Pierre Toulakany walked through a crowd of nearly 200 guests at the Millennium Biltmore in downtown Los Angeles to accept his Walter Shahbaz Lifetime Achievement Award.
The honor, presented at the Assyrian American Association of Southern California’s Annual Gala (AAASC) on Oct. 6, recognized almost six decades of work by Toulakany, including co-founding the organization in the mid-1960s, his tenure as President of the Assyrian American National Federation, and his work on the national board of the Assyrian Aid Society of America.
“He accomplished all of this while becoming a successful businessman and entrepreneur in the fields of financial planning and property investments,” said Jon Koriel, AAASC Executive Vice President. “He has received many commendations, including from the City of Los Angeles.”
Toulakany was one of six honorees recognized for their contributions to the community.
“Each of these individuals embodies that Assyrian spirit and mentality to never give up, always work hard, and always give back,” Koriel added.
The inaugural gala was held last year as a way to spotlight outstanding community members while raising funds for future AAASC programming.
Reine Hanna, Director of the Assyrian Policy Institute (API), received a surprise Advocate Award. API, founded earlier this year, has already championed several initiatives, including the formation of a Nineveh Plains Province for Assyrians, Yazidis, and other minority groups.
“The outpouring of support and positivity in response to this award has energized [the API],” Hanna said. “Realizing that so many people appreciate the work that we do gives us the strength to keep fighting, no matter the odds.”
Other honorees include Vania David, recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award for his written collection of more than 200 original songs spanning the 1960s through the 1980s. Doctors Christopher and Richard Zoumalan received the Forward Under 40 award for their achievements in plastic surgery.
California State Senator Scott Wilk was also honored as Legislator of the Year. A strong advocate for genocide recognition, Wilk has worked to ensure the Assyrian Genocide is included in California history textbooks. This year, he co-authored legislation to divest California pension funds from Turkish companies.
“When I was in school, we didn’t learn about the Genocide at all,” Wilk said. “We are now making corrections in our textbooks. Assyrians need to go beyond their own community to others.”
Proceeds from the evening support a range of programs organized by Assyrian associations, including language and history courses, a summer day camp for children, and the annual August 7 commemoration.
“This gala allows for us to build our account in continuing to provide these amazing services for members of our community,” Koriel said.