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PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 13, 2007
Over 700 Young Armenians Participate in Sold-Out AGBU FOCUS 2007 in
New York
Weekend Celebrates 20 Years of New York Summer Intern Program (NYSIP)
& Honors Mr. and Mrs. Vartkess and Rita Balian
AGBU FOCUS has wrapped up its fourth and largest biennial affair with
over 700 participants, from 15 countries and more than 150 US cities,
coming together in the city where it all began back in 2001. The
four-day event was hosted at the Hudson Hotel near Columbus Circle,
and included networking, fundraising and social activities throughout
Manhattan, and exposing guests to the city’s unique neighborhoods and
culture. Through the tireless efforts of FOCUS Co-Chairpersons, Arda
Berberian and Ani Manoukian, the weekend also raised over $85,000,
which will go toward a special scholarship endowment fund for the New
York Summer Intern Program. NYSIP is currently celebrating its 20th
anniversary and was selected by the FOCUS Committee as the "focus" of
its special tribute in 2007.
First initiated in 2001, FOCUS is designed to bring together young
Armenian professionals so that they can share their international
perspectives, as well as provide a venue for showcasing notable
contributions and achievements made by the organization’s diverse
youth programs. This landmark affair, planned entirely by a new
generation of AGBU beneficiaries and members, has grown to become the
most anticipated event for young Armenian professionals around the
world. Tickets for FOCUS events were sold out over two weeks before
the weekend began, setting a new record for this singular endeavor
that continues to set the standard for young Armenian professional
events.
GIVING BACK
FOCUS Co-Chairperson, Ani Manoukian, said this year’s event exceeded
everyone’s expectations, "The enthusiasm for this year’s FOCUS 2007
was unprecedented. We always hoped that young Armenians would share
the Organizing Committee’s passion for all things AGBU, but it was
amazing to see the true dedication of young Armenian professionals
toward the goals and mission of an organization that celebrated its
centennial last year but continues to be youthful in its energy and
drive."
"Every FOCUS highlights a specific AGBU youth program that has shaped
our generation. This year we chose the New York Summer Intern Program
and took this opportunity to honor Mr. and Mrs. Vartkess and Rita
Balian for their hard work and commitment for the past 20 years,
ensuring the Program’s success. The New York Summer Intern Program is
near and dear to many of the weekend’s attendees, including myself,"
Manoukian, who is a NYSIP alumna, explained.
To date, over 700 NYSIP interns worldwide have benefited from this
extraordinary life-changing program. To ensure the future success of
the Program, FOCUS fundraising initiatives established a NYSIP
scholarship endowment, which will offer students in need of financial
assistance the means to realize their professional potential.
NYSIP is sponsored by the AGBU President’s Club, which is co-chaired
by Vartkess and Rita Balian. As the driving force behind NYSIP, the
Balians were chosen as the guests of honor for the FOCUS 2007 gala in
acknowledgment of their visionary leadership that has helped NYSIP
thrive through the years.
The pre-weekend fundraising, which totaled over $50,000, included
dozens of donations from NYSIP alumni eager to give back and offer a
helping hand to others. Additional donations from individuals during
the weekend totaled $35,000, to bring the grand total for the special
NYSIP endowment to over $85,000. Among the weekend donations was a
generous pledge of $30,000 announced by Vartkess Balian at the Gala
evening.
ACTIVELY ARMENIAN
FOCUS ceremonially began on Thursday night with the traditional
Perspectives event at Midtown Loft near the city’s famed Empire State
Building. Over 200 guests attended the panel discussion on the topic
of "Active Citizenship: Duty & Responsibility Toward Your Armenian &
Non-Armenian Communities."
Moderated by Organizing Committee member, Amy Katcherian, the panel
included Natalie Gabrelian of New York, Rupen Nacaroglu of Lugano
(Switzerland), Vartan Marashlyan of Moscow, Serge Kassardjian of San
Francisco and Karen Papazian of Toronto.
