AGBU YP Winter Gala Getaway Weekend Was a Smashing Success!

Feet were stomping all night long to the tunes of Khachig Jingirian, at the famed California Culinary Institute on Saturday, February 8th. We were honored to have AGBU President, Mr. Berge Setrakian present for the special weekend that raised $3,600 for the AGBU Children’s Centers in Armenia. Hundreds of young professionals from all over the country and as far away as Edmonton, Canada, converged in picturesque San Francisco for a weekend of friends and fun.

The AGBU Young Professionals of Northern California, now in its fifth year, held its fourth annual Winter Gala Getaway Weekend from Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9th. After the success of the three previous Winter Gala Getaway Weekends, in which the committee successfully raised donations for the AGBU Children's Centers in Armenia and the American University of Armenia, the YPs were pleased to announce this to be the best attended and most successful event to date. Over 300+ people gathered to enjoy each other's company and to raise funds for this years charily, the AGBU Children’s Centers in Armenia.

Guests from near and far converged Friday night with a mixer at the Triangle Lounge, in the Marina section of the city. Young Armenians spent the evening catching up with old friends, meeting new people and dancing all night long.

Picture postcard weather enabled the guests to spend Saturday afternoon strolling around the city, riding troley cars, shopping in Union Square and seeing all the beauty of San Francisco. Group accommodations were at the historic Westin Saint Francis Hotel, centrally located on Union Square.

On Saturday the highlight of the weekend, the Winter Gala, was held in San Francisco's famed California Culinary Institute Ballroom. Fr. Mesrob Sarafian of St.Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland, began the evening with a blessing. AGBU-YP Chair Sako Sogomonian welcomed the guests, and acknowledged the support of two individuals; Anita Anserian, Director of Central Board Programs from AGBU Headquarters in New York and Ashken Mouradian, founder and supporter of AGBU YP’s of Northern California, for their continued support and encouragement over the years. Sako then introduced another special guest, AGBU President, Berge Setrakian, from New York. Mr. Setrakian is an avid supporter of youth and young professionals as demonstrated by making the time in his busy schedule to attend the this weekend. Mr. Setrakian addressed the crowd of young guests and encouraged the dedication of the committee to continue to work hard for the causes of the AGBU locally and in Armenia.

The Gala featured a delicious gourmet dinner specially prepared by the Culinary Academy students. Annette Kevranian, Chairperson of the Winter Gala, announced all the cities guests had traveled from for the weekend and introduced the band, Khachig Jingirian. Not even a moment was spared as Khachig began his non-stop evening of Armenian favorites, immediately filling the dance floor. Tables were moved as the expanding and energized crowd to provide more room to dance for this energized crowd!

After an encore performance by Khachig, over 150 guests continued to party in a private room at the Westin Saint Francis until the early hours of the morning.

Festivities continued on Sunday with the brunch held at the elegant Grand Café in the historic Hotel Monoco. Guests gathered to share the final few hours and exchange contact information, while making plans to see each other again.