Anniversary Gala at the AGBU Toronto
On Saturday, May 8th, AGBU Toronto Chapter’s and AGBU Zaroukian School’s anniversaries were celebrated at an annual gala event. Executive Director, Salpi Derghazarian, emceed the evening. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian blessed and congratulated the guests. The dedication and contributions of committees helping at the AGBU centre (The Young Professionals, The Sports & Youth Committee and the Parents Council of the Zaroukian School) were acknowledged. The choir of the Zaroukian School greeted guests with a few Armenian songs, accompanied on piano by their music teacher, Hripsime Demirdjian. Board member Lena Sarkissian spoke about new initiatives taken to improve the Zaroukian School. Lucy Hopyan, principal of the school, spoke also asking for the community support. Sports Committee chairs, Jack Semerdjian and Vicken Ampagoumian, introduced their committee members and talked about upcoming tournaments and sports programs. Mary Sagherian, Chair of The Parents Council, introduced the members of her committee and announced upcoming school events. AGBU Central Committee Secretary, Mr. Berge Papazian and Toronto Chair Ms. Knar Basmadjian handed new Veteran members their certificates signed by AGBU President, Mr. Berge Setrakian. Because it was the school’s 25th anniversary, the teachers were presented with bouquets of flowers. All volunteers were invited to the cake cutting ceremony during which the AGBU anthem was heard. This gala took place within an elegant setting and featured fine dining for all to enjoy. D.J. “Sound of Med” entertained the guests during the second part of the program. The evening was truly uplifting and successful.
We would like to thank the AGBU members and friends who supported us with the following donations:
Me. Armenag Alajajian $1,000
Ms. Knar Basmadjian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Andre and Seza Nazarian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Berge and Evelyn Papazian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Kourken and Lena Sarkissian 1,000
Mr. Sarkis Yacoubian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Seta Balian 500
Mrs. Shakeh and Dr. Isa Basmajian 500
Bolsahay Cultural Association 500
Mr. & Mrs. Ara and Calabrina Boyajian 500
Dr. & Mrs. Medhat and Sossie Guirguis 500
Mr. & Mrs. Aram and Tili Isnar 500
Mr.& Mrs. Gregory and Brigitte Kasparian 500
Knights of Vartan 500
Mr. & Mrs. Levon and Silva Mermer 500
Mr. & Mrs. Joe and Helen Yalkezian 500
Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep and Alenoush Aghazarian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Benny and Hasmig Ampagoumian 250
Mr. Harry Artinian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Rose Asailian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Shahe and Mary Darakjian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Takvor and Lucy Hopyan 250
Mr. & Mrs. Murat and Louise Karakas 250
Chloe, Nora and Lara Meneshians 250
Dr. & Mrs. Jack and Kathy Sakarya 250
Mr. & Mrs. Minas and Azad Selyan 250
Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Grace Strang 250
Mr. & Mrs. David and Norma Tahmazian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Krikor and Seta Torikian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Jason and Esther Jestadt 200
Dr. & Mrs. Vatche and Doris Kerametlian 200
Mr. & Mrs. John and Maggie Satouri 200
Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian 200
Mr. & Mrs. Gagik & Gilda Avaness 130
Dr. & Mrs. Berdj and Mano Artinian 100
Ms. Yvette Babayan 100
Mr. & Mrs. Alexan and Nora Baltayan 100
Mr. & Mrs. Apisoghom and Yaster Cholakian 100
Mr. & Mrs. Vatche and Stephanie Hagopian 100
Mr. & Mrs. Hrad and Evelyne Hekimian 100
Mr. & Mrs. Varoujan & Marita Koja-Oghlanian 
100
Basketball Tournament in Detroit
Dear Members,
The A.G.B.U. Toronto Sports & Youth Committee, along with our colleagues at Alex & Marie Manoogian School successfully held a basketball tournament this past March 27th, in Southfield Michigan. These games were the first of its kind between the two institutions in quite some time, and were a unique experience shared by all parents, volunteers and athletes.
The weekend was a great opportunity to not only provide athletic competition for our youth teams, but also bridge two organizations together in providing quality events under the A.G.B.U. banner. The level of athleticism and sportsmanship was set very high by our youth, and games between the two clubs were both entertaining and inspiring.
The organizing committee in Detroit also provided our chapter with tickets to a boxing match at the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit, as part of Saturday night’s entertainment. All the parents and youth enjoyed themselves and watched heralded Armenian boxer, Arthur Abraham in action.
These tournaments, with the intent of holding them on an annual basis, will encourage our youth to join, participate and become leaders within our organization. Both Toronto and Detroit understand that having these events as often as possible will promote the A.G.B.U. unlike any other function. We have already invited Detroit to our annual basketball tournament being held this upcoming May, and look forward to reviving this old tradition between both organizations in the many years to come.
