AGBU Young Professionals of Northern California to Hold 17th Annual San Francisco Winter Gala

A portion of the proceeds from the weekend to be directed to the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund for Syrian Armenians

From February 17-19, the AGBU Young Professionals of Northern California (YPNC) will hold their 17th AGBU San Francisco Winter Gala. The weekend—the theme of which will be “connection”—will offer an unforgettable experience for hundreds of young professionals from across the globe with three full days of events. YPNC will also donate a portion of the weekend’s proceeds to the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund for Syrian Armenians. 

“We look forward to hosting the young professional network for a memorable weekend in San Francisco. This year is all about connections: building connections with our beautiful city, with each other and with the greater AGBU organization. The weekend features an exclusive wine tour, a new premier Friday Club Night venue, and a brand new event with Karaoke and Game Night added on Sunday,” said Apik Zorian, AGBU YPNC marketing director and gala co-chair.

Gala 2017 Weekend begins on Friday, February 17 with a welcome reception at the host hotel, the Sir Francis Drake in Union Square, where attendees will mix, mingle, and start to make their connections to start off the weekend. Following the reception, guests will head to Slide Nightclub where DJ Mikey Tan will be playing Top40 and mashups at this top nightlife venue in Downtown San Francisco’s historic Theater District.

Saturday, February 18 brings the return of another Gala Weekend favorite: the San Francisco walking tour. The tour will include stops at many different landmarks around the city. Saturday night features the weekend’s signature event: the Connect Gala dinner/dance in the stunning Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial Performing Arts Center in downtown. Complete with breathtaking views of city hall, the evening will feature a three-course dinner, premium open bar, and dancing to Armenian, international, and popular music.

Sunday, February 19 starts off with a wine tour to Sonoma Valley, featuring an all-inclusive experience at Cline Cellars. The trip will include tours, tastings, and a private lunch in the winery’s Barrel Room. Sunday night introduces a new event to the weekend: Karaoke and Game Night. Weekend attendees will have a final chance to connect over appetizers in a private venue and lots of karaoke and games.

“We are excited to continue the Winter Gala tradition in San Francisco, and look forward to bringing together young professionals from around the globe,” said Albert Arustamov, AGBU-YPNC treasurer, technology advisor, and gala co-chair. “Just as important as the connections with each other are the connection with our brothers and sisters in Syria and those who are relocating. With the need at its greatest, we remain committed to raising funds from the Winter Gala Weekend for the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund for the Syrian Armenian community.”

The YP Network makes it a priority to invest in Armenia and Armenian communities around the world by fundraising for initiatives which need our greatest attention and assistance. The AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund supports programs in Armenia, Canada, Lebanon and Syria for Syrian Armenians, including food and aid distribution; medical assistance; and education programs and children’s services. Since its establishment in 2012, the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund has raised more than 4 million for Syrian Armenians in need.

For event information, tickets, weekend package specials, and to donate, please visit www.agbusfwintergala.org.