The anticipation had been growing steadily as clips emerged throughout social media promoting Hyelight’s opening event The Walk of Fame on August 30. This gala had a clear objective: re-engage the local youth in an avant-garde vibrant environment after a period of relative slackness from this well-known traditionalist Armenian community center. A creative team of young ladies and gentlemen were tasked with planning an unforgettable night that would reignite a sense of community among the crowd – and it sure did.
Dressed up in style and class, the Tekeyan Armenian Cultural Center made quite the impression on its guests. The front entrance was invigorated by the presence of several luxury vehicles surrounding a red carpet with a live saxophonist and a lovely waitress waiting to serve champagne. Both the borough mayor of Saint-Laurent Alan DeSousa and Liberal Member of Parliament for Saint-Laurent Emmanuella Lambropoulos cut the opening ribbon and offered congratulatory speeches to mark the beginning of a spectacular evening. The hallway was endeared with a magnificent floral wall designed by “Accent Walz” opposite the show ladies and live reptile entertainment. “Hovep Boghosian” put a magnificent light show together in the main hall that would complement the music played by “DJ Andrew Pololos” perfectly. As guests entered, they were greeted before being served specialty cocktails and delicious hors-d’oeuvres by “Vivi”. Those who showed up with an appetite also had the option to assemble additional snacks at the smoked meat and taco bars. “Atelier Bonbon” provided an amazing desert cart. Mounted on the terrace was a thoughtful reminder in the form of a neon sign reading “Save water- drink champagne”! Tasteful and appropriate burlesque shows were choreographed by “Lavender May” and her ladies while the crowd joined in and danced enthusiastically all night.
A handful of door prizes were donated by the many generous sponsors that supported the youth’s effort to bring an exciting atmosphere to this venerable cultural center. By the time morning came around, guests were asking about Hyelight’s next event and where they could purchase their tickets.
A special acknowledgement to the visionary individuals who led the organization of this event: Viken Khorassandjian, Garo Guebenlian, Michael Ambartsoumian and the committee members without whom this would not have been possible. For a detailed list of the sponsors and donors who were supportive of this project, you may visit hyelight.ca as well as Facebook and Instagram for future events and additional information.
