Hayastan All Armenian Fund has raised a record 35 009 156 USD during the annual Telethon 2008. With 35 009 156 USD, more than doubling the amount raised last year. The funds raised during the Telethon 2008 will go towards the revival of border villages in Armenia and Artsakh. Russia-based Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetian has pledged $15 million, which will be used to construct a hospital in Stepanakert. Other major donors include VivaCell-MTS, Mikael Vardanyan, Samvel Aleksanyan, Eduardo Eurnekian, Gagik Adibekyan, Varujan Grigoryan, Gagik Zakaryan, Norik Petrosyan, Barsegh Beglaryan, Aram Kocharyan, Khachik Manukyan, Karapet Aleksanyan. In the days leading to the Telethon, a number of fundraising activities were organized around the world including phoneathons held in France, Argentine and New York, fundraising bike-ride, radiothon, galas, and charity concerts. Among dignified guests were President of Nagorno-Karabakh Bako Sahakyan, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese Archbishop Pargev, Hayastan All Armenian Fund Acting Executive Director Ara Vardanyan, other benefactors and public figures. Armenia’s wealthiest businessman – Gagik Tsarukyan, again hasn’t stepped in with any kind of significant contribution.