PRESS RELEASE
Date: April 16, 2008
Armenian National Committee of Illinois
1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, IL 60026
Contact: Nairee Hagopian
Tel: 312-615-7698
ANC of Illinois Hosts Successful 11th Annual Fundraiser
Ivanhoe, IL ` Sunday, April 6, 2008 marked the 11th Annual Armenian
National Committee of Illinois (ANC of IL) fundraiser which was
hosted by Ms. Sirarpy Seferian at her home in Ivanhoe, Illinois.
Seventy Chicago-area supporters attended the event, which featured
Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL-10), ANCA National Chairman Kenneth
Hachikian, and ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
ANC of IL Chairman, Ari Killian, welcomed local activists and
supporters. The program began by presenting an "Award of
Appreciation" to Seferian in gratitude for her continued support of
the ANC of IL. The annual fundraiser also served as a forum to
advise local supporters and activists on the year’s activities.
Killian updated the group on key issues and discussed reaching out
to other local Armenian American communities. He also reiterated
the need for increased interaction with congressional staff.
Killian told the group "Our goal this year was to broaden our base
of activists. We have continued our relationship with the Pontian
Greek community and hosted successful functions. Our Armenian
Activist Workshop at the Armenian Evangelical Church in Mt.Prospec
tand the community update at Sts. Joachim and Anne Church in Palos
Heights allowed others an opportunity to become familiar with the
grassroots network in Illinois."
ANCA National Chairman Ken Hachikian thanked Illinois activists and
supporters for their hard work over the year. Aram Hamparian, ANCA
Executive Director, added the importance of everyone doing their
part to help advance our issues. The event’s keynote speaker,
Cong, Mark Kirk (R-IL-10) congratulated the ANC of Illinois for its
activist work. Kirk encouraged attendees to continue contacting
their representatives for passage of H. Res. 106, the Armenian
Genocide Resolution, and other pertinent issues.
Cong. Kirk is a Naval Reserve intelligence officer who served
during conflicts with Iraq, Haiti, and Bosnia. He served four
tours at sea and three in Panama. The U.S. Navy named Kirk
"Intelligence Officer of the Year" in 1999 for his combat service
in Kosovo. Kirk flew on missions over Iraq, and continues to serve
one weekend a month in the Pentagon. Kirk is the only member of
Congress to serve stateside during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was
an air crewman over Iraq during Operation Northern Watch.
The Armenian National Committee of Illinois is part of the largest
and most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.
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Photo Caption #1: Cong.. Mark Kirk, ANCA of IL Chairman Ari
Killian, and ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian
Photo Caption #2: Dedicated members of the ARS Zabelle Chapter Mrs.
Silva Bedian, Mrs. Anahid Sarrafian, Mrs. Berjouhi Aivazian, Mrs.
Arpy Killian, and Mrs. Ani Alexanian
Photo Caption #3: Cong. Mark Kirk with host Ms. Sirarpy Seferian
and Ms. Silvia Maranian