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A REAL PHILANTHROPIST SEEKS NO EXCUSE
PanARMENIAN.Net
November 19, 2012
PanARMENIAN.Net - On November 16, the Special Events Auditorium
of Cafesjian Center for the Arts hosted the third annual donation
event of the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). In an interview with a
PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, COAF founder Garo Armen shared his thoughts
on the goals and prospects of the Fund.
What's the profession of Garo Armen, founder of a charitable
organization?
I have a PhD in physical chemistry; since 1994, I'm the co-founder
and chairman of Agenus Inc., formerly known as Antigenics Inc.,
a biotechnology company that discovered Oncophage, a vaccine for
kidney cancer.
How come a successful biologist switched to charity activities?
In 2003, I took my family on a visit to Armenia, and we had a chance
to travel through Armenian villages. The things I saw there made me
ponder, and I realized that we have to act now for the sake of our
nation's future. I could not remain indifferent to the situation
in the rural communities which have many talented kids with great
potential. Everything started with a school renovation project.
What does a philanthropist expect from the beneficiaries?
If no progress in the studies is recorded after the school renovation,
there is no sense in our initiative. We are trying to provide the
tools, while the beneficiaries should think of how to use them. This
means that if they are not interested, our efforts will be in vain.
Your Fund implements children-oriented projects for over 27 000 people
in 11 rural communities. Do you intend to expand the scope of your
activities in the near future?
Indeed, we've always strived for that. The only barrier is the
funding; resources play a key role here. The COAF has spent over $15
mln already, and has 40 employees. If we manage to raise more funds
we will definitely involve a wider range in our activities.
The Fund established in 2003 will mark its 10th anniversary next year.
Do you have any special events planned in this connection?
Yes, of course; the charity events we organize in Yerevan and New
York will comprise a wider framework, particularly in New York where
the donation event will also be the tenth one in 2013. Most funds
are raised during this very event, and we will definitely organize
a big one next year.
What would you recommend to those who have the resources and
willingness for charity, but are reluctant and make no practical moves,
for some reason?
That's impossible. If they are afraid to do something, they will not
succeed in it. If you cannot do something, you'd better step aside
and make way for those who can. So, a person who is really willing
to engage in charity activities will seek no excuse for not doing so;
anxiety is a lame excuse here.
Ani Papoyan / PanARMENIAN News
PanARMENIAN.Net
November 19, 2012
PanARMENIAN.Net - On November 16, the Special Events Auditorium
of Cafesjian Center for the Arts hosted the third annual donation
event of the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). In an interview with a
PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, COAF founder Garo Armen shared his thoughts
on the goals and prospects of the Fund.
What's the profession of Garo Armen, founder of a charitable
organization?
I have a PhD in physical chemistry; since 1994, I'm the co-founder
and chairman of Agenus Inc., formerly known as Antigenics Inc.,
a biotechnology company that discovered Oncophage, a vaccine for
kidney cancer.
How come a successful biologist switched to charity activities?
In 2003, I took my family on a visit to Armenia, and we had a chance
to travel through Armenian villages. The things I saw there made me
ponder, and I realized that we have to act now for the sake of our
nation's future. I could not remain indifferent to the situation
in the rural communities which have many talented kids with great
potential. Everything started with a school renovation project.
What does a philanthropist expect from the beneficiaries?
If no progress in the studies is recorded after the school renovation,
there is no sense in our initiative. We are trying to provide the
tools, while the beneficiaries should think of how to use them. This
means that if they are not interested, our efforts will be in vain.
Your Fund implements children-oriented projects for over 27 000 people
in 11 rural communities. Do you intend to expand the scope of your
activities in the near future?
Indeed, we've always strived for that. The only barrier is the
funding; resources play a key role here. The COAF has spent over $15
mln already, and has 40 employees. If we manage to raise more funds
we will definitely involve a wider range in our activities.
The Fund established in 2003 will mark its 10th anniversary next year.
Do you have any special events planned in this connection?
Yes, of course; the charity events we organize in Yerevan and New
York will comprise a wider framework, particularly in New York where
the donation event will also be the tenth one in 2013. Most funds
are raised during this very event, and we will definitely organize
a big one next year.
What would you recommend to those who have the resources and
willingness for charity, but are reluctant and make no practical moves,
for some reason?
That's impossible. If they are afraid to do something, they will not
succeed in it. If you cannot do something, you'd better step aside
and make way for those who can. So, a person who is really willing
to engage in charity activities will seek no excuse for not doing so;
anxiety is a lame excuse here.
Ani Papoyan / PanARMENIAN News