Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association

Arcadia Weekly, CA Jan 6 2006

Event Raises $150,000 for Sister City Project

Members of the Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA) gathered at the residence of Dr. Alber Karamanoukian earlier this week to kick off its Ghapan Hospital Revitalization Project Banquet, to be held on Friday, Dec. 2.

Joining members and supporters of the association were Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian and Councilmembers Bob Yousefian and Ara Najarian.

Don Owen and Guy Devorris each contributed $50,000.

`We thank Mr. Owen and Mr. Devorris for the generous support,' said Alec Baghdasaryan, chairman of the Banquet Committee. `Their donations will enable us to tremendously enhance the health care system in Ghapan.'

Association President Artin Manoukian commended Karamanoukian, Rodney Khan and the Banquet Committee for leading the fundraising efforts.

Ghapan, a city in the southern part of Armenia, is located approximately 220 kilometers southeast of Yerevan. With a population of 48,000, Ghapan has been experiencing limited economic advancement since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Through the joint effort of the Armenian National Committee of Glendale, the City of Glendale, and the City of Ghapan, the GGSCA was established to help cultivate economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two cities. In December 2002, the Glendale City Council passed a resolution recognizing Ghapan as a Sister City. GGSCA is a non-profit organization that aims to foster goodwill and understanding through cultural, educational, and economic cooperation between the people of Glendale and Ghapan. GGSCA identified three areas of concern in Ghapan: schools, health care, and community infrastructure.

Currently, the GGSCA is working on renovating Ghapan Hospital, as well as providing medical equipment to the facility. The Ghapan Hospital Revitalization Project will replace outdated, malfunctioning equipment and diagnostic tools that remain from the Soviet era and often jeopardize patient care.

The Dec. 2 banquet will provide needed funds to renovate the hospital infrastructure.

Former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian will serve as the emcee. For more information, call (818) 828-8882.

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Cooperation between Glendale and Sister City Ghapan Strengthens
ASBAREZ Online [11-14-2005]

Fundraising Banquet on December 2 for the OB-GYN Maternity Ward of the Ghapan Hospital.

GLENDALE--Since its establishment three years ago to help cultivate economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two cities, the Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA) has successfully improved the education, health care, and welfare of Ghapan and its surrounding village communities. Currently, the group's priority is the renovation and modernization of the Ghapan Hospital's maternity ward and laboratory.

The Ghapan Hospital Revitalization Project was launched November 9, at Dr. Alber Karamanoukian's residence where $150,000 was raised. Among the donors were Mr. & Mrs. Don and Bonny Owens, as well as Mr. Guy Devorris, who each contributed $50,000. Representatives from the City of Glendale, local organizations, and supporters of GGSCA were present.

A December 2 fundraising banquet will also be held to raise additional funds for the Hospital Revitalization Project.

Alec Baghdassaryan, Banquet Committee Chair, presented the guests historical information about the establishment of the GGSCA and emphasize the importance of the Ghapan Hospital Revitalization Project. He also praised the United States for its charitable donations and humanitarian assistance.

Karamanoukian, the evening's host, urged attendees "to open their hearts to this noble cause." He emphasized the importance of the Labor and Delivery department and OB-GYN. He mentioned that the renovation and modernization of the hospital will benefit not only the city of Ghapan, but also the people who reside in nearby villages and the Lachin corridor.

Thefundraising banquet for the Hospital Revitalization Project will take place on Friday, December 2 at the Glendale Hilton, where an international band will perform following an official program. For tickets and information call (818)828-8882.

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Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association Banquet Raises over $200,000
ASBAREZ Online [12-09-2005]

GLENDALE--Over 450 guests showed up in support of the first annual Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA) banquet on Friday, December 2 at the Glendale Hilton. Raising over $200,000 for the revitalization of the Ghapan Hospital, the event brought together many members of the Glendale community. Master of Ceremonies Larry Zarian kicked off the event, followed by guest speakers Mayor Rafi Manoukian, Dr. Alber Karamanoukian, and Alec Baghdasaryan. The evening honored those who have made significant contributions towards the hospital in Ghapan.

In addition to the honorees, special guests included Glendale Councilmembers Ara Najarian, Bob Youssefian, and Frank Quintero; City Manager Jim Starbird; City Attorney Scott Howard; Glendale Unified School District Board President Mary Boger, board member Greg Krikorian, Superintendent Dr. Michael Escalante, and Assistant Superintendent Alice Petrossian; Glendale Community College Board of Trustees members Dr. Armine Hacopian, Dr. Vahe Peroomian, and Victor King; and various community based organizations such as Glendale Rotary Club and Glendale Adventist Hospital.

Alec Baghdasaryan, chair of the banquet organizing committee spoke briefly about the GGSCA and its accomplishments over the past few years. Dr. Norick Bogossian, a prominent local plastic surgeon, elaborated in detail the hospital's need for equipment and supplies by showing clips of its current condition. Following the slide show was a 10 minute video presentation outlining the establishment of the GGSCA and highlighting achievements made over the past two and a half years.

Community leader and banquet committee member Rodney Khan introduced the major donors, Mr. & Mrs. Don and Bonnie Owens and Mr. Guy Devorris, who each contributed $50,000 towards the revitalization of the Ghapan Hospital. Two oil paintings by the prominent Armenian painter Harout Aghajanyan were presented to the donors. Other donors received plaques in appreciation for their generosity. Honoree Guy Devorris said, "I'm glad to have met many great friends in Glendale, and I want to give back to the community."

Dr. Alber Karamanoukian, said: "I would like to encourage everyone to contribute to this cause and I thank everyone for being here tonight and making this event such a success."

Following the program, music and entertainment was provided by Arsham and Araxia International Band.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the renovation and modernization of the maternity ward along with the laboratory of the Ghapan Hospital. Through the joint efforts of the Armenian National Committee of Glendale, the City of Glendale, and the City of Ghapan, the GGSCA was established to help cultivate economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the two cities.

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