Panelists shared their experiences in balancing their work and
personal lives, while making an effort to stay connected to both their
Armenian and non-Armenian communities. Audience members joined the
dialogue, asking pointed questions regarding the inspiration behind
thriving as an Armenian professional in the Diaspora, and panelists
revealed that an integral part of contemporary Armenian youth is the
constant negotiation among the various facets of an individual’s
identity. In fact, it is something that adds to its richness and
brings Armenians together. As part of the event, a display on 100
Years of AGBU history was on hand to educate participants about the
organization’s substantial history.
Panelist Karen Papazian was impressed with the level of discussion and
the strength of convictions among those who spoke. "I was delighted to
participate in this year’s Perspectives event, as it is an incredible
opportunity to engage the community’s young professionals in issues
that should be at the forefront of our thinking. I was honored to
share the stage with so many accomplished young Armenians who are
doing outstanding work in their communities. It helped me see what
FOCUS is all about — bringing people together."
After the discussion, guests were invited to the rooftop terrace,
where they were greeted with a reception served under the moonlit city
skyline, which included a picture-postcard view of some of the area’s
architectural landmarks.
From professional to funky, the following night’s highly popular club
night attracted some 600 Armenians to the Upper West Side’s LOFT
nightclub. Featuring two floors of hot rhythms, guests enjoyed a
global mix of Western and world music, while socializing with new and
old friends eager to share in the energy of the city’s wondrous
nightlife.
REUNIONS AND SHARED CONNECTIONS
This year, FOCUS organized a special reunion luncheon for NYSIP alumni
on Friday afternoon, attended by close to 80 alumni representing
almost every intern class through the years. Emceed by former NYSIP
Associate Director, Lana Kazangian, the informal gathering invited
some former interns to speak about the importance of their internships
to their future careers and personal growth. The speakers included
Robin Barone, Lara Setrakian, Krikor Deurdulian and the keynote
speaker, Paul Nadjarian, who is both an alumnus and currently a NYSIP
Supervisor.
Special guests, Vartkess & Rita Balian, also attended the intimate
lunch, which offered attendees an excellent opportunity to catch up
with old friends. Rita Balian addressed the group of alumni and shared
her thoughts about the lasting values of NYSIP and its role in the
lives of its participants.
A LIVELY ART AUCTION IN SOHO
On Saturday, July 28, FOCUS organized a unique art event, known as
"FOCUS on Art," which welcomed guests to the Grant Gallery in Soho for
a fundraiser featuring artworks by Armenian artists from five
countries (Armenia, Canada, Italy, Syria and the United States). The
combination live and silent auction raised thousands for the NYSIP
Scholarship Endowment.
Close to two hundred guests journeyed to one of the city’s most
vibrant cultural districts for the spirited auction. Charity
auctioneer Aileen Agopian assisted by Taline Aynilian, roused the
crowd as they bought select pieces in a memorable live auction.
Artworks from the AGBU Sarian Art Academy (Aleppo, Syria) and the
AGBU-supported Yerevan Fine Arts Academy (Yerevan, Armenia) were among
those sold for charity. An impressive scope of works by Anet Abnous,
Vahram Aghazarian, Shant Donabedian, Linda Ganjian, Aram Jibilian,
Carla Koulajian, Vadim Krisyan, Helga Sarkis, Gailyn Saroyan, Sam
Tchakalian and Sossy Terzian were also donated.
A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT
The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday-night Gala held at
Gotham Hall near Manhattan’s Herald Square. This elegant affair paid
tribute to the 20th anniversary of the New York Summer Intern Program
(NYSIP), and honored Vartkess and Rita Balian, Co-chairs of the AGBU
President’s Club, who have supported NYSIP from its inception.
Beginning with cocktails on the upper mezzanine of the classically
inspired venue, guests were then welcomed downstairs to the main hall
where they were treated to a multimedia program, a full-course dinner
and an evening with the Kevork Artinian Band from Montreal, which
played Armenian and international classics for a crowd eager to dance
the night away.
