Private gathering hosted by Haig and Nina Krakirian raises more than $100,000 toward the Armenian Cultural Foundation’s 50th anniversary campaign
BURBANK, Calif. — On the evening of Saturday, September 12, the Armenian Cultural Foundation gathered more than 100 friends, community leaders and longtime supporters for a private reception entitled “Evening with Friends,” hosted by Haig and Nina Krakirian at their Burbank residence.
The dinner was the second in a series of gatherings the ACF is holding across the region this year, following the June 4 “Under the Stars” reception in Tarzana and building toward the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala in December 2026.
Guests dined outdoors under string lights overlooking the Los Angeles basin. The program combined fellowship with a clear call to sustain the institutions that have organized Armenian life in California for half a century. All proceeds from the evening were designated for the ACF 50 campaign.
The program was emceed by Hovig Saliba, who opened by stressing the importance of Armenians organizing in the Diaspora and the still-unrealized potential of the Los Angeles Armenian community, particularly its spirit of giving.
ARF Western United States Central Committee co-chair Mike Keleshian spoke about the Committee’s work in preparing Dashnaktsakan youth. Alique Boyadjian, chair of the Shant Student Association, presented the student union’s vision and its commitment to the Armenian future. Steve Dadaian offered a concise account of Armenian settlement in California and the role the Armenian Cultural Foundation and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation have played in organizing the community.
ARF Bureau member Daron Der Khachadourian addressed the present situation in the Republic of Armenia and the role of the Diaspora Armenian conference.
Among those present were members of the ARF Western United States Central Committee; Gaidzag Zeitlian, member of the Catholicosate Central Executive, with his wife Dzovig Zeitlian, member of the Western Prelacy Executive Council; Sarkis Tatikian of the Prelacy Executive Council; Homenetmen Central Executive member Vicken Apelian; Homenetmen Western U.S. Regional Executive member Vicken Dakessian; ARS Regional Executive members Emma Garabedian and Seda Khojayan; and Aida Dimejian of the Armenian National Committee of America.
The evening’s principal patrons were Harout and Vicky Marashlian. National benefactors recognized during the program included Mike and Evelina Sarian, Harout Soghomonian and Harout Bronozian.
Ara Dabanjian provided the musical entertainment.
The reception raised more than $100,000 toward the ACF 50 campaign, marking another milestone on the road to December. Organizers will continue the series of gatherings in the months ahead, each building toward the 50th Anniversary Gala.
The Armenian Cultural Foundation preserves and advances Armenian heritage through community engagement and stewardship. The ACF supports organizations and initiatives that enrich Armenian life, address evolving community needs and create opportunities for future generations.
