The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California hosted the highly anticipated Horizon Gala on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The signature annual event, which supports the developing institution, drew a full house of supporters to the prestigious InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.
The Horizon Award was presented to Michael A. Goorjian, an accomplished Armenian American director, writer, and actor. He has starred in many films and television series with notable roles in Leaving Las Vegas, SLC Punk, Party of Five, Illusion, and more. He won an Emmy Award for his role in the television movie David’s Mother. Most recently, Goorjian earned widespread acclaim as the director, writer, and lead actor of Amerikatsi, a film of tremendous spirit and hope. In a historic first for Armenia, Goorjian’s Amerikatsi was recognized on the Oscars shortlist for Best International Film as the country’s official selection to the Academy Awards.
Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian invited representatives of the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, and Staff to join him on stage for a special announcement at the conclusion of the program. He announced that a generous anonymous donor has made a transformative commitment to the museum through an $8 million gift. The program concluded with a roaring applause following the announcement.
Major Sponsors included The GASKA Alliance Foundation, Jack & Maro Kalaydjian, Arakelian Family, Bank of America, Dickranian Foundation, Berdj & Mary Karapetian, Ara & Nina Ohanian, Isaac & Frieda Vartanian, William McMorrow, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Artists for Kids, Avedisian Family Foundation, Gevik & Paola Baghdassarian, Peter and Ruby Baghdassarian, Banc of California, Nabil & Hanan Karabetian, David & Margaret Mgrublian, Sepetjian Family Foundation, and Kosti & Marian Shirvanian.
