GLENDALE—The picturesque terrace overlooking the Glendale hills was the setting for a fundraising celebration on Sunday generously hosted by community activist and benefactor Mike Sarian to mark the 108th anniversary of Asbarez newspaper.
On the occasion of the anniversary, Asbarez launched an appeal to community members and readers to mark the occasion through contributions, which would be allocated toward future enhancement measures at the more than century-old publication.
The gathering at the Sarian residence was the culmination of that effort and it brought together long-time supporters of the Asbarez, as well as new faces whose interest and engagement with the newspaper propelled their attendance and generosity.
The gathering raised $45,000, which when added to the entire outreach effort, brought the total of contribution on the 108th anniversary to $70,000.
Asbarez thanks to all individuals and organizations that participated in this effort through small and large donations and it ensures that every single penny will be allocated to furthering the mission of the publication.
Asbarez especially thanks Mike Sarian who opened his doors to Asbarez and not only hosted and sponsored the reception, but also donated an additional $2,000 to Asbarez.
“I subscribe to many well-known American publications and have them delivered to my house, but for me it is a matter of principle to also receive the Armenian press. I eagerly await the arrival of Asbarez despite the fact that I follow the publication through its online platforms.,” said Sarian during his welcoming remarks.
“For me, the Armenian press, along with Armenian schools and the church, is one of the most powerful elements for preserving our national identity and I am prepared to always support these institutions,” added Sarian.
Among the honoured guests at the reception were long-time Asbarez supporters Hacob and Mina Shirvanian and Nazareth Kevonian.
The evening short program featured welcoming remarks by Carmen Ohanian, who highlighted the importance of Asbarez and its mission for the advancement of the Armenian community and the Armenian nation. Asbarez Armenian editor Apo Boghogian expressed his gratitude to the newspaper’s readers, advertisers and especially those who had chosen to spend their Sunday evening in support of the publication. Asbarez’s English Editor Ara Khachatourian also thanked those gathered for their generosity and commitment and said that financial contributions to Asbarez should not be viewed as charitable donations, but as an investment in the future of the Armenian community.
Aida Dimejian and Carmen Ohanian, both members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee, had undertaken the task of organizing the gathering and worked diligently to ensure the evening was a success, with their unwavering commitment to the progress of Asbarez and its calling.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Benefactor Mike Sarian Hosts Asbarez Anniversary Fundraiser