For Immediate Release
October 15, 2009

ARMENIA FUND NAMED BENEFICIARY OF EDGAR HAGOPIAN TRIBUTE

NEW YORK, New York — Armenia Fund was very grateful to have been named the beneficiary of an unforgettable event honoring Edgar Hagopian. On September 20, nearly three hundred people from across the nation gathered at the stylish Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan to demonstrate their great admiration for a man who has earned a stellar reputation and has been labeled a humanitarian, prominent businessman, philanthropist, leader and friend.

As a teen, Edgar worked with his father Haroutun in the family cleaning business. The company expanded and in 2009, the Hagopian Family of Companies celebrated 70 years of business. The third generation of Hagopians, including Mr. Hagopian's son-in-law Ken Snow are now operating the business with the same ideals of community involvement and a mission to move forward. Through it all, Edgar remains an unusually humble man.

Ms. Irina Lazarian (right) handing the poster of Odzun Cultural Center to Mr. Hagopian (left)

Hagopian World of Rugs showroom with its hundreds of extraordinary Oriental rugs and carpets serves as a backdrop for Armenian gatherings featuring authors, professors, scientists and even Turkish scholars. Many writers have had solemn wine blessing ceremonies performed on their books there. Guests are encouraged to seat themselves on these priceless works of art as authors unfold their literary accomplishment in this rarified atmosphere of stimulating conversation reminiscent of the great salons of Europe and all while they freely partake of an ample assortment of food and refreshments generously provided by the Hagopian Family.

The tribute has been in the planning stages for several months, brought to smooth fruition by a loyal group of Mr. Hagopian's friends known as The Armenian Festival Committee because of their summer out-door food and music festival attracting thousands. They are a band of Armenian-Americans dedicated to perpetuating the Armenian spirit by bridging the community. Hagopian modestly is quick to give credit to this group for their many successful projects when in fact they in turn say he is their inspiration.

Guests were greeted warmly by members of the Hagopian family and committee members as they arrived into the candle-lit, floral filled reception area of the Royal Park for the cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour.

Among the dignitaries who shared their thoughts, love, and respect for Mr. Hagopian were former Congressman Joe Knollenberg, Edgar's long-time friend who gave the toast stating "this day should have come long ago" speaking of how Edgar worked to increase military aid to Armenia, and Congr. Thaddeus McCotter, who with Hagopian worked hard to get "Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day" signed into Michigan law.

Hagopian's involvement in local, national, and international causes are legend and too numerous to mention. Edgar is a man who loves all things beautiful - art, music, literature, architecture, and people but more than that, his wish is to bring the Armenian community together in unity, to end the division, the best gift he could receive.

Very Reverend Diran Papazian delivered a fitting and beautiful blessing commenting on Mr. Hagopian's true Armenian spirit and generosity. These qualities became apparent once again, when Mr. Hagopian requested that the net proceeds from the event be donated to Armenia Fund.

Irina Lazarian, Executive Director of Armenia Fund USA took the floor thanking the Hagopian Family for their continued generosity to Armenia Fund. She reminded everyone of the Odzun project that the same community supported in 2008. "The Odzun Center is already completed and scheduled for inauguration at the end of next week," said Ms. Lazarian. "And although I could not bring the building with me this evening, what I could do is share with you an image of it, along with the joy and gratitude of the village residents and officials, who stand to benefit from the center. Please accept this original poster created to announce the new Odzun Cultural Center. I hope it will serve as a reminder to you of the fruit of your tireless efforts to make it a reality."

Ms. Lazarian assured the community that the proceeds of the event will go toward the completion of yet another successful project benefiting thousands in Armenia.

ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: Founded in 1992, Armenia Fund USA was one of the first of Armenia Fund’s 18 international affiliates and serves Armenians in the United States, east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit, non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all Armenians. The Fund has adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.

To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, please visit our website at
www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org or call us at 212-689-5307.

Armenia Fund USA
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 301
New York, NY 10038