Encino, CA — August 27, 2025 — In a powerful display of unity and support, the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) Encino Chapter hosted a fundraising dinner that raised over $600,000 in a single evening toward the completion of the new ACF Youth Center in Encino.
The widely attended event, co-hosted by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Rosdom Gomideh, brought together community leaders and supporters for a dinner on the evening of August 24, 2025, at the newly renovated center. Emceed by Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Sardarabad Chapter member Vaughn Melkonian, the program featured remarks by ACF Encino Chairman Raffi Sarkissian, advisor Shant Hagopian, Esq., ARF Western U.S.A. Central Committee Chairman Garo Madenlian, Esq., and former Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian.
The program opened with a blessing from Archpriest Rev. Father Der Razmig Khachadourian, who described the center as a dream come true for the community. Guests were entertained with dance and musical performances from the local Hamazkin Baruyr Sevag Chapter. ACF member Shant H. Hagopian, Esq. provided a brief history of the project, outlining the challenges faced over the past fifteen years and the community-driven progress that made the evening possible.
Madenlian praised the community’s determination and unity, calling the project a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets resilience. Krekorian, an early supporter of the center and co-sponsor of the Los Angeles City Council legislation authorizing the lease, reflected on the ACF’s long-standing civic role and emphasized that, after years of effort, organizations like the Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, Hamazkayin, and the ANCA San Fernando Valley–West Chapter would finally have a permanent home in the West San Fernando Valley. He underscored how the ACF, and the organizations under its umbrella, exemplify how civic-minded communities can thrive.
Sarkissian delivered an update on operations following the signing of the property lease. He highlighted the U.S. Congress’s appropriation of $1.2 million in redevelopment funds, secured with the assistance of Congressman Brad Sherman, and explained how the current ACF board completed the process and successfully obtained the HUD grant in 2024.
Construction plans were submitted shortly thereafter, and the ACF selected The Nazerian Group as general contractor. Sarkissian praised Vartan Nazerian for treating the construction as a passion project—personally overseeing every detail and working closely with the ACF to ensure the community’s needs are reflected in the development. He also announced that a donor wall will be installed in the center’s lobby to recognize community contributions.
The announcement marks a major milestone in a project more than fifteen years in the making. The origins date to 2009, when the ANCA San Fernando Valley–West Chapter, chaired by Nareg Kitsinian, Esq. (2009–2014), began working with the Los Angeles City Council to secure city-owned property for a permanent Armenian youth and community center. That process led to identifying the vacant Encino Fire Station No. 83, near Balboa and Ventura Boulevard. After subsequent meetings, on May 31, 2011, the Councilmember’s office indicated support for transferring the fire station to the community—launching a years-long effort involving zone changes, historic preservation reviews, coordination with the Los Angeles Unified School District, and engagement with neighborhood and city bodies. In 2021, the City of Los Angeles formally approved a long-term lease for the ACF to rehabilitate the station and convert it into a community center. Construction broke ground in January 2025 under the direction of The Nazerian Group.
During the fundraiser, Ungerouhi Ankine Hagopian delivered a moving speech on behalf of the Armenian Relief Society Anahid Chapter, announcing a donation of more than $90,000 gifted from the will of the late Ungerouhi Shakarian in memory of her grandson, Haig Diradourian, who tragically passed away from cancer in his early twenties.
Sarkis & Suzan Kitsinian (center seated) with Kitsinian family
The evening concluded with Sarkissian’s announcement that, in recognition of the Kitsinian family’s $300,000 pledge, the new center will bear the names of benefactors Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian and will officially be named the Armenian Cultural Foundation Sarkis & Suzan Kitsinian Youth Center. The announcement was met with thunderous applause, capping an unforgettable evening of unity, generosity, and community pride.
The Armenian Cultural Foundation Sarkis & Suzan Kitsinian Youth Center is expected to hold a ribbon-cutting opening ceremony before the end of the year.
