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SAN DIEGO ARMENIANS RAISE $200,000 AT MEMORABLE BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE GALA
ArmeniaDiaspora.com
Oct 10 2011
SAN DIEGO, CA - Elegance, glamour and excitement filled The Grand Del
Mar Resort in San Diego at the Bridge to the Future Gala on Saturday,
October 1, 2011. Over 300 guests attended this unforgettable event that
raised an impressive $200,000 for a new church campus in San Diego.
The gala was chaired by Kathy Kassardjian and organized by the Trust
Fund Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church, led by Rev. Fr.
Datev A.K. Tatoulian.
The event featured His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America,
as the Guest of Honor, and Mark Geragos, Esq. as the Guest Speaker.
Distinguished dignitaries and officials were His Eminence Archbishop
Vatche Hovsepian, former Primate of the Western Diocese; The Honorable
Hranush Hacobyan, Minister of the Diaspora for the Republic of Armenia;
The Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian, Consul General of the Republic
of Armenia in Los Angeles; The Honorable Brian Bilbray, U.S.
House of Representatives (California's 50th District) and his daughter,
Brianna; Mel Millstein, representative for City Councilwoman Sherri
Lightner; The Honorable Joe Kellejian, Deputy Mayor of the City of
Solana Beach; and Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan.
The evening began with guests treated to complimentary champagne,
delicious appetizers donated by Ani's Best Gourmet Delights, and
beautiful silent auction offerings. While enjoying the reception,
guests took in a warm San Diego evening on the lovely patio. Inside
the elegantly appointed ballroom, Steven Kradjian opened the evening
by welcoming guests and dignitaries: "We are here - each of us - to
do our part as God may use us, to embrace our children in love and
enthusiasm for an Armenian Church and community center unlike any our
region has seen, for the future of all Armenian families in San Diego."
The event's program included the singing of the American and Armenian
national anthems by acclaimed soloist Anahit Nersesian, accompanied
by Alex Mirolyan; opening remarks and prayer by Archpriest Datev
Tatoulian; an official welcome by Gala Chair Kathy Kassardjian;
the presentation of a Congressional proclamation by Rep. Bilbray;
a boisterous live auction; and an impassioned message by Minister
Hacobyan.
Kassardjian shared, "On behalf of tonight's organizing committee,
I would like to welcome you to the Bridge to the Future's Gala Dinner
and Dance celebration. Tonight's event would not be possible without
the dedication of my co-chair, Ani Lanuza, and a very hard-working
committee. We have a God-centered vision. It's a vision to bring us
all together and build a new church campus. God is the foundation of
our project but you, my dear guests, are the cornerstone."
Guest Speaker Mark Geragos stated, "I am flabbergasted that there
are this many Armenians in San Diego and impressed by the magnitude
of this event. We are here to raise money for a new church campus,
and I am happy to do what I can to help you reach that goal." After
his speech, Geragos circulated the room encouraging guests to donate
generously and sign pledge cards.
The Guest of Honor, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, greeted the packed
room of supporters with a heartfelt message:
"Tonight, we are celebrating the living mission of the Armenian
Apostolic Church. We are launching a new milestone in the life of the
Armenian community of San Diego with the implementation of a larger
church complex to better serve the community. You have embarked on a
challenging journey. Throughout this journey, your Christian faith
will be your source of spiritual energy and inspiration in guiding
you to complete this glorious task. You will secure the sanctity and
be enlightened by the mighty and glorious presence of our Church,"
said Archbishop Derderian.
The funds raised at the gala support the First Phase of the Bridge
to the Future campaign, whose goal is to raise a total of $2 million
for consulting, planning and permit expenses as well as final land
acquisition. Since the purchase of 14 acres of land by the Trust Fund
in 2008, more than $600,000 (including the proceeds from the October
1 event) has been raised in donations and pledges for the First Phase.
The property is located at 13860 El Camino Real in San Diego.
To make an online donation, please go to www.stjohngarabedtrust.org.
To make a cash donation, establish a bequest, donate a vehicle,
contribute securities or real estate, transfer ownership of an
insurance policy, or create an endowment, please contact Gary
Takessian, Trust Committee Fundraising Chair, [email protected]
e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript
enabled to view it or (858) 569-6527.
All contributions are tax-deductible. For information about the Trust
Fund Committee, new church campus, fundraising events, and giving
opportunities, please write [email protected] e-mail address
is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view
it or visit www.stjohngarabedtrust.org.
