TUMO Raised $17 Million at Anniversary Gala
The education nonprofit hosted its 15th anniversary gala at Vibiana in Los Angeles to support future growth.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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TUMO raised $17 million during its 15th anniversary gala held at Vibiana in Los Angeles. The funds are earmarked to support the organization's ongoing educational expansion in Armenia.
Why it matters
The capital injection bolsters the organization's mission to provide specialized education to students globally. Since its founding in 2011, the nonprofit has grown its footprint to serve over 35,000 students across 14 countries.
The gala raised $17 million in total proceeds. TUMO currently serves a network of 35,000 students across 14 countries.
The players
TUMO
This is an international education center that focuses on technology and design for youth.
Vahe Kuzoyan
He is a technology leader who was honored at the organization's 15th anniversary gala.
Serj Tankian
He is a musician who performed at the gala held at Vibiana.
Andre Agassi
He is a former professional tennis player who provided a private session for the event's live auction.
The details
The event honored technology leaders Vahe Kuzoyan, Ara Mahdessian, and Rev Lebaredian while featuring a performance by Serj Tankian. A live auction held during the evening included private sessions with Arman Tsarukyan, Andre Agassi, and Levon Aronian, as well as a rare bottle of 1991 ARARAT brandy.
Timeline
1991 was the vintage year of the brandy sold at the auction.
2011 marked the year TUMO was founded.
Fall 2025 saw the opening of a North Hollywood center with 600 students.
September 20, 2026, was the date of the 15th anniversary gala.
Market Landscape
The event marks a significant milestone for the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies as it scales its global educational model. This fundraising success positions the organization to accelerate its expansion efforts while consolidating its influence in international youth education.
The North Hollywood center, which launched in 2025 with 600 students, is expected to expand its capacity to 1,500 local students. This growth provides more opportunities for regional students to access the organization's technology-focused curriculum.
The takeaway
The successful fundraiser highlights the continued growth of specialized educational institutions supported by private donors. Residents can track the expansion of the North Hollywood facility as it moves toward its 1,500-student capacity goal.
Further reading
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Should local non-profit educational programs focus more on global reach or regional community development?
