LOS ANGELES – On Sunday, September 20, the TUMO Foundation in Los Angeles — the first U.S. location of the internationally acclaimed, free after-school learning program that empowers teens with hands-on education in technology, design, and digital innovation — held its inaugural gala in Downtown Los Angeles, celebrating 15 years of impact and supporting TUMO’s expansion in Armenia.
The evening honored Vahe Kuzoyan, co-founder and president of ServiceTitan, Rev Lebaredian, vice president of Physical AI Simulation at NVIDIA, and Ara Mahdessian, co-founder and CEO of ServiceTitan, with a musical performance by System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian. The live auction highlights included a private training session and lunch with UFC top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, a private tennis lesson with former world No. 1 Andre Agassi, and a private chess lesson from grandmaster Levon Aronian, contributing to a total of over $17M raised to support TUMO’s efforts in Armenia.
The guest list included Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, Arman Tsarukyan, Michael Goorjian, Katherine Sarafian, Sona Movsesian, Dave Farina, Mary Basmadjian, and others.
Celebrating TUMO’s 15th anniversary, the gala highlighted the organization’s mission to deliver life-changing learning experiences to young people around the world. The evening reflected on TUMO’s impact and growth while looking ahead to the next generation of students empowered through technology, creativity, and innovation.
The event raised more than $17 million to support TUMO’s continued growth and expansion throughout Armenia.
Held at Vibiana in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 20, the gala immersed guests in a striking visual light experience created by People of Ar, bringing the creativity of TUMO students to life. The installation was inspired by student sketches and incorporated work from TUMO’s 3D scanning program, through which TUMOians digitally preserved Armenian monasteries and cultural landmarks in territories that have fallen outside Armenian control as a result of recent wars.
Blending art, technology, and cultural preservation, the visual experience offered a powerful look at how TUMO students are using their skills to connect creativity with history and heritage.
“Fifteen years ago, TUMO began with a simple belief: that when young people have the freedom to discover their talents, they have the power to shape not only their own futures, but also the future of an entire nation,” said TUMO founders Sam and Sylva Simonian. “Since then, we’ve watched thousands of young people walk through TUMO’s doors and grow into confident young adults who know their ideas matter.”
Serj Tankian took the stage for a special musical performance, treating guests to several fan favorites while offering an intimate glimpse into his latest work.
The live auction featured several exclusive experiences, including a private training session and lunch with UFC top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, a private tennis lesson with Tennis Hall of Famer Andre Agassi, and a private chess lesson with grandmaster Levon Aronian. Proceeds from the auction contributed to the funds raised throughout the evening.
TUMO leadership also reflected on the organization’s impact around the world. TUMO CEO Marie Lou Papazian said, “People often assume that TUMO is a place where young people discover their passions, figure out what they want to do with their lives, and build the skills they need to pursue competitive careers. And, of course, that’s all true. But I’ve come to understand that the real magic happens when our students discover, often to their own surprise, the incredible capabilities they had within them all along.”
The gala also featured the sale of a one-of-a-kind ARARAT brandy created from spirits dating back to 1991 as a tribute to the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia.
Donated through TUMO’s strategic partnership with the Yerevan Brandy Company, the bottle reflected a shared commitment to Armenian heritage, creativity, and future generations, with proceeds supporting TUMO’s continued expansion across Armenia.
