The North Meets South Day Mixer, held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale, brought together over 400 members of the Armenian-American community to support the rebuilding and restoration efforts of the Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School, which was tragically destroyed in the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
The event raised over $25,000, thanks to registration fees and generous contributions from community members and organizations. Major contributions included $10,000 from Zankou Enterprises, $5,000 from Davana Law Firm, $1,000 each from Dr. Shahe Orphali and Ara Ohanian, $500 from Anthony Portantino, and $250 from Cindy Orphali.
In addition to fundraising, the event featured heartfelt remarks from representatives of Sahag Mesrob, co-organizers, and sponsors, highlighting the importance of Armenian schools as pillars of culture, identity, and education.
The AGBU Young Professionals of Northern California (AGBU YPNC) and AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles (AGBU YPLA) spearheaded the event, with the participation and sponsorship of key organizations, including Armenian Professional Society (APS), Armenian Engineers & Scientists Association (AESA), ANCA Professional Network (ANCA PN), Armenian American Museum, Zartonk Media, All-Armenian Student Association (All-ASA), and Armenian Youth Federation ” Western U.S. (AYF West).
“We are so grateful to partner with so many wonderful young professional and student organizations in the Southland for our longstanding North Meets South event. Seeing the growth of the event, and the community coming together in support of Sahag Mesrob is powerful and a true representation of the strength we possess in our unity,” stated David Ojakian, Chair of AGBU YPNC, and Western Region Director of the Armenian Assembly of America.
“It was amazing to see our community ” from our ASA college students to professionals of all fields ” come together to support a shared mission. This was definitely a step in the right direction for all of us and, hopefully, our donations can make a sizable impact at Sahag Mesrob,” stated Eduard Ghazaryan, All-ASA Advisor.
“The Armenian American Museum Young Leaders Council is beyond blessed and thankful to be a part of such a special moment in our community, where all organizations have come together to help support Sahag Mesrop. It is moments like these where we must unite and support one another and we have done just that,” stated Aleen Ohanian, Chair of the Armenian American Museum’s Young Leaders Council.
“The Armenian Youth Federation is proud to have played a role in uniting young professionals for such a meaningful cause. The North Meets South Mixer demonstrated the power of collective action, bringing together over 400 attendees in a spirit of solidarity and purpose. In the face of tragedy, our community has once again shown resilience, raising $25,000 to support the rebuilding of Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School. This event was a testament to the strength of our people”when we stand together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome,” stated Hakop Hajibekyan, Chair of the Armenian Youth Federation ” Western U.S. (AYF West).
The overwhelming turnout and generous donations showcased the unity, resilience, and dedication of the Armenian-American community to rebuild Sahag Mesrob and ensure the school’s legacy continues for generations to come.
Photo credit: Sahag Melelian – @ARKAPhotography
