A fundraising reception held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Garo and Sylvie Tertzakian on
November 6, 2005 raised over $22,000 for the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA) and bolstered support for the ANCA’s efforts in advancing issues of concern to
Armenian Americans in the Nation’s Capital.
The fundraiser was a historic event for the Armenian National Committee of Orange
County as a new wave of activism and political awareness hit center stage. “We left the
event energized to continue local efforts in support of our national aspirations.” said ANC
Orange County Chairperson Garo Madenlian.
ANCA National Chairman Ken Hachikian and ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian
highlighted the importance of grassroots activism in securing US recognition for the
Armenian Genocide, ensuring high levels of economic aid for Armenia, and defending
the territorial integrity of Nagorno-Karabagh.
“Having Ken and Aram in Orange County gave us a great opportunity to discuss – first
hand – the concerns we are facing in Washington, and our community’s role in moving
our issues forward,” said Sylvie Tertzakian, a long-time local ANC leader.
Among those in attendance were Brea Councilman Marty Simonoff, a leading candidate
in the race to represent California’s 72nd State Assembly district, which covers Anaheim,
Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Yorba Linda and parts of Orange; and Elaine
Vasquez, special assistant to Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona.
The ANCA’s newly released video, “Grassroots Makes the Difference”, provided
attendees an overview of the organization’s activities in Washington, DC and around the
nation, and was later distributed to guests.
