Article
Telethon 2000 Raises $2.5 Million for Karabagh and Armenia

Over 13,000 Participate in International Fund Raising Effort

NEW YORK, NY - Armenia Fund USA (AFUSA) has issued the following official statement in Glendale, CA about Thanksgiving Day Telethon:

Telethon 2000, the first international fund-raising event of the new millennium assisting in critical nation-building processes, raised over US $2,550,000 for infrastructure development and humanitarian aid for Karabagh and Armenia on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2000. Telethon 2000's beneficiary projects were the continued construction of the North-South "Backbone" Highway and the construction of four schools in Armenia's earthquake zone. The eleven-hour telecast, organized by Armenia Fund, Inc. (AFI) and Armenia Fund USA (AFUSA), aired live in several US cities, Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, as well as on www.armenianradio.com.

Worldwide telethon participation was unprecedented with over 13,000 individuals, schools, churches and organizations taking part from Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Karabagh, Russia, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Syria, UAE, United Kingdom and the United States.

Telethon momentum also spread throughout Armenia and Karabagh. Having witnessed the realization of many of "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund's (HAAF) projects in the region, the citizens of Gyumri, Vanadzor, Spitak and Yerevan contributed $12,000 (AD 6,600,000) for the continuation of programs in Armenia. In addition, with the "Lifeline" Highway connecting Armenia to Karabagh complete, Karabagh raised over $84,000 (AD 46,200,000) toward the construction of the North-South Highway. $13,900 of the total amount raised was by the Karabagh Armed Forces; $24,500 by business banks; and $46,000 by citizens of Stepanakert.

Telethon 2000 benefactors include Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dorian (CA) - $440,000, and Mrs. Louise Manoogian Simone (NY) - $350,000. The first school to become a Telethon sponsor is the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School (CA). Students raised over $32,000 toward the construction of the four schools in Gyumri. The funds were raised through a school-wide campaign and a 3.6-mile walk-a-thon held on November 10, 2000.

"I thank each and every one of the contributors and participants for making this year's telethon a true success," said Zaven Khanjian, AFI president. Unlike previous years, during which a majority of the funds raised were generously donated by a few individuals and foundations, Telethon 2000, was a collective effort of the entire Armenian community from around the world, including Armenia and Karabagh. "The funds raised came from thousands of individuals committed to securing a brighter future for the homeland. This signifies the dedication of Armenians around the world unifying for a common goal," concluded Khanjian.


PROMINENT GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND CELEBRITIES VOLUNTEER

An official government delegation from Karabagh arrived in Los Angeles to actively participate in Telethon 2000. Led by Prime Minister Anoushavan Danielyan, the delegation included Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, Presidential Advisor Janna Galstyan, as well as Archbishop Barkev Martirossian, Primate of the Diocese of Karabagh. Armenia's US diplomatic corps was represented by Arman Kirakossian, Ambassador to the United States, Movses Abelian, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Armen Melkonian, Consul General.

Hosted by Armenian International Magazine's Editor-Publisher, Salpi Haroutinian Ghazarian, former CBS Moscow correspondent Terry Phillips and actor/comedian Hrant Tokhatian, the program featured a diverse representation of the Armenian community. The program included live entertainment by popular Armenian singers -- Rosie Armen, Aram Asatrian, Gagik Badalian, Rouben Hakhverdyan, Armen Movsisian, Parik Nazarian, Nune, Harout Pamboukjian, and Shoushana Petrosyan -- as well as interviews, statements and appeals from government officials, clergy, community leaders and individuals from the Diaspora, Armenia and Karabagh. Co-hosts included Parsegh Kartalian, Osheen Keshishian, Azvine Ketenchian, Maria Mehranian and Nune Yessayan.


PHONE-A-THON AND WWW.ARMENIANRADIO.COM PROMOTE GREATER OUTREACH

With the help of over 150 volunteers consisting of high school and university students, teachers, attorneys, political activists and a former political candidate, the Phone-A-Thon raised over $40,000 by placing direct calls to Armenian households throughout the US. Organized by Ardashes Kassakhian and Adrin Nazarian, the Phone-A-Thon generated interest and participation in the Telethon and its objectives. "It's inspiring to see the involvement, dedication and effort by such a diverse group of volunteers working toward a common cause," said Nazarian.

With over 27,000 hits and $30,000 raised, the full-motion video broadcast of Telethon 2000 on www.armenianradio.com provided the opportunity for greater international viewing and participation. Internet users from South America, the Middle East and Asia logged on, viewed and made secure contributions online. Internet contributions to the Telethon increased two-fold from 1999.


HAAF/AFI COMMITTED TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

With Telethon 1999 funds, two crucial phases, totaling 30 kilometers are currently under construction - 20 km between Gandzasar and Tashbulagh, and 10 km between Karmir Shuka and Drakhtik. Upon completion, the 25 million, 169 km "Backbone" Highway will connect the Martakert region in the north to the Hadrut region in the south, as well as intersecting the Goris-Stepanakert Highway, which connects Armenia and Karabagh. "The funds raised this year will enable the completion of the initial phases already in place for the North-South Highway, as well as the construction of the schools in Gyumri," said Vahan Ter Ghevondian, HAAF executive director. The Diaspora's continued support of the Telethon affirms the importance of HAAF's activities in rebuilding the necessary infrastructure for the growth and development of Armenia and Karabagh. Since its inception in 1992, HAAF has administered over $72 million in humanitarian, rehabilitation and construction aid, including numerous projects such as the Goris-Stepanakert "Lifeline" Highway, water, heating fuel and electricity distribution, school and orphanage aid, hospital/health care development and refugee and earthquake housing. HAAF, through the assistance of AFI Telethons, has given the governments of Karabagh and Armenia the necessary tools to provide essential foundations for economic growth, stability and independence.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to Telethon 2000 projects throughout the year by calling (818) 243-6222 or by sending a check to: Telethon 2000, 300 West Glenoaks Blvd., Suite 302, Glendale, CA 91202

Armenia Fund, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, is the West Coast affiliate of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund headquartered in Yerevan, Armenia. Since 1996, AFI has generated over $19.5 million to help build and complete the Goris-Stepanakert Highway and start the North-South Highway in Karabagh.