The Bridge to the Future Gala Committee with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, The Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, and Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian

A historic night at the 7th Bridge to the Future Gala in San Diego saw the completion of funding for the first phase of construction of the new Armenian church campus, with more than $2.3 million in major philanthropic gifts.

 

The Very Reverend Father Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, Parish Priest of St. John Garabed Armenian Church, announced that a $2 million gift for the naming of the Godfather of the Sanctuary was given by Mrs. Lois Israelian Butterfield of Palm Desert, formerly of San Diego, and her husband, Mr. David Butterfield. The new church sanctuary will be named Israelian in recognition of Lois' Armenian heritage, in which her grandfather of blessed memory was instrumental. The monumental donation will go towards the construction and naming of the new sanctuary.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in Los Angeles, then shared his joyful remarks and invocation in response to the surprise news.

Primate's Message

The history continued. A $100,000 gift was announced from Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Rosemary Kalemkiarian. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kalemkiarian, Jr. and the Hon. Judge Sharon Kalemkiarian, and her husband Dr. Rey Galindo, were in attendance representing their parents, who had already generously donated $100,000 toward the new church campus last year. 

Guest of Honor, The Hon. Judge Sharon Kalemkiarian of the San Diego Superior Court

Gala Guest of Honor, the Hon. Judge Sharon Kalemkiarian of the San Diego Superior Court, spoke on the importance of the Armenian family she was raised in and talked about how the new church is being modeled after St. Hripsime Church near Etchmiadzin, Armenia. She cited the example of St. Hripsime herself whose martyrdom precipitated the events that resulted in Armenia becoming the first Christian nation. She also encouraged the young women and girls in the audience to dream big and make a difference in the world.

Funds were also raised as a $100,000 match of the Kalemkiarian gift during the Fund a Need part of the program, led by Master of Ceremonies Pierre Charmasson, Honored Guest Miss Nebraska Alexis Najarian of the Miss USA Pageant, and the three gala co-chairs: Kathy Kassardjian, Dr. Anna Khachatrian Kulidjian and Emilia Arutunian, Esq. Several live auction items including travel and dining also raised significant funding for the church.

Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss made a special appearance, attending with his wife Svetlana. He said that Armenians are not defined by the terrible thing that happened to them (the Genocide) but by the many wonderful qualities and accomplishments of the Armenian people.

During dinner, the talented Vegas-style entertainer Mark Verabian captivated the more than 250 guests with his Frank Sinatra snd Dean Martin song stylings.

The lively Allen G and Orchestra kept the guests dancing all night with both Armenian and American favorites.

Special remarks also came from San Diego District Attorney, Summer Stephan, who is Armenian and attended with her husband The Hon. Judge Dana Sabraw of the United States Federal District Court for the Southern District.

His Excellency Dr. Armen Baibourtian, Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles

His Excellency Dr. Armen Baibourtian, Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles, attended with his wife Yvette and shared his esteemed remarks and support for the new campus. 

Other VIP guests included:

-The Hon. Judge Albert Harutunian of the San Diego Superior Court, and his wife Rebecca Blair; 

-Supervisor Greg Cox of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and his wife, the former mayor of the city of Chula Vista, The Hon. Cheryl Cox.

-Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian of St. John Garabed Armenian Church, Western Diocese, Hollywood, CA.

-Mr. Berdj Karabedian, Chairman of the Armenian American Museum in Glendale, and his wife Mary.

-Mr. Levon Filian, West Coast Executive Director of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, and his wife Dr. Liliana Filian.

-Ms. Nina Hachigian, the Deputy Mayor of International Affairs for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

-The Hon. Joe Kellejian, former Mayor of Solana Beach, and his wife Mary.

-Dr. Robert Aboolian, Chairman of the St. John Garabed Parish Council, and his wife Bianca.

-Mr. Harry Krikorian, Chairman of the St. John Garabed Trust Fund Committee, and his wife Linda; and

-Mr. Jim Sahagian, Chairman of the St. John Building Committee, and his wife Jane.

(L-R) The Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, The Hon. Judge Sharon Kalemkiarian, and Gala Chair Kathy Kassardjian

The Gala’s Young Adult Volunteers from the San Diego Armenian Community

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, and the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian

The land grading has already begun at the new church property, as shown in an exciting video during the gala, which included some of the youth in the community talking about the need for a new church.

Sona Baghdasaryan (L) leading the youth performers Alexa and Kayla Belmer, Sona and Lia Danielyan, Arno and Vaughn Janoyan, and Ani and Mari Kradjian. They sang Yerevan Erebouni during the reception and the Armenian National Anthem during dinner.

Alexa Balmer and Ani Kradjian singing the American National Anthem

Some of the church’s talented youth - Alexa and Kayla Belmer, Ani and Mari Kradjian, Arno and Vaughn Janoyan, and Sona and Lia Danielyan - performed the Armenian and American national anthems, and the classic “Yerevan Erebouni,” led by Sona Baghdasaryan.

For more information about St. John Garabed Armenian Church or the new church property, visit www.stjohngarabed.com.

(Photos Courtesy of Arka Photography)