Edward Gulbenkian, Jr. to Lead HMADS Gala Dinner Dance

By Jennifer Chelebi

OAKLAND GARDENS, N.Y.—In a year that commemorates one of the most significant events in Armenian history, there is no better way to honor the resilience of our distinctive culture and traditions than through supporting the educational centers of our youth. Education is the essential ingredient for preserving our rich traditions and heritage. In this spirit, the Friends of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) acknowledge the unparalleled services that HMADS has provided for the past 47 years, and invites readers to support and attend the Annual Gala Dinner Dance on Sat., May 16, at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset, N.Y.
This year, the Friends Committee has invited benefactor Edward Gulbenkian Jr., the head of the Gullabi Gulbenkian Foundation, to lead the most important annual fundraiser as “honorary booklet chairperson.” He was also one of the founding fathers of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School nearly 50 years ago. Over the years since, he and his family have generously contributed their time and energy to the school, as well as several other notable charities.

Edward Gulbenkian, Jr. and the Gulbenkian family’s benevolence encompass the establishment of a charity maternity hospital in Aleppo, Syria, to the building of St. Vartan Cathedral and the Gullabi Gulbenkian Cultural Center in New York, which continues to help the fundamental pillars of life. After the 1988 earthquake, the foundation brought relief to those brushing away the rubble by providing aid to Armenia, which included building and refurbishing 36 schools. To prevent the burning of books and cutting of trees all around Armenia, the foundation supplied eight tons of wood for heat, as well as clothes and other basics.

The Gullabi Gulbenkian Foundation, like HMADS, is devoted to bolstering the Armenian spirit through the preservation and continuation of our language, culture, and traditions. Since 1967, HMADS has provided a first-rate American primary education enriched by the Armenian heritage. The school has nearly 275 alumni who have gone on to become community leaders, accomplished business people, and incredible educators. Join the Gulbenkian family and the Friends Committee in supporting today’s students and those who have yet to walk the halls.

The May 16 festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. with an extensive cocktail hour followed by a multi-course dinner, with open bar served at 9 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Toronto’s talented Harout Bedrossian and his band. Readers’ support of the commemorative booklet and Gala Dinner Dance ($130) will greatly enhance the efforts of the Friends Committee and HMADS, benefiting future generations of Armenian Americans. For more information about the event or to find out how to become part of the Friends of HMADS, contact the school office by calling (718) 225-4826 or visit www.hmads.org.