AGBU’s American Century
A hundred years of expansion, community development, and contribution
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January 22, 2009
AGBU Montreal's First-Ever Walk-a-thon Raises $10,000 for Armen-Quebec Alex Manoogian School
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Members of AGBU Montreal participate in the Walk-a-thon that raised $10,000 for Armen-Quebec Alex Manoogian School. (Photo courtesy Ara Hagopian, Badgerphotography.ca) -
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AGBU Montreal Scouts' marching band, under the director of Harout Tachejian, leading the fundraising walk for several blocks before joining in with fellow participants for the rest of the event.
On Saturday, October 4, 2008, AGBU Montreal organized its first ever walk-a-thon to benefit the local AGBU Armen-Quebec Alex Manoogian School. Over 150 participants of all ages walked a six-kilometer circuit through the streets of Ville Saint-Laurent in downtown Montreal. The event, which was spearheaded by AGBU Montreal chairman Armen Bechakjian, raised $10,000 for the school.
Saint-Laurent borough mayor, Alan DeSousa, spoke to the bustling crowd before the walk began, highlighting the important role the Armen-Quebec School plays not only in their local community but also the Armenian diaspora. The AGBU Montreal Scouts' marching band then took center stage under the director of Harout Tachejian, leading the walk for several blocks, before putting down their instruments to join with fellow participants for the rest of the circuit.
Most walkers, including several faculty members, school alumni and Principal Robert Kechayan and his wife, finished the course in about 90 minutes, full of good spirit and energy. Armen-Quebec's first principal, Vartouhi Balian, greeted participants at the finish line and congratulated them for their achievement.
The event was followed by a dinner at the AGBU school, which was prepared by several volunteers, and then festivities continued in Dervishian Hall for the rest of the evening. Music was provided by DJ Sako, and the night ended with a walk-a-thon video recap hosted by Sylvia Durgerian-Boyadmjian and videographer Tarek.
AGBU Montreal hopes to make the walk-a-thon an annual activity in the month of October.
Photos from the walkathon and more information can be viewed at www.agbuwalkathon.com, a site prepared by AGBU Armen-Quebec Alex Manoogian School alumnus, Saro Gurunlu.
AGBU Montreal serves Canada's largest Armenian community. Along with a newly renovated community center, the Chapter supports the Armen-Quebec Alex Manoogian School and an active scout troop. For more information on AGBU Montreal and its activities, please phone (514) 748-2428, e-mail agbumontreal@bellnet.ca or visit www.agbumontreal.org.
Photos courtesy Ara Hagopian, Badgerphotography.ca
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