The amount brings the 2011 fundraising total to $31 million

For Immediate Release ~ December 22, 2011

Yerevan, Armenia – The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund held its annual Moscow Gala Banquet on December 21, at the Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel. The prestigious event was attended by several dignitaries including Bako Sahakyan, president of Artsakh; Oleg Yesayan, ambassador of Armenia to Russia; Bishop Yezras Nersissian, primate of the Armenian Diocese of Russia and New Nakhijevan; and close to 70 Armenian industrialists and benefactors.

Donation pledges made during the banquet totaled U.S. $18,635,000. The largest contribution, in the amount of $11 million, was pledged by Eduardo Eurnekian of Argentina, who was represented at the Gala by Pegor Papazian. The amount will be used for the further development of Artsakh’s agriculture, education, and tourism sectors. The second most sizeable pledge was made by Sergey Sarkisov, whose $3 million contribution will be dedicated to the reconstruction of a public school in Stepanakert, Artsakh. Other major pledges were made by Samvel Karapetyan ($1 million), Robert Hovhannisyan ($500,000), and Levon Hayrapetyan ($500,000).

“The worldwide Armenian community once again demonstrated that unity is power,” said Ara Vardanyan, executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, as he commented on the unprecedented success of the Moscow Gala. “On behalf of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, I convey our gratitude to all of our benefactors,” Vardanyan continued. “It is thanks to them that the positive transformation of Armenia and Artsakh will continue to grow strong.”

The proceeds from the Moscow Gala, combined with the $12.3 million in pledges announced at the conclusion of last month’s Telethon, brings the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 2011 fundraising total to almost $31 million. The amount announced during the Telethon includes funds raised through various events – including phoneathons, radiothons, and galas – organized by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s worldwide affiliates.