OAKLAND GARDENS, N.Y. — In 1994, an ambitious group of Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) supporters gathered to establish an all-volunteer fundraising committee known as Friends of HMADS. Under the leadership of then School Board Chairman Nurhan Adarian, they strived to carry out their mission to become the financial pillar of their beloved school. Little did they realize what an impact their service to HMADS would have in the years to follow!
Surpassing mandated New York State education standards, Holy Martyrs Day School supplements its curriculum with daily lessons in Armenian language, history, and culture. Class sizes are small, allowing for a more personal, nurturing environment. The overall experience at the school not only enhances students’ knowledge but also helps to develop a strong character and sound moral basis. HMADS is unique in that the members of its community are regarded as family, and its strength lies in their cooperative spirit and unified efforts to achieve a common goal. Solid core values can vouch for the longevity of the Friends fundraising committee.
For those unfamiliar with Friends of HMADS, it is a dedicated group comprised of school supporters (board members, current/former parents, alumni), chaired by school board treasurer, Hovannes Malikyan. The goal of the committee is to raise funds, consequently contributing to the economic growth of the school. Year after year, the committee provides the school with a balanced budget and financial stability. Thanks to the efforts of Friends, HMADS is able to maintain an affordable tuition, thus making it possible for Armenian families to take advantage of this superior learning institution.
Friends of HMADS meets semi-monthly at the school to create and plan social and cultural events that will benefit the Armenian community as a whole, while raising funds for the school. Every fall, it sponsors the Annual Telethon, one of its major fundraising events. For many years, Berj Haroutunian of Vital Transportation has offered use of his company office and equipment to Telethon volunteers who, over the course of two evenings, phone hundreds of local Armenian households to seek pledges supporting their beloved school.
By far, the most anticipated Friends event of the year is the annual Gala Dinner Dance held in the spring. The 2015 Honorary Booklet Chairperson, benefactor Edward Gulbenkian, along with the energized Friends of HMADS committee, cordially invites you to a special night of celebration on Saturday, May 16, at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset, NY. The evening’s festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Toronto’s Harout Bedrossian and his band.
For further information about this event, or to find out how to become a part of the Friends of HMADS, contact the school office.
