NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—The Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP), an organization dedicated to restoring the eyesight of premature infants, children, and adults throughout Armenia, will be holding its Ninth Annual Newport Gala on Sat., Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m., at the Balboa Bay Club, Newport Beach. Governor George Deukmejian will be honored at the event.
“We are recognizing the governor for his extraordinary contributions to the EyeCare Project over the past 20 years,” said Roger Ohanesian, the founder and chairman of the EyeCare Project. “His wisdom, guidance, and support throughout the years have been invaluable. He has always been one of the first advisors I have turned to for expert legal guidance. Though a very busy person, he has always been generous with his time and given sage advice.”
Deukmejian is an original AECP Board member and has been a dedicated supporter ever since. “I was and still am impressed with the extraordinary way in which Dr. Ohanesian and other doctors have been willing to provide their skills and talents to provide good eye care for people living in Armenia,” said Deukmejian. “I admire them for their tireless efforts and making the many trips to Armenia. While there, they provide care, treatment, and good medical advice to countless numbers of patients. Then they have carried it forward by helping train ophthalmologists in Armenia to undertake the most up-to-date diagnostic methods and surgical techniques. Finally, the effort to put together the mobile eye hospital and providing this high level of care for everybody in the countryside has been extraordinary.”
Born and raised in New York, George Deukmejian earned his law degree at St. John’s University and practiced law in New York before serving with the U.S. Army. He served as the governor of California from 1983-1991, a tenure highlighted by major planned investments in California’s public facilities, as well as tax, budgetary, and regulatory policies, which established a positive business climate in the state. He was a partner in Sidley & Austin, a national and international law firm, from 1991 to 2000, when he retired. He reentered public life by serving on special committees, including one to reform the California penal system, and a charter-reform committee in his hometown of Long Beach. Deukmejian and his wife, Gloria, reside in Long Beach, Calif., and have three children and two grandchildren.
Aram Bassenian and Kenneth Khachigian—past recipients of the Lifetime Humanitarian of the Year Award, as well as former Board members—will serve as masters of ceremonies. Khachigian, an accomplished speechwriter, is best remembered for his tenure in the Nixon and Reagan administrations. Bassenian, the chairman and CEO of Bassenian/Lagoni Architects, founded the architectural firm 35 years ago and throughout his career has authored thousands of homes in California and abroad.
Each year, the AECP hosts a gala dinner to raise awareness and funds for ongoing medical missions to Armenia. At no cost to patients, Ohanesian, with a team of internationally renowned ophthalmologists, travel to Armenia to treat needy infants, children, and adults. Donations are used to purchase medical equipment and train doctors in Yerevan. Additionally, money raised at the gala supports the AECP’s Mobile Eye Hospital, which travels across the country and treats those who cannot afford medical treatment.
“One child going blind is too many,” said Ohanesian. “It is heartbreaking to see a child lose eyesight when it could have been prevented with screening and affordable treatment. Unfortunately, too many Armenian babies and children are going blind because doctors in Armenia do not have the resources. We are dedicated to making sure no child has to live in total darkness due to a condition or disease that can be treated.”
Attendees will include corporate sponsors, business leaders, and underwriters. Other AECP Board members attending include Mr. and Mrs. Jack McHale, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Gangolli, Mr. and Mrs. Monique Hachigian, Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. David Keligian, Dr. and Mrs. Baruch D. Kuppermann, Dr. and Mrs. John A. Hovanesian, Mr. and Mrs. Debbie Poochigian, and Mr. Roger and Mrs. Cynthia Tusan.
Guests will enjoy dinner and an evening with entertainment by Robert Duquesnel and his three-piece orchestra. A silent and live auction will include a trip to Armenia, with the opportunity for a student to travel alongside the doctors and be at their side during the 10-14 day mission. Just the thing to get as encouragement for a grandchild aspiring to become a doctor. Other items include a weekend getaway to New York and Las Vegas, a luxury Paris vacation package, and one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia.
Individual tickets are $500 per person, or $4,000 for a table of 10. To make advance reservations, call (949) 675-5611. For more information about the Armenian EyeCare Project, visit www.eyecareproject.com.
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