LOS ANGELES—When the Executive Committee of the Syrian Armenia Relief Fund (SARF) appealed to the daily Armenian Schools in California to help their brothers and sisters in Syria, it did not take long for 11 of them to start various fundraising activities in their respective schools. Under the slogan of “A small gift from my school to yours,” they organized various fundraising events, ranging from bake sales and car washes to dances and walkathons, raising a total of $ 57,613.03. Student clubs enjoyed the blessings and full support of their respective school boards, administrations and faculties, as they raised funds earmarked exclusively for the academic needs of Armenian Schools in Syria.

Beyond its financial purpose, this endeavor served an educational purpose as well, as it taught our students the importance of giving to those who are less fortunate than us, and how our efforts can help make a difference in the lives of our Armenian brothers and sisters abroad. Many schools reported that their students had gone so far as to give up their lunch money for this worthy cause.

“This experience has encouraged and made us more optimistic,” said SARF chairperson John Titizian. He added, “We are proud of our schools and of our students.”

Below are the funds raised by each school:

Chamlian: $21,128
Ferrahian: $10,000
AGBU Manougian-Demirdjian: $7,357.39
A & M Hovsepian: $5,000
Alex Pilibos: $4,000
Mesrobian: $3,300
Ari-Giragos Minasian: $2,000
Merdinian: $1,500
Krouzian-Zakarian-Vazbouragan: $1,250
Sahag Mesrob: $800
AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manougian: $382.64