Contact: Beth Broussalian, [email protected] e-mail address
is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view
it , ph (858) 792-4656 or Lisa Kirazian, [email protected] e-mail
address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled
to view it , ph (858) 344-3357
http://www.armeniadiaspora.com/news/5872-san-diego-armenians-raise-200000-at-memorable-bridge-to-the-future-gala.html
From: A. Papazian
ArmeniaDiaspora.com
Oct 10 2011
SAN DIEGO, CA - Elegance, glamour and excitement filled The Grand Del
Mar Resort in San Diego at the Bridge to the Future Gala on Saturday,
October 1, 2011. Over 300 guests attended this unforgettable event that
raised an impressive $200,000 for a new church campus in San Diego.
The gala was chaired by Kathy Kassardjian and organized by the Trust
Fund Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church, led by Rev. Fr.
Datev A.K. Tatoulian.
The event featured His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America,
as the Guest of Honor, and Mark Geragos, Esq. as the Guest Speaker.
Distinguished dignitaries and officials were His Eminence Archbishop
Vatche Hovsepian, former Primate of the Western Diocese; The Honorable
Hranush Hacobyan, Minister of the Diaspora for the Republic of Armenia;
The Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian, Consul General of the Republic
of Armenia in Los Angeles; The Honorable Brian Bilbray, U.S.
House of Representatives (California's 50th District) and his daughter,
Brianna; Mel Millstein, representative for City Councilwoman Sherri
Lightner; The Honorable Joe Kellejian, Deputy Mayor of the City of
Solana Beach; and Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan.
The evening began with guests treated to complimentary champagne,
delicious appetizers donated by Ani's Best Gourmet Delights, and
beautiful silent auction offerings. While enjoying the reception,
guests took in a warm San Diego evening on the lovely patio. Inside
the elegantly appointed ballroom, Steven Kradjian opened the evening
by welcoming guests and dignitaries: "We are here - each of us - to
do our part as God may use us, to embrace our children in love and
enthusiasm for an Armenian Church and community center unlike any our
region has seen, for the future of all Armenian families in San Diego."
The event's program included the singing of the American and Armenian
national anthems by acclaimed soloist Anahit Nersesian, accompanied
by Alex Mirolyan; opening remarks and prayer by Archpriest Datev
Tatoulian; an official welcome by Gala Chair Kathy Kassardjian;
the presentation of a Congressional proclamation by Rep. Bilbray;
a boisterous live auction; and an impassioned message by Minister
Hacobyan.
Kassardjian shared, "On behalf of tonight's organizing committee,
I would like to welcome you to the Bridge to the Future's Gala Dinner
and Dance celebration. Tonight's event would not be possible without
the dedication of my co-chair, Ani Lanuza, and a very hard-working
committee. We have a God-centered vision. It's a vision to bring us
all together and build a new church campus. God is the foundation of
our project but you, my dear guests, are the cornerstone."
Guest Speaker Mark Geragos stated, "I am flabbergasted that there
are this many Armenians in San Diego and impressed by the magnitude
of this event. We are here to raise money for a new church campus,
and I am happy to do what I can to help you reach that goal." After
his speech, Geragos circulated the room encouraging guests to donate
generously and sign pledge cards.
The Guest of Honor, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, greeted the packed
room of supporters with a heartfelt message:
"Tonight, we are celebrating the living mission of the Armenian
Apostolic Church. We are launching a new milestone in the life of the
Armenian community of San Diego with the implementation of a larger
church complex to better serve the community. You have embarked on a
challenging journey. Throughout this journey, your Christian faith
will be your source of spiritual energy and inspiration in guiding
you to complete this glorious task. You will secure the sanctity and
be enlightened by the mighty and glorious presence of our Church,"
said Archbishop Derderian.
The funds raised at the gala support the First Phase of the Bridge
to the Future campaign, whose goal is to raise a total of $2 million
for consulting, planning and permit expenses as well as final land
acquisition. Since the purchase of 14 acres of land by the Trust Fund
in 2008, more than $600,000 (including the proceeds from the October
1 event) has been raised in donations and pledges for the First Phase.
The property is located at 13860 El Camino Real in San Diego.
To make an online donation, please go to www.stjohngarabedtrust.org.
To make a cash donation, establish a bequest, donate a vehicle,
contribute securities or real estate, transfer ownership of an
insurance policy, or create an endowment, please contact Gary
Takessian, Trust Committee Fundraising Chair, [email protected]
e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript
enabled to view it or (858) 569-6527.
All contributions are tax-deductible. For information about the Trust
Fund Committee, new church campus, fundraising events, and giving
opportunities, please write [email protected] e-mail address
is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view
it or visit www.stjohngarabedtrust.org.
Contact: Beth Broussalian, [email protected] e-mail address
is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view
it , ph (858) 792-4656 or Lisa Kirazian, [email protected] e-mail
address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled
to view it , ph (858) 344-3357
http://www.armeniadiaspora.com/news/5872-san-diego-armenians-raise-200000-at-memorable-bridge-to-the-future-gala.html
From: A. Papazian