The AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY) kicked off 2015 with its 14th annual Silent Auction & Cocktail Party at 121 Fulton Street in New York. The event raised $21,000 for AGBU’s Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund in support of the Syrian and Iraqi Armenian communities and drew 225 young professionals from throughout the tristate area. It also attracted its first event sponsors: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 90+ Cellars and Harvest Bistro.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed music by Greg “DJ GLO” Stepanian and bid on a wide array of gifts, luxury items and services donated by leading businesses and generous individuals in the fields of fashion, sports, dining and entertainment. These included items from Michael Aram, Equinox, Khirma Eliazov, Henri Bendel and Maison Francis Kurkdjian, among many others.

“I’m very proud to have had a hand in organizing this year’s silent auction. The committee came together so well and the event went off without a hitch. We are raising money for such a good cause that I’m glad so many young professionals came out to lend their support,” says YPGNY vice chairwoman Lisa Hagopian.

2015 was the second year the YPGNY committee chose to hold the annual Silent Auction & Cocktail Party in support of the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund. Together with YPGNY’s 2014 proceeds, YPGNY has raised $41,000 for Syrian and Iraqi Armenian communities in need. In past years, the event has raised money for the AGBU Children’s Centers in Armenia.

To learn more about YPGNY, visit www.ypgny.org.