GLENDALE, CA— Over $300,000 was raised on the occasion of the ARS Gala 2024 held on
March 10 th at The Landmark Hall in Mission Hills, CA. In a show of support for the many local
and international needs that the ARS is spearheading throughout Artsakh, Armenia, Javakhk,
Lebanon, and earthquake-ravaged Syria, over 400 guests were in attendance, including elected
officials, religious leaders, community leaders, representatives of sister and local organizations,
ARS members, and generous supporters.
The program began with master of ceremonies Tatevik Ekezian inviting tenor Raffi Kerbabian to
sing the USA, Armenia and ARS anthems, which was followed by the invocation by Very Rev.
Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Representative of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the
Western USA blessed the ARS Central Executive Chairperson Arousyak Melkonian and
chapters, as well as the benefactors, for upholding the unique character and mission of the ARS
with unparalleled local and international service delivery to Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk and the
Diaspora. Also present were His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western
Diocese of the Armenian Church, former Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian and Rev. Hendrik
Shanazarian of the Armenian Evangelical Church.
ARS of Western USA Regional Executive Chairperson, Vicky Marashlian, delivered the board’s
message, thanking supporters and dedicated volunteers for enabling the ARS to meet the
challenges of Armenians worldwide. This year, the proceeds from tonight’s Gala will be used
towards present and future… local and international projects including humanitarian causes in
Armenia, Lebanon and Syria. While today, Armenians around the world mourn the loss of our
beloved Artsakh, ARS members in the western region remain committed to Artsakh and its
people by working with the Central Executive on the “Hearths of Hope” project providing homes
to Artsakh families in rural areas of Armenia, and the “Verelk Artsakh” project which provides
vocational training to youth who are displaced from Artsakh to prevent emigration.
Gala banquet sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Mike and Evelina Sarian were honored with a plaque
presented by Vicky Marashlian for their support. This year, the couple donated $50,000 to the
ARS. Mr. Sarian and his family are active in various charities and civic organizations and donate
countless volunteer hours. Mr. Sarian actively supports Armenia’s Hospitals, Armenian churches
and schools, ANC and the Armenian Relief Society. Mr. Sarian and his family’s support plays a
vital role in the community of ARS projects both locally and in Armenia.
Platinum sponsor, Mrs. Anush Chamlian, along with her daughters Ketty Chamlian Massengale
and Monique Chamlian Bouskos, were acknowledged for donating $40,000 in memory of their
husband and father Vahan Chamlian. In Mr Vahan Chamlian’s memory, the Chamlian family
continues their husband’s and father’s strong passion and commitment towards the development
of future Armenian American generations, and the desire to serve our community.
Mr. & Mrs. Jack and Zarig Youredjian were honored as legacy donors of the Armenian Relief
Society, with their $25,000 donation this year. Mr. & Mrs. Youredjian have long supported
worthwhile causes benefiting the Armenian community locally and internationally through their
philanthropy.
Mr. & Mrs. Vrej & Ani Sarkissian, the owners of the beautiful Landmark Hall, were also
honored for continuously supporting various ARS events and projects throughout the years.
The candle lighting ceremony was a chance to remember those who came before and to reaffirm
our commitment to continue their legacy. There was also a video presentation about the history
and present programs of the ARS of Western USA.
This year entertainment was provided to guests and honorees by Arabo Ispiryan, Christine
Pepelyan, Darren Chilingirian, Haykuhi Babakhanyan, and Lilu-Lilit Ghukasyan.
