Shirvanians honored for contributions to Glendale hospital

Published: Tuesday April 13, 2010

Hacob and Mina Shirvanian.

Glendale, Calif. - The Healthcare Foundation will host its annual charitable gala on Sunday, April 18 at the Hilton Glendale, 100 West Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale that will honor Mr. & Mrs. Hacob "Jake" Shirvanian who will receive the Erwin J. Remboldt Founder's Award for Outstanding Individual Philanthropy for their contribution to the Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

The event starts with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m., auction, entertainment and three award presentations. The entertainment will include the So Cal Vo Cals, the premiere a cappella group from the University of Southern California. Proceeds will benefit Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

Hacob "Jake" Shirvanian, MD was born in Tabriz, Iran in 1923. He is the son of an Armenian hero and Genocide survivor. His father, after the Genocide, was supported as an orphan by Seventh-Day Adventist missionaries; he later became one of 2 Armenian pastors in Iran.

At that time Jake's father accepted the faith because he could no longer live with the memories of the tragic loss of his family and a Nation. Jake is the second eldest of 5 siblings. Jake's father died at age 45 and Jake worked in Iran at a very young age to help support his mother and siblings, thus losing the opportunity to realize his career choice of being a doctor.

In the Second World War Jake worked with the British Persian Gulf Command and then the US Armed Forces as an interpreter because of his capacity to speak English, Farsi, Turkish, and Armenian. His lifelong dream was to come to the United States of America.

Jake has been an active and dedicated member of Glendale Adventist Medical Center where for years he has served on the Foundation Board and Civic Advisory Council.

Jake has received numerous awards and recognitions for his dedication to his community. At 87, Jake enjoys the company of his wife, Mina who he has loved for 64 years. He is blessed with 2 children, 2 grandchildren and now has the love of 2 great grandchildren with whom he spends time each week.

He is known for frequently saying "God has blessed us. I have truly lived the American dream."

Other event honorees include Carl and Arlene Ermshar who will receive the Georgia Abelmann Award for Outstanding Contributions to Our Community; and Abbott Construction, which will receive the Frank F. Dupper Award for Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy.

For tickets or more information, please call (818) 409-8055.
www.glendaleadventist.com