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Chicago, IL - (August 1, 2011) – The AGBU Young Professionals of Chicago have awarded 10 scholarships to assist Armenian youth in the Chicagoland area to attend Hye Camp.
Hye Camp is a unique, week long, Christian-based youth camp for Armenian children 8 to 15 years of age who want to learn more about their heritage and the teachings of the Armenian Church. The program includes a variety of educational and fun activities. Every year dozens of families apply for scholarships, and there are always a few parishes that struggle to raise enough money for the kids.
Following the mission of the Young Professionals to take a leadership role and make a positive impact on the community, the group set its sights on raising enough funds to send a minimum of 2 kids to camp. The theme of the fundraiser was “Get active, have fun and send a deserving kid to Hye Camp.”
On Sunday, June 26, 2011, The Young Professionals participated in the “Race to the Taste” 5k run in Chicago, IL to raise money for the scholarships. The group received donations from friends, family and the community totaling $4,000: enough for 10 scholarships to be awarded by the Hye Camp Executive Board on behalf of the AGBU Young Professionals of Chicago. Allison Haidostian, a member of the YP Chicago Steering Committee commented, “It was so energizing to see everyone together on race day. Not only did we far surpass our fundraising goal, but we created a lot of buzz in the community and grew stronger as an AGBU YP group. I look forward to seeing this become an annual tradition.”
The Young Professionals drew support from members of the community young and old as well as from states as far away as Texas, Virginia and California. Among those running with the Young Professionals was 15 year old Peter Boyajian of Oak Forest, IL who finished 1st among competitors under 18 years of age in a race that featured over 1,100 runners. “We are overwhelmed to have received such broad based support for this worthwhile cause. No child wishing to learn about their Armenian heritage should ever be denied this gift because of financial reasons,” said Arina Mavilian, Chairperson of the AGBU Young Professionals of Chicago.
About YP Chicago
YP Chicago is part of a growing network of YP groups and supporters around the world who are committed to preserving and promoting the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs for young Armenians between the ages of 22 to 40. For additional information or to join YP Chicago’s e-mail list, visit their website http://yp.agbuchicago.org/.
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