Armenian Youth Foundation Annual Golf Tournament Raises $25,000
Under clear skies and perfect weather conditions, a field of around 100 players took to the fairways of Franklin Country Club in Franklin, MA, on Monday, June 24, 2024, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the golf outing and help raise funds for the Armenian Youth Foundation. This annual event is one of the Foundation's key fundraising events that consistently builds the Foundation Capital Fund, enabling it to distribute more grants.
The day began with player registration and lunch before the players took to the very difficult and well-manicured golf course. With thick rough and fast greens, the tournament proved to be a challenge for the entire field. The players participated in Long Drive and Closest to the Pin contests on the course and played in three flights with this year’s winners:
BRYAN O'LOUGHLIN – 70 at 1 Under Par, Gross Champion
KIRK AHARONIAN – 71 Net, Net Champion
JOE SLANKAS +1, Calloway Champion
After the play, the participants were treated to a hummus, yalanchi, and lamb chop cocktail reception. The players were then invited to the celebration banquet where Foundation chairman Stepan Kanarian kicked off the program with his welcoming comments and expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board and Golf Committees. He recognized the importance of each participant and tournament sponsor in ensuring the tournament's profitability.
After introducing each of the Board Members and Golf Committee members in attendance, he made a special presentation to two long-time golf committee members and Hole Sponsors of the Foundation’s Tournament: James Altoonian and Bob Khederian. Each was recognized with a 25-year Hole Sponsor award. Kanarian explained that each of them has been instrumental in the financial success of the tournament over the last 25 years, as well as contributing to the tournament’s annual success with their strategic advice as golf committee members.
Stepan then shared the history of the Foundation’s many grants and emphasized how Camp Haiastan has received significant grant support over the organization’s 50-year history. During the day, every player got to enjoy a view of the Camp from Franklin’s 14th hole on Uncas Pond, as the country club had been built on Camp land for four of the holes used during that day. He then introduced a special dinner guest, Richard “Dick” Garabedian, who was the 1968 Camp director.
The players also had an opportunity to test their putting skills while on the course at a fundraising putting contest and a chance at a $10,000 hole-in-one prize on the course’s 4th hole. The Hole-In-One was sponsored by John Aftandilian and Concord Insurance. Unfortunately, none of the participants was lucky enough to go home with the $10,000 prize.
Stepan then handed the program over to Board Members Hagop Antranigian and Haig Altoonian, who proceeded to kick off the auction portion of the fundraising evening. The group showed excitement in the bidding for a Camp Haiastan camper session, a foursome return to Franklin Country Club, and some very special Red Sox tickets.
After the players had been treated to dinner, two of the Golf Committee’s newest members, Nishan Ovian and Daron Marian, along with Armen Merian, awarded 35 raffle prizes before the conclusion of the event.
The Tournament was able to generate close to $25,000, which will bolster its capital resources and generate more grant capacity for the Foundation. This year’s Tournament was deemed a success due to a larger turnout that included players from New England, Michigan, Florida, New York, and NJ, and the support of over 50 hole, green, and tee sponsors, along with special donor donations of raffle and auction prizes.
For more information on the community grant activities of the Foundation visit us at armenianyouthfoundation.org.