– THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DONATES $100,000
– BAGHDASSARIAN BROTHERS AWARDED THE “KNIGHT OF CILICIA” MEDAL
– OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS RAISED
On the evening of Friday, November 3, 2023, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan presided over a fundraising reception gala, organized by a special committee, for Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School. The gala took place at the luxurious Landmark Banquet Hall in Mission Hills.
Members of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, the Dean, pastors, and Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, and Board of Trustees of Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley were all present at the gala reception. Also in attendance were the founding benefactor of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School Mrs. Anoush Chamlian and her family members, Mrs. Hilda Baghdassarian, benefactor for the future Hagop & Hilda Baghdassarian Preschool along with her children, Peter and Gevik and their families. Additionally, the greater Chamlian School family, the school administration, School Board members, teachers, staff, organizing and parent committee members, past and present benefactors of various programs of the school were in attendance. With a large circle of friends and supporters, their combined efforts resulted in raising over one million dollars during the reception gala.
The reception commenced with an opening prayer delivered by H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan. Kev Orkian served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Mr. Artin Ghazarian, Chairperson of the Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School Board and Dr. Talin Karkotorian, Head of the School, expressed their appreciation and gratitude towards H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, as well as to the volunteers and benefactors for their time and generous contributions, both large and small. They also acknowledged that the origin and initiative behind the future Hagop and Hilda Baghdassarian Preschool, was the result of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan’s visionary thinking. Additionally, they credited the fruition of the new Preschool to the support of the gymnasium benefactors, Mr. & Mrs. Hagop and Hilda Baghdassarian’s children Peter and Ruby Baghdassarian and Gevik and Paola Baghdassarian whose recent contribution will result in the new Preschool being named after their parents.
After delivering her message, Dr. Kargodorian invited H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan who then invited the Baghdassarian brothers and their families to join them on stage. H.G. Bishop Donoyan proceeded to bestow the prestigious “Knight of Cilicia” medal upon Peter and Gevik Baghdassarian and presented their honorable wives with special pins. The Encyclical of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, specifically prepared for this occasion, was read by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian.
In his message, H.G. Bishop Donoyan commended the founding benefactors of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School as well as new benefactors, donors, and all those who support the expansion of our schools. He also expressed appreciation for those who passionately believe in the mission of Armenian churches and Prelacy Armenian Schools under the auspices of the Western Prelacy. H.G. Bishop Donoyan also acknowledged the generous contribution of benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Houri Melkonian, who made it possible to establish the Church of Archangels on the recently acquired property, which is already operational.
The hearts of those in attendance were filled with joy when H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan and Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, presented a check for $100,000 to the School Board Chairperson and the Head of School for the new Preschool, which brought immense pride to everyone in attendance and to the flourishing Crescenta Valley community.
H.G. Bishop Donoyan led a candlelight ceremony expressing wishes for new achievements and future successes.
