PRESS RELEASE
September 18, 2008
Armenian National Committee of America
Eastern Region
122 W. 27th St. Floor 12, New York, NY 10001
Contact: Karine Birazian
Tel: 917-428-1918
ANCA EASTERN REGION HOSTS SUCCESSFUL BANQUET IN NEW YORK
–Martha Aramian and Samantha Power receive respected awards
NEW YORK–An enthusiastic crowd of over 350 gathered at the Grand
Hyatt Hotel on Saturday, September 13th in support of the Armenian
National Committee of America, Eastern Region second annual
banquet.
Hailing from as far as California, Las Vegas, Florida, Georgia,
Illinois, Michigan, and neighboring states, those in attendance
heard a wide variety of speakers and presentations focusing on the
ANCA’s advocacy work and the advances it has made over the last
year.
The evening also included a silent auction, raising over $20,000,
as well as live entertainment performed by Mr. Ara Dinkjian and Mr.
Harold Hagopian. Ms. Stephanie Mesrobian, ANC of Rhode Island
activist, served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, inviting
dignitaries and community leaders to join her in covering the vast
agenda the organization encompasses. Attendees also had an
opportunity to view a highlight video of the ANCA Eastern Region’s
activities over the last 12 months, along with a special clip of
ANCA activities at the recent Democratic and Republican National
Conventions.
Each year, the ANCA Banquet culminates with an awards presentation
honoring those whose activism has touched the Armenian Cause. This
year’s honorees were Ms. Martha Aramian of Providence, Rhode Island
` recipient of the Vahan Cardashian Award for longstanding activism
and support of the ANCA’s mission, and Harvard professor and human
rights activist Dr. Samantha Power ` recipient of the ANCA Freedom
Award for championing human rights as they pertain to the Armenian
Cause. This dynamic female duo engaged the crowd through their
passionate and driven speeches: Drawing on her own family history,
Aramian discussed Armenian-Americans’ path from genocide and exile
to rebirth, remembrance, and the drive for restitution. Power,
meanwhile, emphasized the positive aspects of Armenian activism,
noting that while the battle for genocide recognition is far from
over, great strides have been made in recent years, to the point
where Turkey and its US allies have become isolated from mainstream
opinion on the matter.
"We were thrilled with the support and turnout from communities
near and far," commented ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director
Karine Birazian. "It was a wonderful evening, and truly an
inspiration to see two fabulous women to receive their respective
awards."
All in all, the evening raised approximately $100,000 which will go
toward the ANCA Endowment Fund. The fund sponsors various
educational and community outreach projects initiated by the ANCA.
Further details will appear in forthcoming releases.
####
Photo Caption #1: Dr. Samantha Power and Ms. Martha Aramian,
recipients of the 2008 Freedom and Vahan Cardashian Award
Photo Caption #2: Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Stephanie Mesrobian
Note to editor, pictures are numbered in order of importance