Philadelphia Young Professionals Organize Successful Events in 2010

Gorky, Jazz & Drinks, March Happy Hour, Karoun Kick-off Draw Hundreds of Armenian Young Professionals

Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union Young Professionals (AGBU YP) has been busy since its revival in May 2009 with events at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a children's book drive, and a spring mixer.

In November 2009, the Philly YP hosted "Gorky, Jazz & Drinks," an event featuring the special exhibit "Arshile Gorky: A Retrospective" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Young professionals from Philadelphia as well as Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston, attended this culturally enriching event. Part of the event included guided group tours of the exhibit, which was immediately followed by mezze and live jazz music by the Armen Donelian Trio. "The Philadelphia Museum of Art was the perfect location to display this unique exhibit," said Diana Boghosian, event chair. "The YP Philly committee was pleased to host young professionals to explore Gorky's works, coupled with a festive evening." A mixer chaired by Gina Terkanian was hosted at Rembrandt's following the private soiree at the museum.

Events for 2010 kicked off with the group hosting a Children's Book Drive during a Happy Hour event on March 25, 2010 at Philadelphia's Black Sheep Pub. Over one hundred books were collected from generous attendees and donated to the Philadelphia Children's Foundation. "The YP Committee was eager to get started with events for 2010 and a relaxed happy hour in the heart of the city seemed like a great way to get everyone together again," said Colette Seter, event chair. "YP Philadelphia is focused on learning and education as a priority for our charitable endeavors...The event wouldn't have been successful without the entire committee's contributions, and of course all the YPs' support!"

The chapter's next event was the follow-up to last year's extremely successful inaugural event, Karoun Kick-off, on June 4, 2010 at 10 Arts at the Ritz-Carlton. Philadelphia Young professionals enjoyed an evening with old and new friends while enjoying appetizers by renowned chef Eric Ripert. The event was co-chaired by Colette Seter and Gina Ekmekjian, who said, "Thanks to everyone who made it out. We hope to continue growing in members and anticipate Karoun Kick-Off being a signature event!"

The officers and committee meet monthly to plan social, professional, cultural and community service events. Committee members include Meredith Avakian, Vicken Bazarbasian, Nubar Dailerian, George Diloyan, Gina Ekmekjian, Antranig Garibian, Linda Huverserian, Julie Paretchan, Colette Seter, Gina Terkanian, and Talinn Toorian. The committee is proud that Philly YP events attract a cross-section of people from the five Armenian churches and various other organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area and the Northeast. Event proceeds are directed to the chapter's charitable endeavors and support future Philly YP events. Presently the Philly YP has donated to the AGBU Children's Centers in Yerevan and the Pan AGBU YP environmental project to support cultivation of a park in Armenia.

"We are pleased to continue in our second active year, bringing the Armenian young professionals together through a variety of events, and hope to continue our growth and outreach beyond 2010," says committee chair Julie Paretchan.

Mark your calendars! Committee members Meredith Avakian and Jacqueline Santerian will co-chair the chapter's next event, which will be the second annual "Coast in the City" at 5:30 p.m. onward on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Positano Coast, 212 Walnut St., Philadelphia.

For more information about the chapter, contact Julie Paretchan at agbuypphilly@gmail.com. Event photos are available upon request.