AYF and ARF Badanegan Members Mixer attracts 300

Encino, CA – More than 250 ARF Badanegan and AYF members participated in a mixer on Sunday, November 14 at the Holly Martyrs Ferrahian Encino campus. The mixer, organized by the AYF Central Executive, created the opportunity for ARF Badanegan members to better acquaint themselves with the AYF and its members.

In his opening remarks, Tro Tchekedjian, Central Executive member, reaffirmed that the AYF is always available to assist and serve as role models for the ARF Badanegan. Thereafter, the AYF and ARF Badanegan members challenged one another over basketball, soccer and football games.

After lunch the Crescenta Valley, Glendale, Hollywood, Montebello, Orange County, Pasadena, South Bay, and West Valley ARF Badanegan chapters participated in a song competition. All competitors were required to sing “Karekin Njteh” and a second song of their choice.

All chapters were awarded symbolic gifts such as maps of Armenia or Armenian Genocide posters. Third place winners of the competition were the West Valley junior and senior chapters, second place was the Orange County chapter, and first place was the Pasadena chapter.

“Given that the ARF Badanegan and the AYF are a part of one family, this mixer is the first of many joint activities the CE will organize for the members of both organizations,” said Nora Ounjian, AYF Central Executive member. “ARF Badanegan members will transfer to AYF within the coming years; therefore we will do our best to assure that they are well informed and educated about our structure, manifesto, goals, and procedures.”