The Armenian Educational Foundation brought together supporters, friends and community members for its sold-out 2026 Annual Benefit, “Orchestrating the Future,” on Sunday, October 18, at the iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. The evening celebrated the transformative power of education, honored three distinguished couples for their longstanding dedication to AEF, and reaffirmed the community’s shared commitment to creating a brighter future for Armenian youth.

For more than 75 years, AEF has opened doors of opportunity for generations of Armenian students, empowering young people to pursue their education, realize their potential, and strengthen their local communities.

This year’s Benefit reflected that enduring mission through the theme “Orchestrating the Future.” Just as an orchestra brings together individual talents to create something extraordinary, AEF unites students, educators, donors, volunteers, and community partners in a shared purpose: to ensure that future generations of Armenian youth have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

At the heart of the celebration was the recognition of three remarkable couples whose generosity and commitment have helped advance AEF’s educational mission: Mr. and Mrs. Bobken and Hasmik Amirian, Mr. and Mrs. Rafik and Helly Khatchaturian, and Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Sonia Koujakian. Their dedication exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy that has sustained AEF for more than seven decades and reflects a shared belief that investing in education is among the most meaningful ways to preserve Armenian heritage, strengthen communities, and build a lasting legacy for future generations.

Honorees from left to right: Bobken and Hasmik Amirian; Rafik and Helly Khatchaturian; and Hagop and Sonia Koujakian.

The evening also provided an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact made possible by AEF’s supporters. In 2025 alone, the Foundation awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to over 1,100 students across Armenia, Javakhk and the Diaspora, helping deserving young Armenians pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Beyond financial assistance, AEF continues to cultivate a culture of service and community responsibility among its scholarship recipients. In 2025, AEF scholars in Armenia contributed an extraordinary 125,400 hours of volunteer service, demonstrating how educational opportunity can inspire a lasting commitment to giving back. Through their efforts, the impact of each scholarship extends beyond the individual student, reaching families, neighborhoods, and communities throughout Armenia.

“The true impact of AEF extends far beyond the classroom. It is reflected in the students who take the opportunities they have been given and turn them into meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and future generations,” said Gina Felikian, Chair of the 2026 AEF Annual Benefit. “‘Orchestrating the Future’ was a celebration of that collective impact and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared commitment to investing in the future of Armenian youth.”

AEF’s commitment to educational advancement extends well beyond scholarships. Through initiatives supporting engineering education and practical training, entrepreneurship and innovation, educational technology and infrastructure in regional schools, Armenian language and cultural programming, and science and innovation programs at Armenian schools in Southern California, the Foundation continues to expand access to meaningful learning opportunities and invest in the potential of Armenian youth worldwide.

The success of “Orchestrating the Future” reflected the collective generosity of a community united by a common purpose. AEF extends its heartfelt appreciation to the evening’s honorees, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests, whose continued support makes its work possible.

Proceeds from the Annual Benefit will support AEF’s scholarship and educational programs, helping ensure that more deserving Armenian students have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to pursue their dreams.

As the Foundation looks toward the future, the message of the evening remains clear: when we invest in the education of one student, we do more than transform one life. We help shape the future of an entire community.