Pasadena-Based St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School Raises $30,000 at 30th Pearl Anniversary Gala Fundraiser

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School’s 30th Pearl Anniversary Gala Fundraiser culminated on January 24, 2015, at the St. Gregory Armenian Church Geragos Hall in Pasadena, raising over $30,000 thanks to the generosity and charitable contributions of TF Educational Foundation, benefactors, sponsors and guests. Proceeds from the event allows the school the opportunity to partner with Pasadena Conservatory of Music to build a comprehensive music program and musical instruments library for the school’s preschool to eighth grade students.

“Bringing Music to Our Children” gala attracted more than 325 guests to an evening of an entertainment lineup of world famous artists including Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities, the legendary Armenian singer Harout Pamboukjian as well as local Los Angeles group, Armenian Public Radio, as well as the Hovsepian School folk dancers and the Hovsepian School band. Guests enjoyed fine food, dancing, as well as silent auctions from over 25 local businesses, venues and donors.

The gala fundraiser also attracted religious and political dignitaries and representatives who provided their support with commendation letters. The gala was held Under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. Political dignitaries and representatives at the gala included Assembly Member Mr. Adrin Nazarian, Mayor of Montebello Mr. Jack Hadjinian, City of Glendale City Clerk Mr. Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian, Senator Carol Liu’s District Director, Ms. Talin Mangioglu, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonivich’s representative Ms. Rita Hadjimanoukian, and Assembly Member Mr. Chris Holden’s field representative Mr. Gerald Phillips.

“Our 2015 event theme ‘Bringing Music to Our Children’ opens a new chapter in the school’s history, undertaking primary steps to introduce an engaging music program for all students, which is centered on the positive effects and benefits that music delivers to children starting at an early age,” said Principal Shahé Mankerian. “As we know and research has shown, music elevates the mind, body and spirit, leading to a more evolved persona. And with the funds we have raised, we are able to transform our dream into a reality to build a comprehensive music program, purchase musical instruments to create a musical instrument library, hire accomplished music teachers with classical training who can educate our students at a higher level.”

Gala honorees included retired teacher Mrs. Kohar Sasounian, alumni parent Mr. Hartyoon Hilalian and alumna Mrs. Liza Saado who personify the motto: “Deeds, Not Words” for their impact on the school with their service and support. Their commitment to Hovsepian School is unprecedented, returning to the school after they have retired as teachers or graduated as students or parents of students, to serve at various levels.

“As we continue to extend our reach and enhance academic programs at Hovsepian School, our financial needs also continue to grow,” said Mr. Raffy Boulgourjian, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School. “The success of our gala fundraiser and year-round fundraising is critical to making a difference in the community through more programs that are geared directly to help our students evolve, explore, engage and enlighten.”

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School relies on the generosity of foundations, benefactors, individual donors and sponsors, corporations and civic groups to financially support its academic programs, along with unwavering commitment of volunteers and the PTO.

“Bringing Music to Our Children” was made possible by the generous donations of Mr. & Mrs. Artin & Louisa Ananighian, Mr. Sean Armoudikian, Mrs. Nora Chitilian, M.S., L.M.F.T, Mr. & Mrs. George & Flora Dunaians, Mr. & Mrs. Armond & Claire Ghazarian, Mr. & Mrs. Hartyoon & Silva Hilalian, Ms. Marguerite Hougasian, Imasdounian Family, Independent Volvo Service, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. David & Margaret Mgrublian, Father Sarkis & Yn. Talin Petoyan, Dr. Lilit Pogosian, M.D., Psychiatry, Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Kohar Sassounian, Dr. & Mrs. Noubar & Aida Seitian, Single Stone – San Marino, TF Educational Foundation and Dr. & Mrs. Stephan & Maro Yacoubian.

The Silent Auction was made possible by the generous donations of Aghegian Family – A & G Argento, John Anastasatos, MD, FACS, of Beverly Hills, ARKA Photography, Armenian Lighthouse Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Darwin Baghdassarian, Café Santorini, Carousel Restaurant, Cedrick Jewelry, Del Frisco’s Grille, Djeredjian Family – Hye Optics, Dr. Lena’s Family Dentistry, Ms. Aida Gharakhian, Green Brooms Music Academy, Hovagimian Family – Terrace Restaurant, James Family, Mr. & Mrs. Sako Jarakian, Mher Vahakn Photography, Mr. & Mrs. Artak Nalbandian, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Yn. Talin Petoyan, Salon Sonik, Taline Music, The Broad Stage, Tic Time of Ontario Mills and Vana’s Watch & Jewelry.

About St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School is a bilingual educational institution for preschool (toddlers) to eighth grade, that fosters academic excellence, exceeds state standards, and delivers outstanding placement scores by its graduates at prestigious high schools. St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School empowers students to explore, engage and enlighten via its pillars of education: academia, nurturing environment, creative thinking, innovation, progressive philosophy and spirituality. Competitive with local private schools, St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School engages students to develop confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School, 2215 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, (626) 578-1343 or visit www.hovsepianschool.org.