GLENDALE—The Chamlian Armenian School held its Annual Gala Banquet on Saturday, March 17 with more than 300 guests attending the glamorous event at the Universal Sheraton Banquet Hall. Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of dining, dancing, and a live auction conducted by a professional auctioneer.
The Gala was organized by Chamlian’s Parent Support Committee (PSC) with the motto, “Lets Build Our Gym Together.” All proceeds from the event have been allocated towards the building of a new gymnasium which will serve as a safe and much-needed recreational facility for Chamlian students during their P.E. classes and after-school sports practices.
The evening’s program began with Rev. Father Vazken Atmajian’s benediction as he represented Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, followed by opening remarks by Raffi Kendirjian, the Master of Ceremonies, and words of acknowledgement by PSC Chairlady, Nadia Shamsi, and PSC Liaison to the Banquet Committee, Amy Boyadjian.
Also delivering remarks was the Chairlady for the Gym Fundraising Committee, Nova Hindoyan, who stated, “A Gymnasium is often the centerpiece of a school and where students congregate, cheer together, win together and build lasting memories of achievement.”
“So much time and effort have already been given to this project; but now is the time for everybody to contribute to the future of this gym and the future of Chamlian students,” she added.
In closing, Chamlian School Principal, Vazken Madenlian, expressed his deepest gratitude to the parents, guests, Parent Support Committee members, Gymnasium Planning Committee members, and Gymnasium Fundraising Committee members for their dedicated efforts throughout the years. Madenlian, Rita Kaprielian, Vice Principal, and Armineh Khachatourian, School Board Chairlady, also recognized the major donors of the evening by presenting them with a small token of appreciation.
Honorable guests who present at the event were Glendale Mayor Laura Friedman and City Council members Dave Weaver, Rafi Manoukian, and Ara Najarian. Also present were Greg Krikorian, Glendale Unified School District Board of Education member, Levon Kirakosian, Prelacy Executive Council representative, Maggie Sarkouni, Prelacy Board of Regents representative, and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, benefactors of Richard Tufenkian Preschool.
The Gala event was a huge success, as it raised over $250,000. Currently, the major sponsors for Chamlian’s Gymnasium Project are St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, with a donation of $25,000, and Jessica Vartoughian, the Gala Event Sponsor, with a donation of $50,000. A list of all the donors will be published soon on the school website.
Navada Congressional hopeful, Danny Tarkanian, who was scheduled to present a keynote address at the event, was unable to attend due an unforeseen scheduling conflict. He pledged that he would attend another Chamlian event in the future.
The Gymnasium Fundraising Committee is currently embarking on an extensive fundraising campaign. Those interested in contributing towards this project may visit the school website at chamlian.org, or may call (818) 957-3398.
