Lebanese Parliament Member Pakradouny presents keynote address; benefit banquet hosts Khachig and Elo Mouradian donate $150,000 toward ACF efforts
In support of the Armenian Cultural Foundation–a group of Armenia’s gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Glendale–California for the non-profit organization’s annual fundraising banquet–on November 12.
The Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF)–through its educational and cultural programs– seeks to preserve and advance Armenian heritage and identity. The organization works with Armenian communities and non-profits worldwide to promote fellowship and awareness.
Consequently–its yearly fundraising banquet has become a tradition among supporters who seek to advance ACF’s mission.
Khachig and Elo Mouradian–who hosted this year’s banquet–donated $150,000 to help fund ACF efforts. Overall almost $500,000 was raised with the support of those present.
Guests and Dignitaries present included Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian–Member of Lebanese Parliament Hagop Pakradouny who came from Lebanon for the event–Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Gagik Kirakossian–ARF Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian–ACF executive members–ARF Western Regions’s Central Committee–Prelacy Executive Council–as well as regional representatives of the Armenian National Committee–Armenian Relief Society–Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society–and Homenetmen.
Knar Kortoshian–who served as the Mistress of Ceremonies welcomed guests–and after the formal opening of the banquet and an invocation by Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian–she introduced the Keynote Speaker–Lebanese Parliament Member–the Honorable Hagop Pakradouny.
Pakradouny–who was elected to Lebanon’s Parliament this year–has had an active life in Lebanon’s public–political–and educational arenas. Born in Beirut–he is a graduate of Khanamirian College–and received his higher education at the American University of Beirut in Political Science; he is currently working on his Doctoral thesis. He has actively been involved in the poltical scene in Lebanon since 1980–and has served as the principal of various schools in Lebanon for 25 years.
In his address–Pakradouny thanked the region’s Armenia’s for their enthusiasm during Lebanon’s Parliamentary elections–and explained the Pan-Armenian significance of the Lebanon’s electoral process–and ultimate outcome. "During the elections–the free will of Lebanon’s Armenia’s–and their freedom to decide was at question. This moral victory was vital for our diaspora–in order for all to understand–whether in the diaspora or the homeland–that it is not possible to crush the free will of Armenia’s."
After his address–ARF Western Region CC representative Hovig Saliba invited Khachik and Elo Mouradian and ARF Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovseption to the stage.
Saliba revealed the Hovsepians were being honored for their dedication and generous support to Armenian institutions. In presenting a golden medallion of the founding members of the ARF to the couple–Dr. Hovsepian stressed that the word "benefactor" does not apply to those who serve the organization–and that their dedication can better be described as "service" to a noble cause.
In this way–a yearly tradition concluded with the support of those present–and their commitment to serve the noble organization.