A Day of Golf, Generosity and Community: AYC Golf Fore Kids Celebrates Its Nin

$2,000 presentation supports traditional Armenian dance costumes for Hamazkayin’s Washington, DC Dance Group. All photos courtesy of Talar Festekjian, 2026 AYC Golf Fore Kids Hall of Fame inductee.

BY CHARLES G. YESSAIAN

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Supporters gathered at Norbeck Country Club for the ninth annual Armenian Youth Center Golf Fore Kids Classic on Monday, October 5. With the golf course completely sold out and more than 200 participants in attendance across golfers, volunteers and dinner guests, the much-anticipated autumn tradition once again brought together supporters of all backgrounds for a day of camaraderie, laughter and, most importantly, giving back.

The gathering was a celebration of the local American-Armenian community and the many people who invest their time and resources in its future. From the morning preparations to the evening reception, the purpose was never far from view: helping young people build lasting connections through culture, education, athletics and community life.

This year’s outing borrowed a popular idea from AYC’s inaugural Casino Royale fundraiser, held in May. Two blackjack tables added another layer of entertainment to the golf experience, while the event’s 50/50 raffle reached its highest total in the Classic’s nine-year history. The lucky winner took home more than $3,800, with the other half supporting the charitable effort.

The course also featured comedians, providing unexpected laughs and a reminder that a charity golf outing should never take itself too seriously. The good-natured atmosphere extended well beyond the fairways, as participants reconnected with longtime friends and welcomed newcomers.

Where the Support Goes
The most meaningful moments came during the evening’s charitable presentations, when AYC recognized three organizations with contributions totaling $5,000. These gifts reflect the organization’s commitment to helping families, children and neighbors while advancing the long-term vision of a permanent Armenian youth center in the Washington area.

Hamazkayin’s Washington, DC Dance Group received $2,000 to help subsidize traditional Armenian dance costumes, or “daraz,” for its younger and older dancers. Kayaneh Tatarian was invited to accept the contribution. One Thriving World received $1,000 for its “Two Healthy Heroes Challenge” at St. Mary’s Shnorhali Sunday School, a program focused on nutrition and healthy habits; Maria Stepanyan represented the organization. Operation Homefront received $2,000 to support military families, including enlisted families in the Washington metropolitan area, with Vivian Dietrich invited to accept the check.

AYC presents $2,000 to Operation Homefront in support of military families One Thriving World receives $1,000 for youth nutrition and healthy-living education

The 2026 Golf Fore Kids Hall of Fame class recognized four supporters whose generosity and commitment have strengthened the event over time: Sintia Petrosian, Talar Festekjian, Lenkersdorfer Jewelry and Levon Kurkjian.

Petrosian, of Sotheby’s International Realty, was also one of this year’s three primary tournament sponsors. Festekjian has documented the outing through her photography over the years, preserving the friendships, personalities and moments that give the Classic its character. Kurkjian was honored for his continued generosity and willingness to travel to support the AYC community.

Lenkersdorfer Jewelry has donated watches for auction at several Golf Fore Kids outings, helping transform distinctive gifts into charitable proceeds. This year’s auction featured two donated watches: one from Lenkersdorfer and another from Joe Chamoun, an existing Golf Fore Kids Hall of Fame member. Together, their contributions illustrated how the Hall of Fame celebrates not only past generosity, but also continuing involvement.

Sponsors Who Make It Possible
Three primary tournament sponsors led the way in 2026: Delta Star, Impact Roofing & Construction and Sintia Petrosian of Sotheby’s International Realty. Their support, along with the generosity of a broad network of businesses, families and friends, helped make the day possible.

Among the many valued supporters were Imperial Autobody, Single Source, Tullis Worldwide Protection, Wheels on Site, Enterprise, Ted Britt Ford, PMI of Fairfax, Pohanka Parts Division, BPG Holdings, Nissan Auto Giants, C.D. Shanahan’s, PayBright, East Coast Collision, Lenkersdorfer Jewelry, LKQ Refinish, the Washington Nationals, the Washington Commanders, Ferrari of Boca Raton, Della Rocca Law, Carpet Man, Valenti’s Delicious Catering, Select Auto Imports, Bethesda Rock Dental and Atlantic Union Bank.

Additional support came from Sullivan & Company, CPAs, JMH Group, Empire Auto Parts, Mike Krikorian, Quattro Auto Body, KMG Hauling, Premier Collision Repair, Villanova HVAC, Premier Orthopaedic, CPRAX Website Marketing, the Shafakian, Casasola, Yessaian and Stohlman Automotive families, Sports Rock Climbing Centers, A&T Cleaners and numerous other friends of the event. Their contributions took many forms, from financial sponsorships to auction items, food, prizes and hands-on assistance.

Behind the success of Golf Fore Kids is an exceptional Host Committee, assembled and cultivated over the years by Co-Chairs Charles G. Yessaian and Manoug Habibian for the diverse talents, relationships, and experience each member contributes. Rather than relying on a few people to manage every detail, the committee thrives because each member takes ownership of a particular area, exercising initiative and working closely with colleagues toward a common goal. That combination of individual responsibility and genuine teamwork has helped the Classic grow into the event it is today.

Members of the Golf Fore Kids Host Committee Volunteers and supporters of the event

The 2026 Host Committee included Ara Abrahamian, John Altounian, Rafi Festekjian, Troy Kasbarian, Sevag Poochikian, Ara Sardarbegians, and Rudy Shafakian, alongside Co-Chairs Yessaian and Habibian and AYC President Chris Hekimian. Their dedication throughout the year reflects the volunteer spirit that has become a hallmark of Golf Fore Kids.

Equally important are the volunteers who welcome participants, manage activities and keep the day moving. The team from Walker & Dunlop once again contributed substantial volunteer support. Thanks also go to Mrs. Haladjian and the Avak Society of St. Mary’s Armenian Church for homemade baklava, and to Classic Bakery for the gata included in golfers’ morning gift bags.

The Classic also welcomed guests who traveled from California, Michigan, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and across Virginia, a reminder that this annual event has become a gathering point for friends and supporters well beyond the immediate Washington area.

AYC’s work extends beyond one afternoon. Its charitable grants help local American-Armenian youth organizations offset costs and create opportunities, while the organization continues to pursue the larger vision of a permanent gathering place for future generations. The Golf Fore Kids Classic provides a practical way for friends, families and businesses to invest in that mission together.

Organizers have already announced the 10th Annual AYC Golf Fore Kids Classic for Monday, October 4, 2027, at Norbeck Country Club. A decade of golf, fellowship and giving back is a milestone worth celebrating—and an invitation for the community to help shape the next ten years.

For everyone who sponsored, volunteered, donated, traveled or simply joined in the spirit of the day, thank you. The enduring achievement of Golf Fore Kids is not found on a scorecard, but in the opportunities it creates for young people and the bonds it strengthens across our community.

Visit the website to learn more about the Armenian Youth Center of Greater Washington, its charitable initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities to support local American-Armenian youth organizations.