On Sunday, December 9, 2018, more than 1,000 guests, including clergy, public officials, community leaders, and donors, gathered at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles for the Armenian American Museum’s inaugural gala. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended. He was joined by H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General and Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. Among the guests in attendance were Central Executive member Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, Executive Council Chairman Mr. Garo Eshgian, member Dr. Navasart Kazazian, and Prelacy sponsors who are also Museum Founders Circle donors.
The program began with the flag ceremony by Homenetmen scouts and marching band, followed by the national anthems performed by the Glendale High School Choir. The invocation was delivered by the four Governing Board Co-Chairs, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, H.G. Bishop Mikael Mouradian, Eparch of the Armenian Catholic Church of N. America, and Rev. Berdj Djambazian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of N. America.
Mrs. Araksya Karapetyan, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, delivered welcoming remarks. On behalf of the Executive Committee, Chairman Mr. Berdj Karapetian thanked the guests and honorees for their presence and for supporting the Armenian American Museum, adding. California State Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins congratulated the evening’s honorees and highlighted the special bond between the State of California and the Armenian-American community.
During dinner, guests enjoyed a musical performance by Alene Aroustamian and Vahan Bznuni.
Congressman Adam Schiff expressed his support for the landmark project in a video message. The capacity crowd rose to their feet for a standing ovation when Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger surprised the audience with a $1 million check presentation for the cultural and educational center.
On this occasion, the Armenian American Museum honored public officials who have been instrumental in the advancement of the project thus far. State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian and State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon were honored for their leadership in securing an initial $1 million in funding for the Museum from the State of California. California State Senator Anthony Portantino and President pro Tempore Emeritus Kevin de León were honored for their leadership in securing an additional $3 million in funding for the Museum from the State of California. The Glendale City Council, with Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan and Councilmembers Ara Najarian, Paula Devine, Vartan Gharpetian, and Vrej Agajanian were honored for dedicating premier land in the City of Glendale for the historic project. The honorees expressed thanks for the recognition and affirmed their support for the project.
