Generation Next Mentorship Program Raises $40,000 during its 10th- Anniversary Gala

On Friday, February 27, 2009, the Castaway Starlight Ballroom shined as over 200 mentors, supporters and community leaders gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Generation Next Mentorship Program (GenNext) with the "Stars of Tomorrow" gala in Burbank, CA. The event honored Carla Garapedian, director of Screamers and former BBC World News anchor, and Shavo Odadjian, activist and bassist of the world-renowned rock band System of a Down. The evening raised $40,000, which will support the program's growth and allow it to serve more Armenian-American youth in the Los Angeles area.

Revelers celebrated GenNext's decade of service while enjoying a beautiful view of the San Fernando Valley from the hilltop banquet hall. The evening's honorees were presented with GenNext's Community Hero award. Carla Garapedian accepted the award for her film Screamers, a critically acclaimed documentary about System of a Down's efforts to raise Armenian Genocide awareness in the minds of mainstream audiences. During her acceptance speech, Garapedian said: "There is always that one person, that angel, that mentor, who is there for you at that crucial juncture of your life. I know how important it is to have a mentorship program. It really mattered to me to have a mentor and I know it matters to our young people."

Shavo Odadjian was also presented with an award for his outstanding work as a role model for young Armenian Americans. During his acceptance speech, he highlighted the importance of being active in your local community: "If anyone has a voice in today's society, they should use that voice righteously and benevolently. That is what the AGBU stands for and, with the Generation Next Program, it has gone to a new level."

During his speech, Odadjian recognized his own mentor who accompanied him to the event, world-famous rapper and producer Rza, who is one of the driving forces behind one of the greatest rap groups of all time, Wu Tang Clan. Odadjian and Rza are currently collaborating on a philosophical cosmic rap group called Achozen.

Other special guests at the GenNext gala were California State Senator Carol Liu, who presented the program with a Certificate of Recognition, and Assistant Majority Leader of the California State Assembly Paul Krekorian, who commended GenNext's work by presenting it with a California State Resolution recognizing the positive impact the program has made on the local community. Members of the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD), including Superintendent Dr. Michael Escalante, attended the event to show their continued support of GenNext, which works closely with many of Glendale's middle schools and high schools. Alice Petrossian, Chief Educational Officer of Pasadena Unified School District and longtime supporter of the program, was also in attendance.

The "Stars of Tomorrow" gala was made possible through the tireless efforts of the GenNext Fundraising Committee, which included Narine Galstian, committee chair, and Vrej Hovsepian, GenNext task force chair. Both of them were on hand to receive an award for "Exemplary Leadership and Service" from the AGBU Central Board of Directors, which was presented to the program by Southern California District Committee (SCDC) Chairman Berj Shahbazian. During the program, Haig Messerlian, SCDC member and former director of AGBU USA, spoke about the history of the AGBU and how the mentorship program fit into the organization's youth outreach. Shahbazian also commended the program for its hard work at reconnecting youth to their heritage and encouraging them to take an active role in their local community.

Drawing a diverse crowd, the GenNext gala highlighted the breadth and strength of AGBU's presence in Southern California. Since 1998, GenNext has worked diligently to create community by bringing youth and adults together in relationships where those adults act as guides through the perilous journey of adolescence. The strong support of the community was felt as school board members, elected and appointed officials, program volunteers and community activists joined together to celebrate the program and support the community's future.

Since its establishment in 1998, AGBU Generation Next (www.agbugennext.org) mentors and staff have served Armenian students from seventh to eleventh grades. Adult volunteers from AGBU Generation Next assist students with issues involving academics, behavior, and acculturation. By providing positive role models, volunteer mentors help these young Armenians become responsible, self-sufficient young adults. For more information, email info@agbugennext.org.