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AGBU FOCUS 2005 Unites Worldwide Young Armenian Professionals

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  • AGBU FOCUS 2005 Unites Worldwide Young Armenian Professionals

    AGBU Press Office
    55 East 59th Street
    New York, NY 10022-1112
    Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
    Fax: 212.319.6507
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.agbu.org

    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: www.agbu.org/focus

    Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) 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.
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