Guests at the AMAA Child Care event

PARAMUS, N.J. – The AMAA NY/NJ Child Care Committee of the Armenian Missionary Association of America welcomed guests to Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn in New Milford, New Jersey, on Tuesday, September 22 for its annual Child Care Benefit Evening. The event, which was attended to capacity, brought together longtime supporters and new friends for an evening of fellowship, dinner, a silent auction, and a shared commitment to caring for children and providing them with opportunities for a brighter future.

AMAA NY/NJ Child Care Committee Chair Seta Nalbandian welcomed guests and encouraged them to visit the Child Sponsorship Table and Giving Tree, where each ornament represented a child, a story, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in that child’s life. She also thanked the evening’s sponsors, donors, committee members, volunteers, and AMAA staff for their contributions to the event. Committee member Lorraine Marootian then offered the opening prayer. 

AMAA CEO/Executive Director Serge D. Buchakjian spoke about the impact of AMAA’s Child Care Programs and the many forms that care can take – from a warm meal and a safe place after school to educational support, summer camp, and opportunities that can change the course of a young person’s life. Today, more than 3,000 children across the communities AMAA serves throughout Armenia receive sustained financial and educational support through its Sponsorship and Child Care Programs. 

Underscoring the individual lives behind that impact, Mr. Buchakjian told guests, “Behind every number is a child. Behind every child is a family. And behind every opportunity are people like you.” He emphasized that generosity toward Child Care not only addresses a child’s needs today, but creates opportunities that can shape a lifetime. 

Following his remarks, Mr. Buchakjian introduced a brief video offering a glimpse into the scope of AMAA’s work in Armenia, including education and scholarships, health care, humanitarian assistance, and programs supporting children and families.

Committee member Dr. Celeste Telfeyan Helvacian then invited guests to participate in the evening’s silent auction and learn more about Child Sponsorship opportunities before introducing the evening’s guest speaker, John P. Bilezikian, M.D. 

Dr. Bilezikian presented “The Keys to Healthy Aging,” focusing on osteoporosis, its impact on health and independence as people age, and the importance of prevention and early detection. He discussed the serious consequences of osteoporosis-related fractures while emphasizing that osteoporosis can be diagnosed before a fracture occurs and treated to reduce fracture risk. Despite the seriousness of the subject, Dr. Bilezikian brought warmth and humor to his presentation, engaging guests as he shared both his expertise and practical guidance for protecting bone health throughout life. His presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Helvacian.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed dinner and fellowship while participating in a silent auction benefiting AMAA’s Child Care Programs. Guests were also invited to visit the Child Sponsorship Table and Giving Tree, where they could learn more about AMAA’s one-on-one Child Sponsorship Program and opportunities to make a lasting difference in the life of a child.

Child Sponsorship Giving Tree Silent auction

Committee member Anita Buchakjian thanked Dr. Bilezikian and the evening’s guests for their participation and support. Committee member Lucienne Aynilian then delivered the closing remarks. The evening reflected the generosity and community spirit that sustain AMAA’s Child Care Programs, giving children care today and hope and opportunity for a brighter future.

Founded in 1918 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Armenian Missionary Association of America was incorporated as a nonprofit charitable organization in New York in 1920 and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Today, AMAA serves Armenian communities in 22 countries around the world, including Armenia. Through its three pillars – Evangelism, Education, and Humanitarianism – AMAA cares for the whole person by nurturing faith, expanding opportunity, and strengthening communities. For additional information, please visit the website.