,000 for the church, and St. Sarkis benefactors David and Lois Butterfield donated $200,000.

“The church’s goal is to expand the church’s facilities and create a space for community and young people’s events,” said Kathy Kassardjian, who co-chaired the gala with Melina Ounjian. “It was gratifying to see so many people rise to the challenge and give so generously.”

— La Jolla Light staff 

See all photos at https://www.lajollalight.com/news/story/2023-02-16/photo-gallery-240-attend-la-jolla-gala-celebrating-first-anniversary-of-st-sarkis-armenian-church

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS