Created in 2014, the tremendous collaborative bond between the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the spiritual center of more than 1 million Armenian-Americans and the world-renowned Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) continues to thrive and prosper. Driven and motivated by their unconditional love for the children of the community, the Agape Circle’s 3rd Annual fundraising luncheon benefitting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles was held at the De Luxe Banquet Hall in Burbank on Thursday, November 17, 2016.

The event commenced with the welcoming remarks delivered by Agape Circle’s Chairlady Alice Chakrian who reflected on the prosperous relationship between the two institutions since its formal establishment in 2014. The Invocation was offered by the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan who had accompanied the Primate at the event.

A presentation was made by Ms. Rita Terterian, CHLA Assistant Vice President of Development depicting the impact of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in the lives of the children of the community.

Dr. Ara Balkian, Chief Medical Director of Inpatient Operations was the event’s keynote speaker.

An honoree of the Western Diocese, Dr. Thomas Lee, Director of the Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles joined the guests via Skype and made an informative presentation about the tremendous achievements in preventing blindness in premature infants.

In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian extended his wholehearted gratitude to the members of the Agape Circle of the Western Diocese – Mrs. Alice Chakrian (Chairlady), Mrs. Armine Bedrossian, Mrs. Celene Culhaoglu, Mrs. Silva Derbalian, Mrs. Angie Garibyan, Mrs. Vicki Grigorian, Mrs. Peggy Kankababian, Mrs. Silva Katchiguian, Mrs. Eileen Keusseyan, Mrs. Angela Parseghian, Mrs. Silva Sepetjian, Mrs. Aida Sethian, Mrs. Maggie Sumian, Mrs. Silvana Vartanian and Mrs. Sato Yessayan for their compassion and zealous spirit in extending a helping hand to the children of the community.

The Primate’s words of gratitude were directed to the CHLA team including Dr. Ara Balkian, Ms. Rita Terterian and to Dr. Thomas Lee for their committed service.

The event’s benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Rafi and Diana Hovagimian were recognized by the Primate with a souvenir.

“This collaboration between the institutions has helped to create hope, a spiritual tool and a spark of God’s divine love. Through engagement, you have helped build a better future, a common vision for the dearest people of our community, namely the children. The Agape Circle is a mission of the people of God, primarily for the children of God,” stated Archbishop Derderian in his remarks.

Western Diocese – CHLA: A Prosperous Partnership

The collaboration between the institutions commenced with a round table discussion in 2014 where a small group of religious, civic, corporate and community leaders convened at Children’s Hospital. As the spiritual leader of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian represented the institution. The gathering was initiated by CHLA in an effort to reach out and to engage the prominent members of the Armenian-American community in the noble mission of the hospital which serves over 350,000 children a year, including 12,000 Armenian children in the last six years. Among the dignitaries in attendance included former California Governor, The Honorable George Deukmejian, the Honorable Judge Dickran Tevrizian, and Dr. Roger Ohanesian of the Armenian Eye Care Project.

Archbishop Derderian’s words of encouragement and inspiration at that meeting, helped to launch the Armenian Ambassadors, a philanthropic group of individuals dedicated to supporting the mission of Children’s Hospital.

Stemming from the round table discussion and at the direction of His Eminence, another group, the Western Diocese/CHLA Steering Committee, was formed and is led by Alice Chakrian and Rita Terterian (Assistant Vice President of Development at CHLA). The impactful partnership has transitioned into what is presently known as the “Agape Circle of the Western Diocese,” a group of dedicated women loyal to the fulfillment of the mission of CHLA. Through a variety of community fundraisers, the Agape Circle has pledged to raise $100,000 for CHLA’s programs and services.  To date, $50,000 has been fulfilled. The funds raised have benefitted CHLA’s Vision Center, the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, the Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit, the Literally Healing Program and the Interfaith Center. 

Established in 1927, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America caters to the religious needs of more than one million faithful residing in eleven states on the West Coast.
 
Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children's hospital in California and among the best in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious US News & World Report Honor Roll.  Children's Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. The hospital is also one of America's premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation since 1932 with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

For more information about the Armenian Ambassadors of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, visit www.chla.org/ArmenianAmbassadors