Art Show Benefiting Focus on Children Now

For Immediate Release ~ November 9, 2008
Contact: FCN ~ 818-554-8832 ~ info@fcnorg.com

Los Angeles, November 08, 2008 - Amidst the beautiful paintings and sculptures in Globe Art Gallery - painter, sculptor and artist Raffi Musakhanian, hosted an Art Exhibit benefiting local NGO Focus on Children Now (FCN). Mr. Musakhanian explained that the impetus behind his decision to open his gallery doors to Focus on Children Now was his relationship with FCN and their vision. Seeing FCN's undertakings as well as accomplishments made it an easy decision for Mr. Musakhanian to accept Mr. Amirian's, a founding member of FCN, suggestion to host this Art Exhibit. Mr. Musakhanian continued, by expressing his sheer joy over hosting such an event where the proceeds will benefit his homeland - Armenia. He explained that this is his humanitarian duty to his people. While Mr. Musakhanian generally does not burden himself with the sale of his art, as he has safeguarded his family's daily needs via other means, this event was simply a labor of love for his people and his homeland.

The evening's festivities were opened by welcoming remarks in both English and Armenian by Mr. Amirian and Mr. Varooj Kureghian, respectively. They both outlined the organization's accomplishments in the last year; particularly the undertaking and restoration of the Gavar Special School's roof and balcony; as well as collecting, packing and shipping several thousand pieces of clothing, shoes, school supplies, toys and linen to orphanages, daycares, hospitals and nursing homes and organizations with similar objectives. They outlined the organization's future goals and expressed their sincerest gratitude to all in attendance, whose support is a pivotal element of the organization's success.

Kariné Aboolian, Focus on Children Now's co-founder and president, explained that the Art Exhibit was a result of Mr. Musakhanian's overwhelming success at the organization's May 5, 2007 Gala Fundraiser and Silent Auction. At the request of several attendees from the May 5 Gala, who wished to become better acquainted with Mr. Musakhanian and his work, this event was organized. The Art Exhibit, explained Mrs. Aboolian, is also a celebration of the organization's success in undertaking massive projects and completing them; in addition, FCN wanted to take this opportunity to thank and celebrate the people who have unwaveringly supported Focus on Children Now, its vision and its goals.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a check for the amount of $35,000 from New York Life to Focus on Children Now by Reza Sina, Esq. of Kabateck, Brown & Kellner firm. The $35,000 donation was the result of collaboration between Ms. Arpineh Babakhanian, Esq., an active member of FCN since it's inception, and Mr. Reza Sina, Esq.

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