MONTEBELLO–For the second year in a row–a dinner dance organized at the Montebello Armenian Center by the ARF San Gabriel "Dro" Gomideh raised a resounding $50,000 for the Mesrobian Armenian School of Pico Rivera.
Nearly 400 guests were on hand on March 6–in support of the educational institution and local Gomideh.
The highlight of the evening featured a tribute to long-time educator and one of the charter instructors at Mesrobian School Roubina Pakradouni–who retired last year after 50 years of devoted and caring service to Armenian education. With distinction–she taught Armenian elementary students for 12 years in Lebanon–then 38 more years at Mesrobian School.
Pakradouni spoke briefly and emotionally–thanking the Gomideh for the honor–as well as members of her family for their support–former teachers and–in particular–her 94-year-old mother–Manoushak Nakashian Pakradouni–who was present to witness the honor.
Dro Gomideh Chariman Sarkis Sassounian reiterated the Gomideh’s commitment to the Mesrobian School in a spirit embodying Armenian education–civic dedication–and the pursuit of Armenian national aspirations.
Guests gave selflessly to $42,000–that included a generous contribution of $12,500 by the Nourian family. To round out the number and match last year’s amount–the Dro Gomideh added $8,000–to take to total to $50,000.