SUPPORTERS RAISE $100,000 FOR LIBRARY AND GYMNASIUM COMPLEX
Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School held its annual gala banquet on Friday–March 28–focusing primarily on raising funds for the school’s new Library and Gymnasium Complex.
Mistress of Ceremonies–Marie Demirdjian welcomed attendees and invited Pilbos School’s Finance Committee chairman Sarkis Berberian–who noted that despite the current situation in the world–Pilibos continues to strive–grow–and succeed. The successful completion of the project not only attests to the school’s continued growth–but also to the Diaspora’s expansion.
Principal Viken Yacoubian thanked everyone who contributed to not only to this project–but to also to the establishment of the school in 1969. Yacoubian emphasized the triumphant growth of the school as a direct result of volunteers who have sacrificed their valuable time. He also noted the collective contribution of its faculty toward the academic advancement of students; "without its dedicated faculty and staff," noted Yacoubian–"Pilibos would not be where it is now."
With deep symbolic words–Principal Yacoubian noted that the red columns of the Library represent the "blood and sweat" of early Armenian immigran’s who built the Diaspora and the school.
His Grace Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian provided kind words and closing remarks–calling on all major benefactors in the Armenian community to assist the school financially and morally. He noted that their assistance would make a significant difference in the academic and moral mission of the school. His Grace also reflected on the fact that the present year has been symbolic for construction and growth–in that the Prelacy’s new head offices and other Armenia’s schools expanded their campuses.
Many prominent members of the community were present at the event–including His Excellency the Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Valery Mkrtumian–members of the Prelacy Executive Council–as well as representatives of Homenetmen–and other organizations.
Throughout the evening–donations flowed in from attendees. Every hour–Karo Khanjian of the Pilibos Finance Committee–updated the list of donations. Major contributors included–but were not limited to–$30,000 from the St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church–and $5,000 from Mr. & Mrs. Vahe Karapetian.
Approximately $100,000 was raised through donations and pledges. Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School stands at the forefront of quality Armenian American education–and every donation made at anytime further enhances the academic mission of the school.
The School expresses sincere gratitude to all individuals who supported the school financially and morally.