LOS ANGELES — It was a sellout, sold out, smashing success and still have people talking about the banquet honoring Joan Agajanian Quinn, recipient of the 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Hosted by the Los Angeles Affiliate of the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) on January 27, at Mr. C Hotel in Beverly Hills, over 250 guests filled the Rooftop Ballroom to honor Joan Agajanian Quinn in recognition of her enduring and continuing contributions to both the Armenian and American communities.
The Ellis Island Honors Society sponsors the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, established in 1986, and is presented annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups, while exemplifying the values of the American way of life.
Nicole Nishanian, president of AIWA-LA, welcomed the guests and thanked them for participating in this well-deserved tribute. Nishanian expressed her deep appreciation for Joan’s continued service on the Executive Board of AIWA-LA and, particularly, for her dedicated service as their NGO representative for the United Nations.
Before the official program began, guests were surprised by the twin daughters of Joan, Amanda Quinn Olivar and Jennifer Quinn Gowey, and her two granddaughters, Paloma and Georgia, singing You are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine, reflecting their joy and happiness in honoring their mother and grandmother. Guests joined in singing this rousing song.
The program was skillfully lead by Andrea Fehring, Mistress of Ceremonies, first calling upon Rev. Dr. Scott Colglazier, First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, for the Invocation. In his remarks, Rev. Colglazier, movingly recalled his years of friendship with Joan and her family and his pride in her distinguished philanthropic career. In addition to the art exhibits she curated at the church.
