Children of Armenia Fund Extended Its 2010 Save a Generation Award to Gerard L. Cafesjian

December 24, 2010 Children of Armenia Fund extended its 2010 Save a Generation award to entrepreneur and philanthropist Gerard L. Cafesjian, the founder and principal benefactor of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, who was recognized for his record of support for Armenian causes.

The award, on behalf of Mr. Cafesjian, was received at the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)  gala celebration by John Evans, former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia and member of COAF Board of Directors.

In remarks delivered by Ambassador Evans, Mr. Cafesjian called the honor a "high point of [his] life."
Mr. Cafesjian described COAF's mission - to improve the livelihood of Armenians, and particularly children, in Armenia - as central to the viability of the Armenian nation.

"We must save the children of Armenia, precisely the way COAF is doing it", said Mr. Cafesjian, noting it was creating an environment where young people would want to stay that mattered:   "They will want to stay because of the educational, health and job opportunities.  Because of the rule of law and respect for nature and neighbors".
He also urged all those present to not waste their resources but focus them on Armenia. "The more you do, the better you will feel," he predicted. "And you may help defeat the ongoing battle of the Genocide".

COAF is the brainchild of entrepreneur and scientist Garo Armen. Since its inception in 2004, the fund's programs have focused on lifting a cluster of ten villages in Armenia's Armavir province out of poverty. Programs completed so far are worth nearly $10 million and have helped improve the lives of 22,000 children and adults.
Upon retiring from West Publishing and establishing the Cafesjian Family Foundation (CFF) in 1996, Mr. Cafesjian, now 85, has fully dedicated his time and resources to the benefit of the Armenian people in the Homeland and Diaspora. CFF has invested more than $128 million in various ventures in Armenia with all profits reinvested in Armenia or donated to non-profit programs.

In 2004 and 2006, CFF contributed a total of $35,000 to COAF, primarily benefiting its "Open the Doors to All" program that protects children and youth in Armenia from discrimination based on mental or physical disability.
Out of $11 million in total CFF grants since the foundation's inception in 1997, CFF has awarded more than $1 million in support of programs that benefit Armenian children.

An important contribution of Mr. Gerard L. Cafesjian to Armenia is the Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Yerevan.
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to Armenia and presenting the best of Armenian culture to the world. Inspired by the vision of its founder, Mr. Gerard L. Cafesjian, the Center offers a wide variety of exhibitions, derived from Mr. Cafesjian’s own extensive collection of contemporary art. Having celebrated its grand opening in November 2009, CCA continues to exhibit unique works of modern art and offers a diverse program of visiting lecturers, films, concerts, and numerous educational initiatives for adults and children.