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$100,000 RAISED AT FERRAHIAN SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
BY DR. RAZMIG KRUMIAN
asbarez
Monday, December 19th, 2011
A scene from the fundraiser
Optimism was in the air on the chilly evening of November 19 as the
School Board of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian/Cabayan/Pilavjian Schools
held a dinner fundraiser at the home of Rafi and Anoush Kuyumjian in
Tarzana, California.
Invitations to attend this beautifully appointed event were sent to
members of the greater Ferrahian community. It was attended by more
than one hundred parents, alumni, and community members who were all
unified in one objective: to help support the raising of the next
generation of Armenian Americans.
The delightful mood of the evening was initially set by the large
white tents which enclosed the different areas of the venue. Beautiful
lights decorated the entire enclosure which included a formal dining
area as well as a lounge. The relaxing atmosphere allowed guests to
socialize, mingle and feel right at home!
Dr. Garo Tchakian, a longtime community supporter, Ferrahian alumnus
and parent said that it was a night that was both impressive and
humbling, all wrapped under an elegant tent. "We felt like we were
taken to another far-off location with friends, but felt like one
big family. We all had one goal with open hearts and great hosts."
Host and school board chairman, Rafi Kuyumjian, expressed his
heartfelt appreciation to all who attended and urged them to be as
generous as possible. The guests then enjoyed the vocal performance
of Araxia Varteresyan. Afterwards, Principal John Kossakian informed
the audience about the academic and financial state of the school
and kept the crowd laughing by adding humorous anecdotes relating to
school life. He also surprised everyone with his promise to jump into
the cold swimming pool should the evening's pledges reach $100,000!
By the end of the evening, $100,000 had been pledged and the crowd
watched in amazement as Principal Kossakian kept his word and
dove fully dressed into the pool! "United we stand!" said Ferrahian
alumnus and parent Seta Aghjayan. "It was an evening filled with magic,
exciting memories and accomplishments! Thank you to the gracious hosts
and hostess for opening your hearts and exquisite home. Many thanks
to our Principal, John Kossakian, for creating an ambiance that will
be remembered for many years to come."
The recent downturn in the economy has negatively impacted the
financial health of Holy Martyrs due to a decrease in both enrollment
and donations. In addition, the school has had to face another
financial challenge. For more than a decade, the Lincy Foundation has
helped all Armenian Schools with its sizeable yearly donations. With
its dissolution, the school has lost yet another important form
of support.
Despite these difficult times, Holy Martyrs Armenian School has
refused to compromise the quality of its curriculum. It continues
to value the exposure of its students to the fine arts, technology,
health and many other enriching co-curricular and extracurricular
programs and activities.
Encouraged by its success, the School Board plans to organize smaller
scale events that will not only help the school raise much needed
funds, but also unite the community in a common goal. The School Board
is grateful to all those who took part in this event by generously
contributing their time, money, and talents.
From: Baghdasarian
BY DR. RAZMIG KRUMIAN
asbarez
Monday, December 19th, 2011
A scene from the fundraiser
Optimism was in the air on the chilly evening of November 19 as the
School Board of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian/Cabayan/Pilavjian Schools
held a dinner fundraiser at the home of Rafi and Anoush Kuyumjian in
Tarzana, California.
Invitations to attend this beautifully appointed event were sent to
members of the greater Ferrahian community. It was attended by more
than one hundred parents, alumni, and community members who were all
unified in one objective: to help support the raising of the next
generation of Armenian Americans.
The delightful mood of the evening was initially set by the large
white tents which enclosed the different areas of the venue. Beautiful
lights decorated the entire enclosure which included a formal dining
area as well as a lounge. The relaxing atmosphere allowed guests to
socialize, mingle and feel right at home!
Dr. Garo Tchakian, a longtime community supporter, Ferrahian alumnus
and parent said that it was a night that was both impressive and
humbling, all wrapped under an elegant tent. "We felt like we were
taken to another far-off location with friends, but felt like one
big family. We all had one goal with open hearts and great hosts."
Host and school board chairman, Rafi Kuyumjian, expressed his
heartfelt appreciation to all who attended and urged them to be as
generous as possible. The guests then enjoyed the vocal performance
of Araxia Varteresyan. Afterwards, Principal John Kossakian informed
the audience about the academic and financial state of the school
and kept the crowd laughing by adding humorous anecdotes relating to
school life. He also surprised everyone with his promise to jump into
the cold swimming pool should the evening's pledges reach $100,000!
By the end of the evening, $100,000 had been pledged and the crowd
watched in amazement as Principal Kossakian kept his word and
dove fully dressed into the pool! "United we stand!" said Ferrahian
alumnus and parent Seta Aghjayan. "It was an evening filled with magic,
exciting memories and accomplishments! Thank you to the gracious hosts
and hostess for opening your hearts and exquisite home. Many thanks
to our Principal, John Kossakian, for creating an ambiance that will
be remembered for many years to come."
The recent downturn in the economy has negatively impacted the
financial health of Holy Martyrs due to a decrease in both enrollment
and donations. In addition, the school has had to face another
financial challenge. For more than a decade, the Lincy Foundation has
helped all Armenian Schools with its sizeable yearly donations. With
its dissolution, the school has lost yet another important form
of support.
Despite these difficult times, Holy Martyrs Armenian School has
refused to compromise the quality of its curriculum. It continues
to value the exposure of its students to the fine arts, technology,
health and many other enriching co-curricular and extracurricular
programs and activities.
Encouraged by its success, the School Board plans to organize smaller
scale events that will not only help the school raise much needed
funds, but also unite the community in a common goal. The School Board
is grateful to all those who took part in this event by generously
contributing their time, money, and talents.
From: Baghdasarian