Harry Toufayan Receives Boghos Nubar Medal from Ministry of Diaspora

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YEREVAN — On October 16, Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received Armenian American businessman Harry Toufayan and his wife, Susan, who were accompanied by President of the “Pyunik” Pan-Armenian Human Resources Development Foundation Gabriel Jemberjian.

The minister praised the Toufayan’s benevolent acts for preservation of the Armenian identity in the Armenian-American community and in the Homeland.

“Your parents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, settled in Egypt and had a bakery. In 1963, you moved to the United States of America and successfully continued what your parents started, and today, you are famous for the Toufayan trademark.”

The minister praised the fact that Toufayan donates to many programs and projects aimed at preserving Armenian culture.

“You sponsored the construction of the Holy Resurrection Church in Orlando and the Harry and Susan Toufayan Armenian Center in Echmiadzin where there are soup kitchens for socially disadvantaged citizens. You also helped build a kindergarten in the Zangakatun village of Ararat province, and you provide scholarships to youth making progress in the Zangakatun village,” the minister noted. “You have carried out several charitable acts that have contributed to the strengthening and development of Armenia.”

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Hakobyan noted that Toufayan’s grandson is now following in his grandfather’s footsteps and has established a small bakery at the Dilijan State Anti-Tuberculosis Clinic for Children along with the Fund for Armenian Relief.

Hakobyan awarded Harry Toufayan the Boghos Nubar Medal of the Ministry of Diaspora for carrying out charitable acts in Armenia and in the Diaspora, for special services to preserve Armenian identity and for his contributions to cultural, scientific and educational issues concerning the Armenian-American community.

Hakobyan praised also Susan Toufayan, noting that her participation has made all the initiatives a success.

Expressing gratitude for the reception and the medal, Harry Toufayan said, “I am very touched. It was a surprise for me to see that you are well aware of my activities and to receive the Boghos Nubar Medal. I will always keep it with me, and it will help remind me of the Ministry of Diaspora and you, Mrs. Hakobyan.”

 

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