Southern California District Honors Yenovk Balikian at Sold-Out Society Dinner

The fourth annual AGBU Society Dinner, which was held on October 13, 2007 in the Viennese Ballroom of the Huntington Ritz Carlton Hotel, served not only as a fundraiser but also the occasion to honor Yenovk Balikian for his six decades of distinguished service to AGBU, in Lebanon and California.

Many of the guests were well-known leaders of the Californian Armenian-American community. Also present were civic leaders of the California State Senate and the Assembly, local government officials, Armenian religious leaders, the Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, and friends of the extended Balikian family.

A unique silent auction, as well as a champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception, with live Armenian music, preceded the dinner.

Emcee Toros Yetenekian summarized the accomplishments of the AGBU Southern California District Committee (SCDC), of which he is a member, in the last four years. Stella Maloyan, Chairman of the Society Dinner for the last four years, thanked the attendees and introduced the Organizing Committee members.

Vahe Imasdounian, SCDC Chairman, gave an overview of fundraising successes, in which he emphasized three of several accomplishments as significant: last year's opening of the AGBU Pasadena High School, progress in the sports and youth programs, and revitalization of the Pasadena Chapter's overall activities.

Hon. Paul Krekorian, State Assemblyman representing Burbank and surrounding areas, presented a biography of his colleague Hon. S. Joe Simitian, state senator representing the Palo Alto district of Northern California.

Taline Boyajian, daughter of honoree Yenovk Balikian, described her father's character, determination and drive, which are well known to many Armenians. The audience then enjoyed a very informative video clip depicting the honoree's life and accomplishments.

Dr. Kevork Keshishian, former Central Board of Directors member and staunch AGBU supporter, presented the honoree's biography, beginning with the days of his youth in Lebanon, moving on to his professional career and, especially, his many accomplishments with AGBU. The speaker emphasized that, without Balikian's dedication, perseverance and pursuit, the AGBU Pasadena High School would not have opened its doors.

Numerous congratulatory messages were read on this occasion, including those from AGBU President Berge Setrakian and AGBU Council of Trustees Member Nazar Nazarian. Setrakian referred to the honoree as "one of our organization's most long-serving and dedicated members" and cited his accomplishments in the following words: "Mr. Balikian's professional accomplishments, as a civil engineer, are sufficient by themselves to earn him a place in "Who's Who"...However, not satisfied with merely carving out a professional niche, Mr. Balikian has distinguished himself in four other areas: (1) Armenian Youth Association and Armenian General Benevolent Union; (2) Lebanese and international sports; (3) Armenian secular and religious education; (4) Lebanese community in Nigeria."

Yenovk Balikian, humbled by all the well-deserved accolades and praise, thanked AGBU for the recognition and honor given to him.

Sinan Sinanian, member of AGBU Central Board of Directors, then presented Balikian with the newly established AGBU "Boghos Nubar" recognition medal. Balikian is the first recipient of this honor, which is given to people who have given a lifetime of outstanding service to AGBU.

The evening's celebration came to a close with the benediction by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Western Diocesan Primate. Prior to his prayer, the Primate presented Mr. Balikian with the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob medal, which was bestowed by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.