Golfers Hit the Links in Support of the Foundation – 2025 Tournament Recap
Tournament participants took to the fairways of Franklin Country Club in Franklin, MA, on Monday, June 23, 2025, to support its annual Armenian Youth Foundation Golf Outing. Now a quarter-century strong, this beloved event remains one of the Foundation’s key fundraisers, bolstering the Capital Fund and increasing the Foundation’s grantmaking potential.
The day began with player registration and lunch generously provided by Jersey Mike’s, before players headed out to tackle the always challenging and beautifully maintained course. With fast greens and thick, rough, the tournament lived up to its reputation. Players competed in Long Drive and Closest to the Pin contests and vied for top honors across multiple divisions.
This year’s champions included:
Seth Gold – Even Par 71, Gross Champion
Rob Marchionne – Net 66, Net Division Winner
Jeff Arakelian – Calloway Champion
Meredith McGann – Women’s Long Drive #18
One of the tournament’s most exciting moments came courtesy of Chris May, who came just 2 feet 11 inches shy of claiming the $10,000 Hole-in-One prize, sponsored again this year by John Aftandilian of Concord Insurance. Also, Adrena Altoonian-May won the coveted title of Long Drive, representing the player who came from the furthest away, as she hails from Encino, CA.
Following the round, players were treated to a cocktail reception featuring hummus, yalanchi, and lamb chops before transitioning to the dinner banquet. Foundation Senior Advisor Stepan Kanarian welcomed players and sponsors and thanked the Golf Committee and Board Members in attendance. He emphasized the importance of each participant and sponsor in the tournament’s continued success and reflected on the Foundation’s long history of providing impactful grant support, especially to Camp Haiastan—whose grounds include four of Franklin’s scenic golf holes along Uncas Pond.
A highlight of the program was the auction and raffle, led by Board Members Hagop Antranigian, Peter Alemian, Diana Balekian, and Lauren DaSilva, who rallied spirited bidding for marquee items including a Camp Haiastan camper session, a foursome at Franklin Country Club, and exclusive Red Sox tickets.
The 2025 Tournament raised $20,000 in net income, thanks to the collective generosity of 43 tee, 5 hole, and 3 green sponsors, along with donors who contributed prizes and auction items.
