The newly organized Armenian General Benevolent Union “Los Angeles Special Event Committee” (LASEC) launched its first activity towards a special cause. They raised $25,000 for the AGBU Camp Nairi in Armenia.
The AGBU LA Special Events Committee held a fundraising event on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Manougian Demirjian Highschool in the Nazarian Center at Canoga Park, California to benefit the AGBU Camp Nairi.
The Camp is located in Hankavan in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. It has been created to accommodate the children of the fallen and injured soldiers from Artsakh devastating war. As start, in its first session in 2021 it has accommodated 200 campers over two, 2-week sessions. The camp offers recreational activities and learning opportunities.
The children have options to participate in hiking, sports, arts & crafts, theatre and much more. Most notably, there are programs specifically designed to address the trauma and loss of these children’s terrible devastation which they have recently experienced as a result of the war.
We hope by relating with other peers who have undergone similar experiences, these children will be able to connect, develop friendships and have the opportunity to feel safe to discuss their emotions in a way that they may not have the opportunity to do elsewhere and start the process of healing.
The event was hosted by Hovig Antabian as Master of Ceremonies, followed by the US and Armenian National Anthems performed by Varant Avanessyan and Invocation was conducted by Father Kevork Abyan on behalf of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Asdghig Dadourian, AGBU LA Special Events Committee Chairlady, made her opening remarks and later recited poetry of “Sasountzi Bar” by Kevork Emin. Betty Kotchian, Vice Chairlady who was one of the pioneer organizer of this event worked diligently on a daily basis with Asdghig.
Hovig Antabian, Public Relations of the committee who structured the planning, creating the main communicating dialogue between AGBU members Anita Anserian (NY), Karen Papazian (NY), Gohar Stambolyan (LA), Hermine Duzian (Nairi Camp Chairlady in Armenia) and Anna Baronian (Special Social Worker at the Camp in Los Angeles) Noushig Laterovian and Silva Kaprelian were the mastermind of the decoration and the collectors of the silent auction gifts. Diana Ani Sarkissian could not attend the event for health reasons, she had donated $1,000 plus several painting from an artist in Armenia. Araxie Svadjian worked hard with Hovig for securing the treasury and the other expenses of the budget and the accounting. Many thanks to Dr Silva Karaian for her valuable advises.
Mrs. Anna Baronian, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, was the special guest of the evening. Anna has spent countless hours volunteering her time providing therapy to the kids at Camp Nairi. Anna plans to return back to Armenia and serve the children of the camp again this summer. The event continued with entertainment by Daniel Sarafian, Tavit Samuelian and Aram Lepedjian. Finally, at the conclusion, the results of Silent Auction were presented by Janine Soukiasian, Esq and Tina Mamian. Many thanks to all of those who supported the Committee, attended the event, and donated to this very noble cause. A special thanks to the AGBU Asbeds, AGBU LA Veterans, the Organization of Istanbul Armenians & the Compatriotic Union of Hadjin for their generosity, your support will make it possible for these children personally who were affected by the war to experience an enriching life by participating in the summer camp in Armenia this summer.
You could still support the Camp to cover its expenses at the future projects.
For more information on Camp Nairi, please watch the following videos: • https://agbu.org/camp-nairi-donate