A real philanthropist seeks no excuse

I have a PhD in physical chemistry; since 1994, I’m the co-founder and chairman of Agenus Inc., formerly known as Antigenics Inc., a biotechnology company that discovered Oncophage, a vaccine for kidney cancer.

In 2003, I took my family on a visit to Armenia, and we had a chance to travel through Armenian villages. The things I saw there made me ponder, and I realized that we have to act now for the sake of our nation’s future. I could not remain indifferent to the situation in the rural communities which have many talented kids with great potential. Everything started with a school renovation project.

If no progress in the studies is recorded after the school renovation, there is no sense in our initiative. We are trying to provide the tools, while the beneficiaries should think of how to use them. This means that if they are not interested, our efforts will be in vain.

Indeed, we've always strived for that. The only barrier is the funding; resources play a key role here. The COAF has spent over $15 mln already, and has 40 employees. If we manage to raise more funds we will definitely involve a wider range in our activities.

Yes, of course; the charity events we organize in Yerevan and New York will comprise a wider framework, particularly in New York where the donation event will also be the tenth one in 2013. Most funds are raised during this very event, and we will definitely organize a big one next year.

That's impossible. If they are afraid to do something, they will not succeed in it. If you cannot do something, you'd better step aside and make way for those who can. So, a person who is really willing to engage in charity activities will seek no excuse for not doing so; anxiety is a lame excuse here.