Pasadena Now, CA
Jan 29 2015
Pasadena-Based St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School Raises $30,000 at
30th Pearl Anniversary Gala Fundraiser
Where Capital Citie’s Sebu Simonian, Political Dignitaries and
Representatives were among 325 Gala Guests
Article and Photo courtesy of ST. GREGORY A. & M. HOVSEPIAN SCHOOL
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
From: Baghdasarian