Of Armenian American origin , Kerkorian provided over $ 1 billion for charity in Armenia through his Lincy Foundation , which was established in 1989 and particularly focused on helping to rebuild northern Armenia after the 1988 earthquake . Kerkorian also provided money to ensure that a film based on the history of the Armenian Genocide would be made . The resulting film , called " The Promise , " premiered in April 2017 in the United States . In 2000 '' Time '' magazine named him the 10th largest donor in the US . Kerkorian was declared an honorary citizen of Armenia by President Robert Kocharyan in September 1998 . He was bestowed the title of National Hero of Armenia , the highest state award , by Kocharyan in May 2004
1988 earthquake
1988 Armenian earthquake
Kirk Kerkorian