GOALS Hosts Inaugural Boston Event, Raising Over $30,000 for Expansion into Armenia's 10 Regions by 2025

held its very first fundraising event in the Boston area last week. The cocktail evening was hosted at the Sheraton Commander’s Nubar restaurant in Cambridge, bringing together over 70 guests to support the organization’s mission and vision.

The event, organized by GOALS Board Chair Andrea Montalbano and Board Member Armine Afeyan, raised over $30,000 to help fund the organization’s expansion into all 10 regions of Armenia by 2025. Currently, GOALS Armenia has a presence in eight of the regions. Funds raised during the event will support the organization’s growth strategy. 

Attendees were treated to a warm atmosphere filled with camaraderie, a silent auction, and an opportunity to hear directly from GOALS CEO Teny Avakian, who flew in from Armenia for the event. Avakian shared the inspiring journey of GOALS, emphasizing the transformation the organization has sparked in Armenia since its inception.

"When GOALS first started in 2015, the idea of girls playing sports in many parts of Armenia was frowned upon. In countless communities, it was considered culturally unacceptable for girls to engage in sports, let alone soccer,” said Montalbano. 

“What started as a bold initiative to challenge these barriers has now become a movement. Today, not only are girls playing, but they are leading, gaining life skills, and creating a strong community. GOALS is about much more than soccer; it’s about breaking down gender barriers and building confident, resilient young leaders who can shape a brighter future for Armenia.” Avakian shared. 

GOALS has transformed the perception of girls' participation in sports in Armenia as it has grown from a small grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized movement for gender inclusion. The organization works to provide girls the opportunity to not only play soccer, but also develop critical life skills, including leadership, teamwork, and resilience. The girls who participate in GOALS programs gain a supportive community and experience the power of camaraderie through sport.

In addition to sharing the organization's story, the evening featured a silent auction with generous contributions from Solano Jewelers and Storica Wines, among others. The auction, combined with the generous support of attendees, played a major role in achieving the fundraising goal.

GOALS has made tremendous strides since its founding, with over 1,000 girls now playing on 80 teams across eight of Armenia's 10 regions. The funds raised at the Boston event will directly support the organization's expansion into the final two regions by its 10th anniversary next year.