Community Leader Greg Martayan and Chef Kimmy Tang mark a Historic Day in the City of Los Angeles by Announcing the Early Success of “Helping Feed Los Angeles” Canned Food Drive.

9021Pho and Vietnamese Master Chef Kimmy Tang joined with Greg Martayan and other community organizations at the C&E Merdinian Armenian School for a press conference to announce the early successes of the largest canned food drive in the San Fernando Valley, City of Los Angeles. Having already bypassed their goal of 10,000 cans, which translates into filling the plates of over 20,000 people in need, the community leaders and students celebrated the coalition’s milestone.

Chef Kimmy Tang and Greg Martayan were joined by other community leaders including, Los Angeles Police Department-Operations Valley Bureau Deputy Chief George Villegas, Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief-Van Nuys Division Patrick Healey, District Director to State Assembly Member Bob Blumenfield-Ms. Lyn Shaw, Organization of Istanbul Armenians Executive Committee Member Mr. Raffi Tutuyan, San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission Representatives Mr. Wade Trimmer and Mr. Rob Baskerville. This influential group of community leaders was also supported by having the Merdinian Board of Directors Chariman Mr. Vahe Nalbandian, Executive Committee Member Mr. Koko Balian and Principal Mrs. Lina Arslanian present at the announcement.

               Several organizations and individuals stepped forward to join in the coalition. The partnering organizations and persons include: C & E Merdinian School, The Organization of Istanbul Armenians, St. Nicholas of Myra Episcopal Church, Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church Board of Trustees, San Fernando Valley Resident and Community Leader Mr. Jeff Ebenst