The Gala program commenced with opening remarks by the lively Master
of Ceremonies, NYSIP alumnus and longtime activities coordinator,
Arthur Bohdjalian of Vienna, Austria. FOCUS Co-Chairs Arda Berberian
and Ani Manoukian then took the stage, welcoming the 540 guests who
filled the room.
"As Co-Chair of this year’s FOCUS, I had the opportunity to see
firsthand how unique a weekend this truly is. Young Armenian
professionals from all over the world with diverse backgrounds have
the opportunity to come together and create bonds that last a
lifetime. I have personally appreciated the impact of these
friendships and am grateful for the experience," Arda Berberian stated
to the crowd. "FOCUS is also the vehicle for us to highlight and give
back to the important AGBU youth programs that have influenced our
lives and, this year, we honor the New York Summer Intern Program,"
she added.
Their words were amplified by a special video presentation with
photographs illustrating memories from the past two decades. The video
was narrated by alumni and staff of the Program, who shared their
experiences and highlighted the aspects of a program that has touched
the lives of many.
Raffi Balian, son of Vartkess and Rita Balian, was invited to the
podium to speak about his parents’ support of NYSIP and their belief
in the future of Armenian youth. "I can honestly say that one of their
biggest ideas was that, from the first day, they believed in the
possibility of you. They established the internship program because
they have tremendous faith in you and expect great things from you,"
he emphasized. "By their example, my parents have taught the value of
giving unselfishly, of working diligently, of persevering
relentlessly, and of loving wholeheartedly. I have always said that if
I am half the person that my father and mother are, then I will have
succeeded in life."
FOCUS presented a special award to Vartkess and Rita Balian for their
steadfast vision and commitment to AGBU youth. Mr. and Mrs. Balian
accepted the honor and expressed their appreciation to FOCUS for
making the dream of uniting Armenian youth into a reality. "Your
presence here tonight really exceeds our expectations. You don’t know
how happy you make us and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Manoogian [AGBU Life
President and his wife], who are watching us from the heavens. This is
their dream come true," Rita Balian said.
Her words were inspiring to those gathered, and she underlined the
principles that have guided her and her husband’s longstanding vision,
"I would like you, as Armenians, to always succeed and never leave
each other. Help each other, stick together, empower each other and
share everything that you have with the world. Always be proud that
you are Armenian, that you are talented people, and that you belong to
the Armenian General Benevolent Union."
Vartkess Balian, echoing his wife’s sentiments, pledged $30,000 for
the NYSIP scholarship endowment and added his own words of pride for
what they have accomplished together, "Twenty years ago, this
[internship program] was a dream. Today it is a reality. It is a
tremendous joy for me to see so many young people together."
The rousing words by Vartkess and Rita Balian sent electricity through
the crowd, who gave the couple a standing ovation in recognition of
their decades of work and commitment to AGBU youth.
BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP
On the final morning, close to 250 guests came together for the
gourmet brunch at Josephina Restaurant near Lincoln Center. This
casual event offered them the opportunity to share stories and
reconnect with friends after an action-packed weekend that continues
to spotlight the vitality of the young Armenian professional community
around the world.
The FOCUS 2007 Organizing Committee was composed of over a dozen
volunteers and spearheaded by vivacious Co-chairpersons Arda Berberian
and Ani Manoukian. The dedicated members of the committee included Ani
Bardakjian, Aline Ekmekji, Natalie Gabrelian, Monica Ghailian, Aline
Ghazarian, Natalie Golnazarians, Veken Gueyikian, Mher Hartoonian,
Talia Jebejian, Amy Katcherian, Vana Khanjian, Vadim Krisyan, Serge
Kassardjian, Taleen Mangassarian, Aline Markarian, Salpi Mekhjian,
Tamar Nahabedian, Aida Setrakian, and Hrag Vartanian.
"We are grateful for all of the support from our Organizing
Committee. This was a truly a ‘dream team’ and we are proud to have
worked with such dedicated and forward-thinking individuals. We look
forward to another success in 2009," stated Berberian and Manoukian in
a shared sentiment.
To view photos and videos from the weekend or learn more about FOCUS
and how to get involved, please visit:
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with
an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000
Armenians around the world.