AMAA CHILD AND ORPHAN CARE COMMITTEE

LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW
Honors One of Our Founding Members & Community Activists Savey Tufenkian
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022
Beverly Hills Hotel

By Eileen Keusseyan, LA Child and Orphan Care Committee member

The AMAA Child and Orphan Care Luncheon and Fashion Show was BACK and IN FULL SWING after going through the shutdowns, the lockdowns, the anxiety and apprehension of Covid-19!  On May 21, 2022, the ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel was lit up from within not only by the gorgeous chandeliers hanging from the rose-adorned ceiling but by Mrs. Savey Tufenkian’s angelic soul as we honored her memory and celebrated her global impact, from here in Los Angeles, to our homeland in Armenia.  Mrs. Tufenkian was one of our founding members, a community activist and a pillar of strength, dedication, and ardor amongst us.  Her life, her persona, her benevolence and her unwavering dedication to children and orphans impacted not just the AMAA care recipients since its founding following a devastating earthquake in Armenia, but the community at large, including every single guest on May 21^st.  The glimmer in her eyes and her smile as she entered a room, any room, captivated us all.  And on May 21^st, her soul was smiling down on us, with a sparkle in her eyes as the children walked down the runway, giggling, and skipping, as a crown of nearly 400 guests cheered them on.

Our 2022 luncheon and fashion show raised over $400,000.00 in the aftermath of Covid quarantines and social distancing, and all event proceeds have been earmarked to benefit child and orphan care programs in Armenia and Artsakh.   Along with our guests, auntie Savey as she was fondly known to all, was a part of the magic, making needy children’s wishes in Armenia and Artsakh come true – just as she always did and continues to do with the legacy she has left behind.

As always, the luncheon was striking and extraordinary to say the least.  The silent auction committee, led by our member, Sandy McNutt, had procured some of the most beautiful items, experiences, and adventures!  Bidding started the moment our doors opened, with the reception room buzzing anxiously with our guests racing to place the winning sticker on the bid sheets.  All items brought in the highest ever, making our event so very successful… again to the tune of $400,000.00 and all for our children in need.

To date, your generous donations have helped to facilitate the sponsorship of 1,663 children, support 6 kindergartens in Armenia and Karabagh, support of 5 Shogh community-based educational day centers in Yerevan, Vanadzor, Gyumri, Askeran and Shushi,  provide summer and day camp experiences for nearly 5000 children and youth, provide Christmas programs at 42 locations, including gift packages for 7,200 children, offer various art, sports, theater and tutoring classes for 1,500 children, and assist needy families with relief packages and provide medical and dental care to over 6,000 children.  

The amount of support has always been phenomenal, and it has all come from our guests, our supporters and our donors!  The children are so very grateful for all that you have done for them and continue to do.  On behalf of all the children who have benefitted one way or another from your generosity, we thank you and can’t wait to see you at our 2023 event.

Oh. and SAVE THE DATE please.  Our next luncheon is on March 4, 2023!  Join us and continue to be part of an event that can change the lives of so many children far away by distance, but so very close in our hearts.