May 25, 2010

On Saturday, May 8th, AGBU Toronto Chapter’s and AGBU Zaroukian School’s anniversaries were celebrated at an annual gala event. Executive Director, Salpi Derghazarian, emceed the evening. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian blessed and congratulated the guests. The dedication and contributions of committees helping at the AGBU centre (The Young Professionals, The Sports & Youth Committee and the Parents Council of the Zaroukian School) were acknowledged. The choir of the Zaroukian School greeted guests with a few Armenian songs, accompanied on piano by their music teacher, Hripsime Demirdjian. Board member Lena Sarkissian spoke about new initiatives taken to improve the Zaroukian School. Lucy Hopyan, principal of the school, spoke also asking for the community support. Sports Committee chairs, Jack Semerdjian and Vicken Ampagoumian, introduced their committee members and talked about upcoming tournaments and sports programs. Mary Sagherian, Chair of The Parents Council, introduced the members of her committee and announced upcoming school events. AGBU Central Committee Secretary, Mr. Berge Papazian and Toronto Chair Ms. Knar Basmadjian handed new Veteran members their certificates signed by AGBU President, Mr. Berge Setrakian. Because it was the school’s 25th anniversary, the teachers were presented with bouquets of flowers. All volunteers were invited to the cake cutting ceremony during which the AGBU anthem was heard. This gala took place within an elegant setting and featured fine dining for all to enjoy. D.J. “Sound of Med” entertained the guests during the second part of the program. The evening was truly uplifting and successful.
We would like to thank the AGBU members and friends who supported us with the following donations:

Me. Armenag Alajajian $1,000
Ms. Knar Basmadjian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Andre and Seza Nazarian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Berge and Evelyn Papazian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Kourken and Lena Sarkissian 1,000
Mr. Sarkis Yacoubian 1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Seta Balian 500
Mrs. Shakeh and Dr. Isa Basmajian 500
Bolsahay Cultural Association 500
Mr. & Mrs. Ara and Calabrina Boyajian 500
Dr. & Mrs. Medhat and Sossie Guirguis 500
Mr. & Mrs. Aram and Tili Isnar 500
Mr.& Mrs. Gregory and Brigitte Kasparian 500
Knights of Vartan 500
Mr. & Mrs. Levon and Silva Mermer 500
Mr. & Mrs. Joe and Helen Yalkezian 500
Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep and Alenoush Aghazarian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Benny and Hasmig Ampagoumian 250
Mr. Harry Artinian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Rose Asailian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Shahe and Mary Darakjian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Takvor and Lucy Hopyan 250
Mr. & Mrs. Murat and Louise Karakas 250
Chloe, Nora and Lara Meneshians 250
Dr. & Mrs. Jack and Kathy Sakarya 250
Mr. & Mrs. Minas and Azad Selyan 250
Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Grace Strang 250
Mr. & Mrs. David and Norma Tahmazian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Krikor and Seta Torikian 250
Mr. & Mrs. Jason and Esther Jestadt 200
Dr. & Mrs. Vatche and Doris Kerametlian 200
Mr. & Mrs. John and Maggie Satouri 200
Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian 200
Mr. & Mrs. Gagik & Gilda Avaness 130
Dr. & Mrs. Berdj and Mano Artinian 100
Ms. Yvette Babayan 100
Mr. & Mrs. Alexan and Nora Baltayan 100
Mr. & Mrs. Apisoghom and Yaster Cholakian 100
Mr. & Mrs. Vatche and Stephanie Hagopian 100
Mr. & Mrs. Varoujan & Marita Koja-Oghlanian 100