Los Angeles, CA – On March 22, 2008, the Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) joined the Greek American community at the American Hellenic Council’s (AHC) 33rd Annual Honors Dinner Dance held at the OMNI Hotel in Los Angeles. ANC-WR Chairman Vicken Sonentz-Papazian, ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian and ANC-WR Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian attended the event along with ANC activist Boghos Patatian and ANC-WR volunteers Theodora Giallouri and Elli Menounou, both graduate students studying political science.

“The American Hellenic Council is to be strongly commended for its work in representing the interests of the Greek American community”, said Kzirian. “Like our organization, the AHC is committed to raising awareness of human rights concerns while helping to develop leaders and advocates in the community – we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Greek American community and the AHC,” he added.

This annual event, hosted by the American Hellenic Council (AHC), a Greek American, grassroots advocacy organization, honors dedicated individuals who have demonstrated leadership in and continue to make a difference for the Hellenic Cause. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-16), Dr. Chrysostomos L. Max Nikias (Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, USC) and Peter Demopoulos (President of the Hellenic University Club) were among those honored during the evening’s program. The evening also featured the radio voice of the Los Angeles Lakers, Spero Dedes and Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian as co-masters of ceremonies.

The ANC-WR enjoys an amicable relationship with the AHC and Greek American community. The ANC-WR stood in solidarity with the AHC when it raised concerns regarding a joint educational program between San Diego State University and Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus. In addition, Greek Americans consistently join Armenian Americans in Congressional meetings and government affairs work.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo Caption: Former Presidential Nominee, Governor Michael Dukakis (center), joined by (from left to right) Andrew Kzirian, Angineh Kzirian and Haig Hovsepian.