On Sunday, August 30, 2020, the Armenian community of the Western United States rallied in support of the Hye Aid Lebanon Telethon organized by the Pan Armenian Council of the Western United States. Held under the motto of “One Nation, One Future,” the Telethon raised nearly $1.4 million to assist the Armenian community of Lebanon in rebuilding following the devastating blast on August 4.
The Telethon began with the ardent plea of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, followed by the messages of the leaders of the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches; H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, H.G. Bishop Mikael Mouradian, Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada, and Rev. Berj Jambazian, Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America.
During the program, messages were delivered by Consul General Dr. Armen Baibourtian and representatives of community organizations. Cultural performances were presented by students, choirs, and musicians.
The evening’s main announcement was by the Prelate, who revealed a $250,000 donation by a philanthropic foundation that wished to remain anonymous.
Another surprise came at the end of the Telethon when benefactor and Prelacy Executive Council Chair Garo Eshgian and his wife Sosse announced their $150,000 donation.
The Prelate highly commended the collective efforts of the Pan Armenian Council’s member organizations and each and every individual who contributed to this cause, which he deemed a tangible expression of our united strength and “One Nation, One Future” vision. He commended the parish pastors and Boards of Trustees of Prelacy Churches for their significant fundraising efforts.
Among the major donors were Prelacy sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Nune Sepetjian ($100,000), Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian ($30,000), the Fermanian families ($25,000), as well as Central Executive and Prelacy Executive Council members and other sponsors.
The Prelacy too lent its generous support to the Telethon.
We commend all those who participated in this noble cause.
