The Diocese
Posted: 02/04/2016
The Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF) celebrating its 65th anniversary on January 31st 2016 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Long time AEF members and community philanthropists Ralph Tufenkian and Hacop Baghdassarian were honored during the banquet.
The Primate attended the gala and delivered his heartfelt remarks during the benediction. He commended the outstanding efforts of the Organizing Committee and congratulated the honorees.
In his remarks the Primate said, "Tonight we celebrate the vision and mission of the architects of the Armenian Educational Foundation. We commend the dedication of the benefactors and donors who have put their hearts and souls in a nation-building mission.
Tonight's celebration becomes more inspiring as we acknowledge two distinguished individuals- Mr. Ralph Tufenkian and Mr. Hacop Baghdassarian. Our honorees have been engaged in the life of our community in many ways. They have lived purposeful lives and have enriched our spirituality with virtuous vision of giving from the heart to a God-pleasing cause, namely, the Armenian School."
Since 1950, the Armenian Educational Foundation, Inc. (AEF) has been a cornerstone of the Armenian educational movement around the world. It has lent a helping hand to hundreds of students and to dozens of schools in numerous nations. Through its many years of giving, it has proven to be one of the most enduring and productive organizations in the Diaspora.
In the last 65 years, AEF has monumentally surpassed the goals the founding members envisioned. In the last 20 years alone, AEF has allocated over $7.7 million in financial assistance to Armenian students and educational institutions. AEF has built and supported numerous Armenian day schools in the United States, Middle East and Armenia.
