GLENDALE—The “We Are Gyumri” initiative marked a significant milestone in its philanthropic journey with its latest Annual Dinner event. The November 7 dinner succeeded in raising $20,000, a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and development of Gyumri’s younger generation. Attended by nearly 100 patrons, the event was a vibrant celebration aimed at supporting the ongoing and future initiatives of youth programs in the region.
This year’s fundraising efforts are earmarked for the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri, with plans to enhance its annual summer camp offerings and to bolster the Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Program. The gathering saw a noteworthy assembly of representatives from several esteemed organizations and bodies from the western region, including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Youth Federation Central Executive, Hamazkayin, and Armenian Youth Federation Juniors Central Council, alongside various local Armenian Cultural Foundation Chapters, showcasing a unified front in the pursuit of educational enrichment and community development.
The evening’s agenda featured moving video presentations from SYC volunteers and staff, highlighting the center’s critical educational and cultural initiatives. These initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of Gyumri’s youth, particularly in light of the center’s recent efforts to provide for the forcibly displaced people of Artsakh, thereby affirming its role as a beacon of hope and resilience. The aura of the night was further enlivened with musical renditions by the Ara Dabandjian Quartet, and the event was anchored by emcee Nazeli Khodabakhsh, who was excited to articulate the gathering’s core mission.
In her welcoming address, Khodabakhsh extended profound gratitude towards the philanthropic community, acknowledging Mr. and Mrs. Vahik and Alice Petrossian for their consistent support. She stated, “Our gathering tonight transcends mere celebration; it is a collective step forward towards securing a brighter future for our youth. Every contribution tonight symbolizes a deep investment in the education and empowerment of Gyumri’s young minds, essential for nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and ensuring robust growth for Armenia.”
ARF-CC member, Armen K. Hovannisian, expressed his gratitude to the guests and donors for their unwavering support, underscored the pivotal role and influence of the “We Are Gyumri” project, and lastly, highlighted the invaluable contributions of the pioneering individuals who have set precedents, made sacrifices, and inspired us to advocate for our shared ambitions and aspirations today.
The highlight of the evening was a comprehensive presentation shedding light on the diverse array of programs offered at the SYC, emphasizing its accessibility to every child and its pivotal role during the crisis following the conflict in Artsakh. The center not only became a hub for essential aid distribution but also spearheaded initiatives to address the psychological well-being of affected children, underscoring its importance in Gyumri’s social fabric.
Moreover, the event showcased the invaluable contributions of the Mina Shirvanian Scholarship recipients through a special video that detailed their personal journeys and achievements, underpinned by their commitment to volunteerism and community service. This presentation vividly illustrated the transformative impact of collective support on the lives of Gyumri’s youth.
The mission of the “We Are Gyumri” initiative is to create a positive and lasting impact on youth in Gyumri, Armenia. The campaign restructured and renovated the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri that had been destroyed during the 1988 Spitak earthquake. A year-round functional program was created at the Center to teach youth in Gyumri everyday skills, to provide them with the essentials they need for a brighter future, and to serve as a bridge between youth in Gyumri and their peers in the Diaspora. As another component of the campaign, the “We Are Gyumri” Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Fund is intended for residents of the Shirak Province to pursue their undergraduate education in their native region. “We are Gyumri” is an ARF Western U.S. Central Committee initiative.
