DETROIT, MI - This past year, "The Armenian Americans" documentary has been shown around the United States through Public Television. On November 30, 2000, it held its Michigan/Windsor, Canada premiere.

An exciting evening at Detroit Public Television, the documentary was shown as part of the station's winter pledge drive. Competing with a Detroit Lions game and other television favorites, the station was able to raise over $55,000 in a matter of an hour and a half of air time! "We are very excited about this figure. This was an excellent fund raiser for us," said Fred Nahhat, On-Air Fundraising for Detroit Public TV(WTVS Channel 56).

Between the showing of the documentary, Dan Alpert, station manger of Detroit Public TV, interviewed Edgar Hagopian, Hagopian Rugs, about his experiences growing up as an Armenian-American and what it means to be an Armenian in the United States. Hagopian discussed his experiences in the Armenian community and how important it is to be involved in one's community. Fred Nahhat interviewed Ara Topouzian, musician and record producer. Fred talked with Ara about Armenian music and on being part of the making of this documentary.

Ara was instrumental in having this documentary on the air in Detroit. Ara is also featured in the documentary; in addition, a large segment of music from his record company, American Recording Productions, was used in the final release. "We went to some of our most prominent donors in the community and asked them to assist us in buying the license to air the documentary in Detroit. It is a two-year license and can be re-aired as many times as the station wishes -- this is the exciting part." said Topouzian.

"It was important for the entire community to see this documentary and to witness the strength of our Detroit Armenian community," said Topouzian. "It makes all of us very proud to know we could raise so much money for PBS. Over $55,000 is a remarkable number!" said Topouzian. Each week, over one million Detroit-area households watch WTVS. In addition, there are close to 1.8 million households throughout Canada that receive WTVS via satellite and cable. Because of this enormous reach, more people "visit" Detroit Public Television than any other cultural institution in Southeast Michigan.

"The many volunteers who came down to the station to man the phones deserve a thank you for taking all of those pledges," said Topouzian. Also, a special thanks to the sponsors: Gordon Hartunian, Bob Saks Mechigian, Edgar Hagopian, Martin Shoushanian, Phil Mooradian, Kchikian Family, Jerair/Alic Kourtjian, and Margaret Vartanian. A very special thank you to Nerses Serkaian, host of the Armenian Radio Hour in Michigan, for helping air PSA's on this event.

The airing and pledge drive was such a success that WTVS will re-air the entire show as a 'best of' on December 13, 2000. Hopefully the Armenian and non-Armenian community will watch again and witness the rich heritage of the Armenian people.