Hollywood actor Tom Hanks in a video message called for support to the Children of Armenia Fund's 13th Annual Holiday Gala, to be held on December 9 at Cipriani in New York.

"I can't be there, which makes me a fool, because I don't pass up meals at Cipriani easily," the actor joked.

"Nor do I shirk from duties such as helping the Children of Armenia Fund."

"My great friend, Andrea Martin, who I love dearly, is taking on the spirit of Armenia itself by organizing this great gala," Hanks added, once more urging for support to the initiative.

The annual event brings together longtime friends and supporters for an evening to raise money to support COAF’s community-led programs in Armenia.