San Diego’s 4Th Bridge To The Future Gala Set For October 22

The 4th Bridge to the Future Gala Dinner & Dance will be held on October 22, 2016 at the chic Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. The Trust Fund Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church is organizing the event under the auspices of its newly appointed priest, Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan. The goal is to raise $150,000 to begin the construction of a new church campus near Del Mar, California. Tickets are $250 per person.

Co-chairs Kathy Kassardjian and Carol Vassiliadis have assembled a dedicated committee of volunteers who are planning an exceptionally elegant and festive evening. Highlights will include amazing silent and live auctions, gourmet dinner with fine wines, headline entertainment, special performances by St. John Garabed’s own children’s and youth dance troupe, and unforgettable surprises.

This year's theme, "Building the Next Generation Together," inaugurates the second phase of the Bridge to the Future project - constructing a state-of-the-art facility that will be a new spiritual and cultural home for the Armenian community of San Diego as well as a destination for Armenians worldwide.

Harry Krikorian, chairman of the Trust Fund Committee, stated, "We are excited to once again be hosting the Bridge to the Future Gala in San Diego. In January, we received final approval from the Coastal Commission. With the necessary funding in place, we can break ground and begin constructing the property’s infrastructure. This project is all about our kids, and providing the next generation with a place for learning, growing, worship and fellowship."

On January 14, 2016, in a historic vote of 11-0, the California State Coastal Commission approved St. John Garabed Armenian Church’s application for a Conditional Use Permit. This crucial vote was the final green light needed to establish a new church on an idyllic, 14-acre parcel of land close to Del Mar. The new facility, which will be built in stages over several years, will include a sanctuary, social hall, youth center, classrooms for Sunday & Armenian School, library, gymnasium, Armenian Heritage Park, picnic and meditation space, and abundant parking.

For information about the Gala, event donations, or ticket sales, email sjgsdtrust@gmail.com. For new campus and legacy giving opportunities, contact Gary Takessian at (858) 569-6527 or garytakessian34@yahoo.com.

To order tickets online or receive updated information, visit www.stjohngarabedtrust.org or look for “Bridge to the Future” on Facebook.