GLENDALE–Over 450 guests showed up in support of the first annual Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA) banquet on Friday–December 2 at the Glendale Hilton. Raising over $200,000 for the revitalization of the Ghapan Hospital–the event brought together many members of the Glendale community. Master of Ceremonies Larry Zarian kicked off the event–followed by guest speakers Mayor Rafi Manoukian–Dr. Alber Karamanoukian–and Alec Baghdasaryan. The evening honored those who have made significant contributions towards the hospital in Ghapan.
In addition to the honorees–special guests included Glendale Councilmembers Ara Najarian–Bob Youssefian–and Frank Quintero; City Manager Jim Starbird; City Attorney Scott Howard; Glendale Unified School District Board President Mary Boger–board member Greg Krikorian–Superintendent Dr. Michael Escalante–and Assistant Superintendent Alice Petrossian; Glendale Community College Board of Trustees members Dr. Armine Hacopian–Dr. Vahe Peroomian–and Victor King; and various community based organizations such as Glendale Rotary Club and Glendale Adventist Hospital.
Alec Baghdasaryan–chair of the banquet organizing committee spoke briefly about the GGSCA and its accomplishmen’s over the past few years. Dr. Norick Bogossian–a prominent local plastic surgeon–elaborated in detail the hospital’s need for equipment and supplies by showing clips of its current condition. Following the slide show was a 10 minute video presentation outlining the establishment of the GGSCA and highlighting achievemen’s made over the past two and a half years.
Community leader and banquet committee member Rodney Khan introduced the major donors–Mr. & Mrs. Don and Bonnie Owens and Mr. Guy Devorris–who each contributed $50,000 towards the revitalization of the Ghapan Hospital. Two oil paintings by the prominent Armenian painter Harout Aghajanyan were presented to the donors. Other donors received plaques in appreciation for their generosity. Honoree Guy Devorris said–"I’m glad to have met many great friends in Glendale–and I want to give back to the community."
Dr. Alber Karamanoukian–said: "I would like to encourage everyone to contribute to this cause and I thank everyone for being here tonight and making this event such a success."
Following the program–music and entertainment was provided by Arsham and Araxia International Band.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the renovation and modernization of the maternity ward along with the laboratory of the Ghapan Hospital. Through the joint efforts of the Armenian National Committee of Glendale–the City of Glendale–and the City of Ghapan–the GGSCA was established to help cultivate economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the two cities.