On Sunday, November 19th, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School’s Cancer Awareness Club hosted its first-ever Fundraiser Gala, One Child at a Time, benefiting children battling cancer in Armenia. This inspiring evening, organized and executed entirely by the dedicated students of the club, showcased not only their commitment to a noble cause but also their exceptional leadership skills. Spearheaded by seniors and club President & Vice President, Nicole Zibdea and Vaughan Abakians, under the guidance of their advisor, Mr. Mark Michail, and with unwavering support from the school board, administration, staff, and parents, the gala was a resounding success that left a lasting impact on all attendees.
The primary goal of the event was to raise funds for the cancer-stricken children of the City of Smile, Armenia, who are not fortunate enough to receive treatment due to financial burdens. Through a combination of ticket sales, generous donations, enticing raffle items, and a silent art auction featuring incredible pieces from our talented students, we successfully raised an impressive $55,811. This remarkable grand total was made possible by the generosity of families, community members, and the collaboration of gracious vendors and entertainers who generously provided their services for free.
The atmosphere at the Renaissance Venue was electric, as attendees engaged in live music, video presentations, and heartfelt speeches of support from the Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Chairman of the School Board, Mr. Kevork Zoryan and Head of School, Mr. David Ghoogasian. In attendance were also representatives from the City of Smile, Ms. Maria Nagapetian and Dr. Shant Shekherdimian, who also took time to praise our student-leaders for their hard work, empathy, and resilience as Armenian-American youth.
The success of the gala was a testament to the collective effort of the AGBU MDS Cancer Club members, whose organizational prowess and dedication shined through every aspect of the event. The guidance and mentorship provided by Mr. Michail and the administration played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution and success of the gala.
The funds raised will be directed towards supporting the City of Smile initiative, offering hope and financial assistance to deserving children facing the challenging journey of cancer treatment. The impact of this benevolent gesture extends beyond borders, fostering a sense of global citizenship and solidarity among the AGBU MDS community.
As a school, we take immense pride in our students who have not only demonstrated leadership in organizing such a successful event but have also exemplified the values of empathy and compassion. More than a decade after its inception, and founded by Class of 2016 alumnae, Nora Galoustian, the AGBU MDS Cancer Awareness Club Gala remains a beacon of hope and a shining example of what can be achieved when student-leaders unite with their community for a noble cause.
We couldn’t have done it without our donors and the generosity & support of the following people.
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