Best Regards,
Jack Hagop Semerdjian
Chair – A.G.B.U Toronto Sports & Youth Committee
Screening of “The River Ran Red”
On Wednesday, April 7th at 7:30pm in the Babayan ballroom of the Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre, AGBU Toronto was proud to present the Toronto premiere of The River Ran Red, the final film of documentarian of Dr. J. Michael Hagopian’s trilogy “The Witnesses”. Over 200 people were present for the screening.
After a silent prayer in memory of the innocent victims of the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, AGBU Toronto Board Member, Dr. Isa Basmajian introduced Dr. Hagopian who was present to discuss the film. Dr. Hagopian holds a doctorate in International Relations from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He has made it his life’s work to document what happened during the genocide, and is a pioneer of efforts to document the Armenian genocide through films such as Voices From the Lake and the Forgotten Genocide.
The River Ran Red is the Epic Search for Survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. It documents eyewitness accounts from survivors of the Genocide who were sent to their fate along the Euphrates River to the Syrian Desert and Der Zor. The screening of The River Ran Red was followed by a question and answer period. Dr. Hagopian had copies of his movie on hand for sale and noted that they can also be purchased on his website, www.armenianfilm.org.
Let us remember that Dr. Hagopian’s films and the eye witness accounts they document are very important because they help transmit first hand accounts of the genocide that would otherwise be lost in time. Thanks to films like The River Ran Red, information about the collective Armenian past is transmitted to future generations.
AGBU Awards Scholarships
On March 29, 2010, the Toronto Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union held its annual scholarship awards reception at the Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre. This year’s recipients were Jivan Stepanian, Sareen Khatchadourian, Saro Khatchadourian, Michelle Deherian, Knar Deherian, Tamar Makdessian, Hasmik Minasyan, Cynthia Ourfalian, Jason Sarafian and Khatchadour Wanes.
Chapter Chairman Knar Basmadjian, Board Member Dr. Isa Basmajian, Executive Director Salpi DerGhazarian welcomed and congratulated the recipients on their achievements. They talked about AGBU worldwide humanitarian programs, Youth Programs and ongoing activities at the Toronto Chapter. The scholarship recipients, in turn, talked about their ongoing education and future plans.
The AGBU Education Department bases its decisions on the students’ academic achievements, the caliber of the institution at which they are enrolled, and their display of community service. We believe that their potential for success and contributions to the Armenian people and nation are of important value, and consider these as part of the selection criteria. We hope that our scholarship recipients will assist AGBU in accomplishing its mission in their own capacity. We express our heartiest congratulations to the awardees.
Providing educational support to Armenians has been an integral part of AGBU’s mission since its foundation in 1906. The AGBU has also been investing in the next generation of Armenians by providing scholarship assistance for higher education since the 1920s. The program helps promising young Armenians to receive higher education in competitive programs at leading universities. In return, many of them contribute to their communities through various programs, such as AGBU’s Young Professionals.
Today, the Armenian General Benevolent Union supports thousands of promising full-time students of Armenian descent from 38 countries and 5 continents. Its Scholarship Program is financed through Endowment Funds and generous donations from AGBU members around the world.
The next deadline for Scholarship applicants studying in Canada is May 31, 2010. For application forms and further details about procedures and deadlines please visit www.agbu.org under Education.
Donations in memory of Nairi Kouyoumdjian
Nairi Kouyoumdjian
1963-2010
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the loss of one of our Executive Members, Nairi Kouyoumdjian, who passed away on March 2, 2010.
At this time of sorrow, we want to recognize Nairi’s endless contribution, commitment and support to the AGBU and the AGBU Zaroukian School. In her busy schedule Nairi always made time to attend regular meetings and contribute whenever needed. We will always remember her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time. May she rest in peace and God bless her soul.
So far, we have received the following in-lieu of flowers donations for AGBU. We would like to sincerely thank the donors for their generous contributions in Nairi’s memory. These donations will help ensure that our mission to promote the Armenian heritage and to serve Armenians both in Armenia and the Diaspora continues successfully.
To the AGBU Toronto Chapter:
Mr. Kerop Kouyoumdjian $500
Mr. & Mrs. Noubar Yeretsian $500
Ms. Sita Ohannessian $250
Mr. & Mrs. Berge Papazian $200
Ms. Knar Basmadjian $100
Mrs. Shake and Dr. Isa Basmajian $100
Mr. Harry Artinian $100
Dr. & Mrs. Jack Sakarya $100
Mr. & Mrs. George Derghazarian $50
To the AGBU Zaroukian School:
Mr. & Mrs. Adom Knadjian $100
Mr. & Mrs. Alexan Baltayan $75
Miss Taline Baltayan $50
Mr. & Mrs. Movses Bederian $50
Mr. & Mrs. Takvor Hopyan $50
Mr. & Mrs. Soghomon Meneshian $30