Duty and Destiny
From science genius to head of state, the many lives of Armen Sarkissian
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March 16, 2011
Young Professionals of Northern California Welcomes Guests from Near and Far for 12th Annual Winter Gala in San Francisco
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A view of the February 12 Winter Gala dinner dance at the San Francisco Regency Center. -
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The YPNC 2011 Winter Gala Committee, from left to right: YPNC Co-Chair and Winter Gala Chair Steven Cherezian, Sevan Palanjian, YPNC Co-Chair David Ojakian, Sevan Abnous, and Mark Takvorian. -
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Young Armenian professionals enjoy the Friday night party at the ROE night club in San Francisco's Market district.
From February 11-13, 2011, more than 300 young professionals from across the country gathered in San Francisco for the 12th Annual AGBU YP Northern California (YPNC) Winter Gala, entitled "Love of Life." Guests attended to meet and mingle with fellow young professionals, while in the process raising funds for the AGBU Children's Centers in Yerevan. Over the 12-year history of the Winter Gala, YPNC has raised nearly $50,000 for AGBU projects and programs in Armenia. Each year, YPNC designates a project or program from the greater AGBU network to receive a portion of the Gala proceeds. The rich history of the Gala has brought Armenian young professionals from around the world together in San Francisco, while benefiting important causes in Armenia. This year, guests met during a welcome reception on Friday at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, which is located in the heart of Union Square, San Francisco. Celebrations kicked off later that night at ROE night club in the city's South of Market district, where attendees enjoyed two floors of entertainment at one of the city's premier night spots. "It brought our committee great joy to see that our event continuously brings together young professionals from all over the country for such a worthwhile cause," commented Steven Cherezian, Winter Gala Chairman and YP Northern California Co-Chairman. "Plans are already underway for next year's event," he said. With so many out-of-town guests, there was no better way to showcase the beauty of the city than with a walking tour. Nearly 40 young professionals visited Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The tour group enjoyed each other's company, food, Irish coffee, and Ghirardelli chocolate and ice cream. After a day around town, guests prepared for the highlight of the weekend, the 12th Annual Winter Gala dinner dance at the Sutter room of the San Francisco Regency Center. Father Hovel Ohanyan, pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland, officially opened the gathering with a prayer and short remarks. After dinner, guests danced to the sounds of Khatchig Jingirian's band late into the night. Following the Gala, attendees headed over to the official after party at Moroc in San Francisco's Mission District, where dancing and food continued, capping off an amazing night. On Sunday, farewells were exchanged over a brunch at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, offering a relaxing close to the weekend. "The AGBU Young Professionals of Northern California put together a fabulous weekend for a great cause," remarked Bostonian Laura Michael, who is also a member of YP Boston. "I attended the Winter Gala with several other YP Boston members and we all felt that it was an amazing weekend! We made new friends, celebrated our Armenian heritage, and toured a beautiful city, all while supporting such an important charity."
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