The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) raised more than $8 million at its 22nd Annual Holiday Gala, titled “Light the Way Forward,” to support education, healthcare, and community development programs in rural Armenia. The event was held on December 13 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
The gala brought together COAF’s global community of philanthropists, leaders, and advocates, highlighting the impact of the organization’s work across villages in Armenia.
A Night of Celebration and Impact
Guests marked key achievements from the past year, including the opening of the Harry & Suzanne Mangoian Secondary School in Debed, Lori, and continued progress on the upcoming COAF SMART Center in Armavir. Stories shared by young beneficiaries highlighted how these initiatives are shaping opportunity and confidence for children in Armenia’s rural communities.
COAF’s star student of the year, Sofi Sargsyan, shared her journey toward pursuing a career in medicine. “COAF helped me understand who I am. It helped me find my voice,” she shared. “Today, I am confident, hopeful, and ready to fight for my dreams. I know exactly what I want, to become a doctor and heal people, and nothing feels impossible anymore.”
Honoring Leaders Who Inspire
COAF honored the Tacorian Family, founders of luxury jewelry house TACORI, with the Empowering a Generation Award, recognizing their long-standing commitment to supporting Armenia’s youth.
Grammy Award–winning Motown artist Thelma Houston headlined the evening and received COAF’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her artistic career and advocacy supporting equality, social justice, and humanitarian causes.
COAF also recognized LA Times Studios for its support in 2025, citing its role in expanding awareness of COAF’s mission and reaching broader audiences.
A Star-Studded Program
The evening was hosted by Araksya Karapetian, co-anchor of FOX 11’s Good Day L.A., alongside Haig Boyadjian, COAF’s Vice President of Development. The program featured appearances by:
- Joe Manganiello, actor, writer, producer, and COAF Board Member
- Andrea Martin, Tony and Emmy Award–winning actress and COAF Ambassador
- Kev Orkian, British-Armenian comedian and musician
- Anna Magzanyan, Emmy Award winner and President of LA Times Studios and NantGames
- Young Armenian musicians
Lighting the Way Forward
Since 2003, COAF has reached more than 120,000 individuals across seven regions of Armenia, with six currently active. Its flagship SMART Center in Lori serves 2,000 children from 30 communities each week. Construction of the next SMART Center in Armavir is underway and scheduled for completion in 2028, with plans for future expansion into Syunik.
“For more than two decades, our community has shown that strategic investment in rural regions can change life trajectories,” said Dr. Garo Armen, COAF Founder and Chairman. “The extraordinary generosity at this year’s Gala will empower thousands more children to define their own futures.”
“Our SMART Centers and holistic programs continue to transform rural Armenia,” added Liana Ghaltaghchyan, COAF Executive Director. “The support we received last night ensures that this impact will grow for the next generation.”
To learn more or support COAF’s ongoing work, visit www.coaf.org.
About the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)
The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) is a nonprofit organization advancing rural communities in Armenia through education, healthcare, social services, and economic development. Since 2003, COAF’s programs and SMART initiative have delivered world-class opportunities to more than 120,000 people across seven regions.
