COAF Raises $4.5 Million in ‘Moving Mountains’ Benefit

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NEW YORK — The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) on December 5 held a fundraiser, titled “Moving Mountains,” with a star-studded list of presenters, which raised $4.5 million.

More than 3,600 tuned in to watch the fundraiser, hosted by Araksya Karapetyan of “Good Day L.A.” on FOX 11 Los Angeles, COAF Senior Director of Development Haig Boyadjian, and world-renowned auctioneer Gabriel Butu.

The funds will be used toward ongoing holistic and cutting-edge education, health, child and family, and economic programs in 64 villages and at the SMART Center in the Lori region, and for modular homes for displaced families from Artsakh who have found refuge in COAF beneficiary villages in Armenia.

But after the damage and devastation of this year, there is still more work to be done. We plan on securing temporary housing and integrating 2,000 displaced people from Artsakh into our programs and services by the end of 2020.  We will then provide permanent housing to those who will not return to Artsakh and ensure they have continued access to our programs. Our goal is to raise an additional $500,000 by yearend to reach $5 million for this initiative, and to reach a total of $20 million by mid-year 2021.

The program featured Andrea Martin, Serj Tankian, Sean Hayes, Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy, Tina Fey, Mark Geragos, David Alpay, Martin Short, Victor Garber, Iveta Mukuchyan, Ara Malikian, Serouj Kradjian, Mary Basmadjian, Hovik Keuchkerian, Dr. Eric Esrailian, California State Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian, Lory Tatoulian, Ken Davitian, and Kev Orkian.

The organization is also selling tops and totes designed by COAF students in rural communities. All proceeds go to our programs in Armenia. Visit https://www.bonfire.com/store/coaf/

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