Upcoming Gala & ARS 115th Anniversary on the West Coast

Glendale, Calif. – As the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA announced its Annual Gala fundraiser, scheduled for March 22, 2026, to a gathering of 300 members in Glendale on January 3, 2026, the Regional Executive paused to reflect on the organization’s work throughout 2025 in celebration of the mother organization’s 115th anniversary.

Those plans, however, were soon disrupted by the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in the weeks following the New Year, destroying more than 16,000 buildings and forcing 150,000 residents to evacuate. The fires led to the cancellation of the ARS regional membership gathering intended to mark the New Year and Christmas, followed by additional cancellations across Southern California area chapters.

Long accustomed to responding to crises, the ARS shifted its focus to emergency response, with its Social Services centers providing fire relief assistance to displaced residents. Last year’s Gala was postponed to April 27, 2025, and reoriented from a celebration of the ARS’s 115th anniversary to a fundraiser supporting members of the local community affected by the fires. Several ARS members were unable to attend the “Night of Hope & Giving” banquet after losing their homes and personal belongings in the disaster.

As recovery efforts continued, Regional Executive board committees and chapters gradually resumed their activities. In March, a delegation of West Coast members traveled to New York City to take part in events commemorating the organization’s 115th anniversary.  In October, several dozen members travelled to Yerevan to participate in the 115^th anniversary festivities organized in Armenia. Members visited ARS program sites, including the new housing program for displaced Artsakh families called “Hearths of Hope” (Hooysee Ojakhner). They participated in the conference and collected their copies of the 115^th anniversary publication “Hai Sird” with information and articles from ARS regions and chapters-at-large all over the world.

Several chapters took the opportunity to celebrate the 115^th anniversary, while celebrating their own chapter establishment anniversaries: Mayr-Fresno (110^th), Roubina-San Diego (40^th), Shogher-Houston, Texas (45^th) and Agnouni-San Jose (15^th). Sepan-Glendale delayed their 50^th anniversary celebration to January 18, 2026.

The ARS of Western USA’s final 115^th anniversary commemoration highlighting humanitarian service and intergenerational resilience was held on November 1, 2025, at the Glendale regional headquarters as a half-day seminar, titled “A New Generation Moving Forward.” The program included a tour of the ARS Social Services Center, and morning and afternoon panel discussions tackling issues of belonging, empathy, volunteer service, and generational resilience.

Opening remarks were made by the ARS of Western USA Regional Executive Chairperson Christina Amirian Khanjian. She described that the region has 85 employees who work in administration, social and mental services, day care and one-day schools. She noted that the region supports the social, educational and cultural needs of our local and global communities, as well as described some of the major programs of the region from scholarships to supporting rest homes and homes for displaced Artsakh families.

Ungh. Khanjian introduced the MC for the day, Tenny Alaverdian, who had just graduated with her MS degree in Addiction Science and Epidemiologic Research Methods.

The duo of mother-daughter therapists Nora Chitilian, LMFT, and Alique Kalachian commandeered the morning session in an engaging and interactive one-hour session to explain generational differences and how to achieve empathy and collaboration. Chitilian explained how a mother’s volunteering for a nonprofit organization and her offspring’s working in the corporate world may appear to be different, but emphasized, “You have to tolerate each other; even when you don’t agree, you have to be respectful.”

Kalachian emphasized the importance of older and younger generations recognizing each other’s values, while Chitilian explained that resistance builds up frustration. Kalachian provided tips on how to have empathy over judgment by not using “you”, and Chitilian illustrated how using “we”, for instance, “what if WE try …” crosses the generational bridge.

After the audience got a chance to chime in on what organizational involvement means, Chitilian explained that in order for individuals to feel belonging, “they need to be heard.” In closing remarks, Kalachian explained that mistrust is also trauma passed down, and added, “this day is for moving forward.” Chitilian explained that empowering others involves connecting despite differences.

Melanie Vartabedian, Director of ARS of WUSA Social Services, explained the ARS Social Services intake process and subsequent services. Her informative tour gave a bird’s eye view of the workings of the social services offices and the Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center to those who came to the regional headquarters for evening meetings without getting to know what happens there during working hours.

Following the tour and lunch, the afternoon panel, Evolution of Public Relations & Marketing, took place with Lara Kazandjian, Executive VP, Strategy at OMG23; Arpi Marachelian, Publicity Principal, Original Series at Amazon MGM Studios; and Tamar Mashigian, MA in journalism with a 25-year career in PR & Marketing. Alaverdian introduced the panelists as each have made their mark in media, storytelling and community outreach, while staying grounded in service and cultural identity and balancing family responsibilities.

The question-and-answer format provided ample opportunities to hear from each panelist and how counselors and mentors helped guide them to their chosen profession, how they balanced lifework by career shifts, and how they embrace their role in public relations and marketing. As the panelists were asked about their introduction and role in the ARS, their responses varied from joining the establishment of a new chapter in memory of their grandmother (Kazandjian), to volunteering to create the ARS Voice newsletter and advising on public relations for the ARS for nearly two decades (Mashigian) and being introduced to the ARS through their mother-in-law (Marachelian).

Mashigian explained that she sees her role as a publicist in anticipating what editors need before they ask and being a collaborator, as she tried to save them time and effort. Kazandjian explained that understanding pop culture and using it to bring people together is at the core of campaigns — community is the heart of entertainment and community is the heart of the ARS. Marachelian explained her role is strategizing on what is the story that they want to tell and why/how people will care about it.

In closing remarks, Christina Amirian Khanjian thanked the panelists, the MC and the Educational Committee, and she reiterated the importance of respect, integrity and how to bring our youth to the ARS as a new generation moves forward. She noted that 15 new members, who are young professionals, had joined a new chapter (Amaras).

For over a century, the ARS has embodied the spirit of volunteerism—one generation uplifting the next through service, compassion, and community engagement. The program honored that 115-year legacy while highlighting how the ARS continues to evolve through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to social progress.

“In every era, the Armenian Relief Society has risen to meet the needs of our people from humanitarian relief to community building,” said Christina Amirian Khanjian, Chairperson of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board. “The theme of this year’s Gala, Inspire Change: Build for Tomorrow, reminds us that progress is born of purpose, and the foundation we build today will shape the lives of generations to come.”

The March 22 Gala fundraiser will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters at The Landmark in Los Angeles for an unforgettable gathering centered on a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow rooted in compassion and service. Tickets are $200 per guest. For table and ticket reservations, or sponsorship inquiries, visit www.arswestusa.org, contact [email protected] or (818) 500-1343.

If you would like to contribute to ARS programs, use the following link: https://arswestusa.org/donate/ or mail your check to: ARS of Western USA, 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812.