Lebanon

In order to financially help the students in need, the Armenian Catholic Mesrobian High School organizes an annual benevolent gala dinner, during which donations support the "Needy Students' Fund of Mesrobian High School". On the other hand, a plan with similar purpose, called "Adopt a Student" plan, has been a success throughout the years.

This year's dinner took place on Saturday, the 14th of March 2009, at "Il Siciliano" restaurant. It was under the high patronage of the Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics, His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX, who was also present.

Aram Karadaghlian, the presenter of the day, welcomed the presents and invited the principal of the college, Gregoire Kaloust, to deliver his speech.

In his speech, the principal greeted all the guests. He particularly welcomed His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX, for honoring Mesrobian High School by His presence. He also welcomed the faithful donors of the school: the representatives of "Robert Boghossian and Sons Fund", as well as the donor and friend of Mesrobian, Mr. Varoujan Nerguizian.
Following that, Mr. Gregoire Kaloust thanked the President of "DMS Onlus" (Breshia - Italy), Prof. Angelo Bosio and his wife Dr. Barbara. Only few hours before, they were also present during the Foundation Stone Ceremony of Mesrobian Renovated Kindergarten, sponsored by this benevolent organization.

Mr. Gregoire stressed on the fact that this is not a usual dinner. It is where all Mesrobian friends come together and stand in solidarity with the needy students, in order to help the Armenian school and its students to stand firm during these times of international economical crisis.
During this dinner, an amount of $150 000 U.S. Dollars was raised for the Needy Students' Fund.