Reflections on Our January 7th Launch Event at Gravitas Beverly Hills
On January 7th, we gathered at Gravitas Beverly Hills for what became one of the most meaningful evenings of our lives… the official launch of the Walking With Alex Foundation. What unfolded that night was far more than a celebration. It was a moment rooted in purpose, connection, and collective belief in a mission that is deeply personal to us.
From the moment our doors opened, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and filled with genuine excitement. We were honored to welcome over 200 esteemed guests, each one bringing not only their presence, but their hearts and their curiosity. The energy in the room was undeniably supportive, compassionate, and full of hope.
Throughout the evening, our intention was clear: to ensure that every guest fully understood our core mission and felt that they were becoming part of it. This foundation exists to advocate, support, and uplift children with special needs and their families, and we wanted that purpose to be felt in every moment of the night.
One of the most touching moments of the evening came from Alex’s teacher, whose words beautifully reflected Alex’s journey, growth, and spirit. It was a powerful reminder of why this foundation was created and whom it serves.
We were also honored to have Ellina Abovyan, KTLA host, serve as our Master of Ceremonies. Ellina guided the evening with warmth, grace, and sincerity, helping bring each moment together in a way that felt both elegant and heartfelt.
Both Carol and I had the opportunity to speak and share the story behind Walking With Alex—how it was born from lived experience, deep love, and a commitment to ensure that no child with special needs is ever left behind. Our goal was not only to inform, but to inspire. I truly believe we achieved that. Guests left with full hearts, a deeper understanding of our work, and an eagerness to stay closely connected and attend future events.
A defining highlight of the evening was our ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, with Todd Johnson. It was a true honor to mark this milestone alongside such a respected organization and to feel embraced by the broader community.
The night also included exciting and meaningful auction moments, including a Brazil national team jersey signed by Pelé and a jersey signed specifically for our event by Artur Aleksanyan, multiple Olympic Champion and multiple-time World Wrestling Champion. These items symbolized unity, generosity, and global support for our mission. The live auction added an exciting and joyful energy to the evening. As bids climbed higher and higher, the room filled with laughter, applause, and friendly competition, with guests enthusiastically trying to outbid one another in support of the foundation. It was truly heartwarming to watch generosity turn into celebration, as each bid reflected not only excitement, but a shared commitment to our mission. The auction became one of the most memorable and fun moments of the night.
What made the evening especially warm and meaningful was the fact that so many of the vendors who helped bring this night to life are not just partners, but cherished members of our community who believe deeply in our mission. The sweetness of the night was lovingly ensured by Arevik’s Cakes, our most trusted and favorite baker, whose desserts reflected the care, love, and intention behind everything we do. The beauty and emotional depth of the evening were elevated by Jadore Les Fleurs, our favorite florist, who transformed the space with stunning deep red floral arrangements—creating an atmosphere that felt luxurious, intimate, and purposeful. Their generosity and personal involvement embodied the very spirit of the Walking With Alex Foundation: community coming together to support one another, uplift families, and stand united in service of children with special needs.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible sponsors and partners who stood beside us. We are deeply grateful for their support, generosity, and belief in the Walking With Alex Foundation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gravitas Beverly Hills for opening their beautiful venue to us and hosting such a memorable and impactful evening. This launch was not an ending—it was a beginning. A beginning of meaningful work, strong partnerships, and a growing community united by compassion and action.
Thank you to every single person who joined us, supported us, and believed in us. We look forward to continuing this journey together.
With gratitude,
Founder, Carol Ghanem and Co-founder, Nina Garayan