CHSU Scholarship Gala Lexus Story

On February 11, 2017 two CHSU students enjoyed the experience of a lifetime! It all started the night before when Mher Attarian (P3) and Lauren Park (P3), student ambassadors at CHSU scholarship recipients, were invited to the CHSU Scholarship Gala as guests of Fresno Lexus – one of the event sponsors who donated seats at their table for CHSU students. They enjoyed an elegant evening of networking, amazing food and atmosphere at Copper River Country Club, and enjoyable company of CHSU employees, partners and community supporters.
Later in the evening, the students witnessed the excitement of the live auction, watching attendees engage in friendly bidding wars over amazing donated items and experiences. The last and most prestigious item on the auction docket was the Lexus Performance Driving Package, generously donated by Fresno Lexus! The package included a half day, exhilarating driving experience at the exclusive Lexus Performance Driving school at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA for two people – which was the last of only four experiences offered around the country! The prize also included dinner for two at the New York Grill in Ontario Mills, one-night’s accommodations at the Embassy Suites, and a beautiful brand new Lexus vehicle from Fresno Lexus as transportation to and from the event. As Caren Myers, Vice President at Fresno Lexus, said it, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience…that’s priceless!”
At the end of the auction, CHSU Provost, Dr. Wendy Duncan, was smiling ear-to-ear when she learned she got the winning bid! Then when she realized she had a conflict with the pre-scheduled time for the experience the next day, she immediately decided to donate it students! Unbeknownst to Mher Attarian, a Lexus aficionado who had been enamored with the idea of this experience since it was announced, was recommended by a fellow student! Mher and his classmate Lauren couldn’t contain their excitement as they prepared for the experience and received the keys to the Lexus transport vehicle. Here is their story: Special thank you to Caren Myers and Fresno Lexus for providing this amazing experience and supporting the CHSU Scholarship fund!