About Us
Foundation Inception
The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation was established in loving memory of Ani and Narod Ardhaldjian who died alongside 130 passengers and crew in the crash of USAir 427 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 8, 1994.
Mission Statement
The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation’s mission has always been aiding and improving societal needs in Armenia and Armenian communities around the world. Throughout its existence, ANMF has created numerous programs and institutions to take on different challenges when needs/interventions have been clearly identified.
IRS Status
The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Executive Team
The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation, Inc. is a private operating foundation with an executive board comprised of three members of the Ardhaldjian family who manage the day-to-day operations and supervise ongoing projects.
Photo: James Aram Elliot
About Narod
At 2.5 years old, Narod's vibrant light was tragically extinguished, leaving behind a void that still reverberates with the memory of her infectious smile & energy.
Born in Westlake Village and raised under the California sun, Narod's short journey touched hearts across the country and beyond, connecting with family in New York, Chicago, and Armenian communities across the globe. Remembered for her inseparable plush rabbit, Spot, and her bilingual tongue (Armenian and English) her spirit transcended borders, leaving a legacy of kindness and joy that continues to illuminate the lives of all who knew her and by the legacy of the foundation that was established in her memory.
Ani Ardhaljian (née Coherian) was raised in Queens, New York with a passion for social justice and a dedication to family. Proud children of Armenian immigrants, Ani and her twin sister, Arpy, grew up with a strong sense of community and a commitment to education in Queens, New York.
Ani earned a sociology degree from Queens College and pursued a career in marketing & public relations in NYC. She also aspired to pursue an MBA the University of Chicago School of Business in the fall of 1994.
She met her husband, Raffy, at a commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in NYC, and together they raised a daughter, Narod, whom they raised with love and laughter.
Ani was a strong advocate for progressive causes including human rights and social justice. She also possessed a dry wit that could light up any room. Sadly, Ani tragically passed away at a young age. She is remembered for her intelligence, dedication, humor, and unwavering love for her family. Ani's legacy of compassion and laughter continues to inspire us all.
Ani's Armenian heritage and social justice passion were woven together.
About Ani
About Flight 427
The sudden silence of USAir Flight 427 in 1994, silencing 132 souls, echoed through a nation. Grief turned to resolve as the NTSB meticulously pieced together the tragedy. Their relentless pursuit of truth exposed a hidden flaw, leading to crucial safety upgrades for Boeing 737s and a heightened commitment to meticulous maintenance.
While the loss of Flight 427 remains a scar, it also stands as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of safer skies, ensuring fewer families would face the same unimaginable heartbreak. Though the pain of Flight 427 endures, its legacy is one of future lives saved
About Mark
Born in Beirut in 1974, Mark's childhood was shaped by war, but his resilience shone through. A gifted student, he excelled in academics and music, even winning "Employee of the Month" at McDonald's within weeks of arriving in New York. His smile, a testament to his inner peace despite hardship, was a constant.
Admitted to prestigious engineering schools, Mark tragically left us too soon at 21. His poem, etched on the family tombstone, lives on as a reminder of his beautiful spirit.
About the Board
Raffy Ardhaldjian
Raffy is a technology/finance professional who along with the Coherian family founded the Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation (1994) in the memory of his wife (Ani), child (Narod) & late brother (Marc) to leverage technology, community-driven solutions and collaboration to help solve tough societal challenges. When he’s not busy with work, or traveling, he is usually in the mountains, at the beach or with teams or friends.
Raffy is driven to leave the world a better place by seeking the highest good, attempting to build a more inclusive, just, and a healthy future.
Raffy is blessed with a son Diran and incredibly supportive friends and family.
About the Board
Malvine Ardhaldjian
Malvina Ardhaldjian (née Kalfayan) hails from Alexandria, Egypt, born into the embrace of a unique heritage, as the daughter of Armenian genocide survivors, Diran and Azadouhi Kalfayan. Growing up as the elder sister in a family shaped by resilience, Malvina's journey took a new turn when she married Paul Ardhaldjian, a metals trader from vibrant Beirut, Lebanon. Together, they embarked on a few years abroad as expatriates before settling in Beirut, where Malvina embraced her role as a mother to five wonderful children – Raffy, Marielou, Ivan, Roupen, and Mark-Sarkis.
Beyond her nurturing role, Malvina's artistic spirit led her to explore diverse creative pursuits. She delved into the world of Japanese flower arrangement, mastered culinary arts, and engaged in various forms of crafts. Her passion for artisanal endeavors was further exemplified during her pivotal role as part of the founding team of ARS Artisanat in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon.
Now retired, Malvina resides in the picturesque city of Yerevan, Armenia, where she continues to cherish the rich tapestry of her life's experiences. A testament to her commitment to family and community, Malvina assumes the duties of a board member alongside her son, Raffy, on the family foundation. This additional role reflects her enduring dedication to continuous giving and the preservation of her family's legacy.
The incredible folks who taught me what I know about giving back (and continue to!) - you rock!
My deepest gratitude to them (& dozens more) and their belief in me.
-Raffy Ardhaldjian
