Young Professionals of Greater New York Hosts 10th Annual Silent Auction, Raise $19,000

On January 22, 2011, 250 Armenian Americans from the New York metropolitan area stepped out to enjoy the AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York's (YPGNY) "A Night in New York's Past for Armenia's Future" at the 10th Annual Silent Auction and Cocktail Reception. Held at the Wooly in the historic Woolworth Building, the sold-out event raised $19,000 for the AGBU Children's Centers in Armenia, surpassing last year's donation. Each January, Armenian Christmas reminds us of the unique bond we have as Armenians, giving us a chance to reflect on our past and appreciate our rich heritage.

The historic speakeasy in downtown Manhattan offered a warm and sophisticated atmosphere, inviting guests to mix and mingle with friends while enjoying an evening of food, fun, music, and the excitement generated with each new bid until the conclusion of the silent auction. First-time volunteer Melania Melikian was moved by the event, saying, "It was refreshing to know that the amount of people who attended the Silent Auction did so for reasons that reached far beyond the stunning venue and incredible auction items. We came together to impact and change the lives of Armenia's children, and that will be forever invaluable." She continued, "The evening lent the perfect air of old-world sophistication to our new-world emphasis on change. There was an underlying commitment present that kept the night going -- we were there for the future of Armenia's youth, and thus, for the future of Armenia itself."

A generous number of community supporters contributed their time and services to enhance the Silent Auction and Cocktail Reception, including Clovis Point Winery and Manhattan Beer Distribution. The evening included stylish silent auction items donated from leading businesses and generous individuals. Items included a luxurious winter getaway to Montana, roundtrip tickets to Los Angeles, fashion must-haves from the likes of Dior, Ferragamo, and Coach, tickets to sporting events, Broadway shows, a live taping of Jimmy Fallon, sailing and trapeze lessons, items from designer Michael Aram, a membership to Yoga Works, and much more. Among the most coveted pieces available for auction were works of art from the AGBU Children's Centers that exhibited the skills of the children and highlighted their role in continuing the artistic heritage of Armenians. Additional raffle prizes, including restaurant gift certificates to New York City hotspots such as Le Cirque and The House, a stay at the W Hotel, jewelry, and an iPod Touch, were also offered to guests eager to donate to the cause. YPGNY Chairwoman Aline Markarian stated how grateful she was for the outpouring of support. "It was truly inspiring to see that after ten years, attendees, donors, and our new volunteers had such enthusiasm for supporting the AGBU Children's Centers. The energy was apparent throughout the night and I can only hope we can keep the momentum going for another ten years."

Sheila Kahyaoglu, who co-chaired the event with Aline Markarian and Alexis Halejian, was also excited by the accomplishment of the event and highlighted the many individuals who contributed to the evening's success. "The night at the Wooly was truly a one-of-a-kind event. We wanted the traditional silent auction but with a touch of downtown hip. The turnout was tremendous; we were encouraged by the generosity of all and thrilled with the continued support from our friends and the community. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Onnig Djingueuzian, our honorary YP, always young at heart, for his unparalleled enthusiasm and spirit, and to the YPGNY Steering Committee and volunteers who really put in an amazing team effort and made this a truly successful evening," she said.

Since 2000, YPGNY has hosted the winter reception as an enjoyable and unique way to raise funds for the three Centers in Yerevan. YPGNY Vice-chairwoman Alexis Halejian commented on the wonder of the Children's Centers. "Year after year, the Silent Auction is a win-win situation. We get to enjoy a night out in New York City with our Armenian peers while helping the future of Armenia through extracurricular education," Halejian said. "These young kids at the AGBU Children's Centers are already so naturally talented in the arts that providing them with the proper resources otherwise unavailable to them can only lead to their success."

Back in 1993, AGBU joined forces with the Holy See of Etchmiadzin to establish the AGBU Children's Centers in the Nork, Arapkir, and Malatya sections of Yerevan. Providing a constructive after-school environment to over 3,500 students ages 6 to 16, the Centers cultivate the talents of young Armenians by broadening their knowledge in courses unavailable to them at overcrowded public schools. With an administrative staff of 300, the Centers provide four hours of daily instruction in music, dance, arts & crafts, gymnastics, martial arts, computers, language and history, as well as developing other practical real-life professional skills. Throughout the years, over 15,000 students living in low- to middle-income homes have benefited from this influential program.

Making a global commitment to support the AGBU Children's Centers, YPGNY established the AGBU YP Endowment in 2002 for their benefit. Now a pan-YP endeavor, YPGNY makes its share of the global contribution through monies raised at the annual Silent Auction and Cocktail Reception, as well as from the annual HALO (Helping Armenia's Little Ones) campaign. Suitable for recipients of all ages, the YPGNY HALO campaign allows individuals to give a gift from the heart and simultaneously help children of Armenia during the holiday season. Donations made in honor of a loved one, family, or friends are transformed into personalized gift cards by YPGNY's group of Santa's helpers. This year, close to 80 certificates spread holiday cheer to mailboxes worldwide. Together with YPGNY's 2011 donation, the AGBU YP Endowment now totals over $130,000.