Making AGBU Focus 2001 a Success
April 9, 2001

The word is out as hundreds of young Armenian professionals are getting ready to attend AGBU’s 95th anniversary “AGBU FOCUS 2001: Applauding 95 Years of Vision” celebrations this summer. AGBU is offering the chance for young Armenians to meet and network internationally amidst the hustle and bustle of New York. The organizing committee comprised of volunteers from the tri-state area has been working hard and consulting their many global liaisons to create a weekend which will highlight professional, cultural and social activities from July 19th to 22nd. Guests will stay at the majestic Grand Hyatt Hotel in the heart of Manhattan.

The Focus 2001 organizing committee has made great strides to raise awareness of the festivities to be held this summer. A recent fundraiser held at Ozone, an Upper East Side lounge, brought together close to 200 young professionally-aged Armenians. The purpose of the gathering was both to raise funds and increase consciousness of the upcoming event in July throughout the community. "I was thrilled to see so many people at the fundraiser because it affirmed the notion that the Anniversary celebration is highly anticipated," stated Talia Jebejian, organizer of the successful fundraiser. Another event is planned for Friday, April 27th at an upscale Manhattan venue—still to be announced. Details will circulate shortly via email.

In response to the preeminence of the Internet among the younger generation, committee members Vahe Tateosian and Hrag Vartanian have established a special website dedicated to the AGBU Focus 2001 (www.agbu.org/95YOUTH.html). The site provides comprehensive and detailed descriptions of the events, as well as the weekend schedule, hotel information, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and listings of international event liaisons in the United States, Canada and Europe. All potential guests are strongly encouraged to contact their liaisons for guidance and questions on the upcoming program. A new feature, still under development, will offer downloadable registration and booklet forms online.

Focused on making the weekend memorable, the 95th Anniversary committee is putting together a commemorative booklet that will be distributed to each guest attending the celebration. This booklet, coordinated by Linda Akdemirian and Lana Hampar, will contain photos, memories and messages from alumni and supporters of AGBU youth programs and serve as an elegant souvenir for guests of FOCUS 2001. AGBU friends, supporters and those that are interested are encouraged to place personal or professional advertisements in the booklet. Further information about placing an ad in the booklet can be obtained by contacting Hripsime Arissian at AGBU headquarters--(212)-319-6383 x131 or by visiting the event web site at www.abgu.org/95YOUTH.html.