ARS Western U.S. Hosts Gala Advancing Community and Humanitarian
GLENDALE – The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA hosted its 2026 Gala on March 22 at the Landmark in Mission Hills, welcoming more than 400 supporters, community leaders, donors, and friends.
The evening’s theme, “Inspire Change, Build for Tomorrow,” reflected ARS’s ongoing commitment to strengthening programs that serve the Armenian community locally and worldwide.
The gala began with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a program that celebrated the ARS mission and emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability through philanthropic support.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of distinguished honorees Hamlet and Greta Chraghchian, as well as longtime ARS member Seda Khojayan, each honored for their commitment to service and contributions to the community.
Mistresses of Ceremonies Tenny Alaverdian and Jibid Melkonian, members of the ARS Sepan Chapter Executive, conducted the program, which featured national and ARS anthems sung by Varand, and invocation led by Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ardag Demirjian.
During the program, ARS Regional Executive Board Chairperson Christina Amirian Khanjian underscored the organization’s focus on both growth and long-term sustainability.
She highlighted efforts to engage a new generation of members and announced the establishment of the region’s 24th chapter, Amaras, reflecting continued momentum across the organization.
Khanjian emphasized that proceeds from the evening will support the continued development of an endowment/investment fund for the ARS Social Services Center, ensuring the long-term sustainability of critical programs and services provided to the community.
A significant moment of the evening was the announcement of the Hrayr Soghomonian Educational Endowment Fund, established by the Soghomonian and Tejirian families to provide scholarships to graduating high school students and further invest in the next generation.
In addition, an anonymous donation was made in support of displaced families from Artsakh, bolstering the collective commitment to urgent humanitarian needs. The program also featured a video message from ARS Central Executive Board Chairperson Arousyak Melkonian, reinforcing the organization’s global mission and collective impact.
The event also recognized the generosity of key benefactors and sponsors whose support helped make the evening possible, including the Yemenedjian, Koujakian, Youredjian, and Goenjian families, as well as Forest Lawn. Khanjian also recognized the leadership of 2026 Fundraising Committee co-chairs Lara Kazandjian and Silva Poladian, along with the committee members and staff.
Community representatives included representatives of ARF Central Committee, Hamazkyin and Homenetmen Regional Executives, and ANCA, while ARS members had converged from across Southern California, with others traveling from chapters as far away as the San Francisco Bay Area and Las Vegas, Nevada.
The remainder of the evening was filled with music and dancing, with live entertainment by the Allen G. Band.
A video presentation of the past year and a candle lighting ceremony concluded the evening.
(All photos by Image Photography Video)
