Power. Prestige. And "Roots"... A simple word... a powerful presence. The word evokes images of strength, family, history and culture. A solid foundation, an enduring confidence, a powerful sense of identity that has helped our people survive, overcome challenges, and prevail against tremendous odds.

As our theme says, the ANCA Telethon is about "Securing our roots... Building for the future." As Armenians, our Roots connect us to our homeland, to the timeless values of our nation, and the sacred cause of our proud people. Roots are our strength. And Grassroots advocacy is the very soul of the ANCA. It is our grassroots that has nourished the ANCA and made it a world-class organization, recognized as the principled, forceful, and effective voice of the Armenian American community across the nation.

The ANCA Telethon is a strategic effort whose purpose is to cement the long-term stability and continuing success of the ANCA. Its aim is to provide the necessary resources to expand the Armenian presence in Washington D.C., and to create an even more powerful voice for Armenian Americans nationwide. In short, this is a campaign to build a solid foundation for the future and the Armenian Cause. Funds collected from the Telethon will be devoted to supporting the critical programs of the ANCA Endowment.

Why now? The time is now for the ANCA to build upon and leverage its successes and that is the genesis of the ANCA Telethon. With your support, the ANCA will grow stronger. As we look to the future, the ANCA will forge new paths, generating the increased political power, influence and respect that the Armenian American community deserves. Our Armenian homeland depends on our collective strength and success.