More than 1,000 donors, supporters, clergy, public officials, and community leaders attended the Armenian American Museum Inaugural Gala on December 9. The Museum’s highly anticipated event was held at the prestigious Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood.

The Inaugural Gala was dedicated to honoring the Glendale City Council for securing premier land for the landmark project as well as California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, California State Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Kevin de León, California State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, and California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon for securing major funding from the State of California. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also surprised the audience with a $1 million check presentation for the cultural and educational center.

Following a reception in the forecourt, the program began with the flag ceremony conducted by the Homenetmen scouts and marching band followed by the national anthems performed by the Glendale High School Choir led by Director Grace Sheldon-Williams.

The invocation was conducted by Museum Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Archbishop Hovnan Derderian representing the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian representing the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Mikael Mouradian representing the Armenian Catholic Eparchy, and Reverand Berdj Djambazian representing the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America.

Fox 11 Morning News Anchor/Reporter Araksya Karapetyan served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and welcomed the capacity crowd to the Inaugural Gala. During her remarks, Karapetyan shared her personal story of immigrating to Southern California from Gyumri, Armenia and expressed her hope for what the Museum can accomplish for the next generation of children.
Museum Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian delivered the message from the Museum following a powerful video called “Nation of Builders” featuring the schools, churches, monuments, and community centers built around the world by the Armenian Diaspora leading up to the Armenian American Museum project today.

“Thank you to our more than 1,000 esteemed guests and honorees for joining us at our Inaugural Gala and supporting the Armenian American Museum,” stated Chairman Karapetian. “Just as our ancestors have done in the past, we will build a historic center with the community’s support that will serve generations to come.”

California State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins congratulated the honorees of the evening and highlighted the special bond between the State of California and the Armenian American community.

Following dinner served by Wolfgang Puck, the capacity crowd was entertained with a live musical performance by singer Alene Aroustamian with musical partner Vahan Bznuni.

Congressman Adam Schiff expressed his support for the landmark project in a video message, applauding the cultural and educational center as a milestone achievement for the entire community and Armenians around the world.

The capacity crowd roared in applause and 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.

‘“This museum and cultural center will serve as such a source of pride for Glendale and Los Angeles County as a whole to celebrate and remember the contributions of this special community,” stated Supervisor Barger.
Master of Ceremonies Araksya Karapetyan kicked off the awards presentation following the major announcement.

California State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian and 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, establishing significant early funding and support with the State as a key partner.

California State Senator Anthony J. 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, bringing the State’s total commitment for the landmark project to $4 million.

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, officially marking Glendale Central Park as the future home of the Museum.

The Inaugural Gala’s Gold Sponsors include Gaska Alliance Foundation, Mgrublian Center for Human Rights, Mr. & Mrs. Vartan and Janet Barsoumian, and Mr. & Mrs. Khoren and Kathy Kassardjian.

Learn more about the Armenian American Museum at www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

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