22nd ANNUAL COAF
HOLIDAY GALA
LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD
22nd ANNUAL
COAF HOLIDAY GALA
LIGHT THE
WAY FORWARD
for the year ahead.
sold out!
Light the Way Forward calls us to look towards a future where anything is possible in rural Armenia
For more than two decades, the COAF community has come together with a shared purpose—ensuring hope and opportunity for Armenia’s children. Together, let us celebrate, connect, and open a bright new chapter for a new generation.
Empowering a Generation Award
Tacorian Family
Founders of the renowned luxury jewelry house TACORI, the Tacorian Family have built a legacy of artistry, craftsmanship, and love—values that shine through every creation. COAF proudly honors the Tacorians for their steadfast and transformative commitment to empowering youth in rural Armenia.
Headline Act—Lifetime Achievment Award
Thelma Houston
COAF celebrates Grammy-Award Winning Motown Legend Thelma Houston. Best known for her iconic hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” Houston continues to inspire generations with her powerful voice and humanitarian heart—using her platform to uplift communities and champion meaningful causes worldwide.
Your Hosts
Haig Boyajian
VP of Development
COAF
Araksya Karapetian
Emmy Award-Winning Anchor
Good Day LA
Gabriel Butu
Celebrity Auctioneer
Special Guests
Andrea Martin
Tony and Emmy Award–Winning
Actress & Comedian
Special Appearance
Kev Orkian
British–Armenian Comedian, Pianist, Actor
Guest Performer
Talented Youth
Performances from Young Armenian Musicians
With Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsors
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Guardian
Larry Peters
Ani and Michael Merjian
Goldman Sachs
Andrea Montalbano and Diron Jebejian
Tina Manguikian
The Armenian Assembly of America and Armenia Tree Project
Christine and Shant Mardirossian
Debbie Ohanian
Anush and Armen Yemenidjian
Nagin Foundation
Catherine and Howard Atesian
GAP International
Angel
B Riley Securities
Gay Johnson
Lisa Gates and Russ Ohanian
Anonymous
Tania and Bedo Eghiayan
Margaret and David Mgrublian
Seda Sahakian
In Loving Memory of Roza Pogosyants
BOOK YOUR STAY
Your stay brings you closer to the Gala—and to brighter futures in Armenia.
Stay steps from the Gala in one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
Rate: Standard Rates Apply
Cutoff: N/A
One block from The Plaza. Luxury Art Deco landmark with premium rooms.
Rate: $979 / night (plus taxes & fees)
Cutoff: Oct. 27, 2025
Less than a mile from The Plaza. Boutique stay with comfort and convenience.
Rate: $369 / night
Cutoff: Oct. 12, 2025
Short walk from The Plaza. Luxury retreat with Central Park views.
Rate: Standard Rates Apply
Cutoff: N/A
Stay steps from the Gala in one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
Rate: Standard Rates Apply
Cutoff: N/A
Stay steps from the Gala in one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
Rate: Standard Rates Apply
Cutoff: N/A
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Light the Way
in 2026
The Gala fundraising drive ensures COAF’s transformative work for the coming year. Every gift helps us carry the torch of opportunity forward into 2026.
