Los Angeles, CA — Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Chairman Ken Hachikian and Executive Director Aram Hamparian held a series of meetings and a fundraiser for the ANCA Washington Office during a three day visit to Southern California. During their visit, the Chairman and Executive Director met with community leaders and activists to outline the 2003 agenda for the organization. At a fundraiser for the ANCA DC office at Varoujan Karapetian’s Beverly Hills Estate, Aram Hamparian gave a review and analysis of the activities of the ANCA during the 107th Congress and promised to continue fighting for the same issues which were a priority for the organization in 2002.

The fundraiser attracted numerous community leaders, activists, and public officials and raised over 25,000 dollars for the ANCA. In attendance were State Assemblymember Steve Samuelian (R-Fresno), Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian, Duarte Mayor George Chapjian, Downey Councilmember Kirk Cartozian, Glendale Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Alice Petrossian, former ANCA-WR Board Members, Members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee, Armenian Relief Society Board of Directors, and Land and Culture Organization Board of Directors.

Aram Hamparian addressed the significance of Atom Egoyan’s major motion pictures such as “Ararat” and the success of rock musicians System of A Down who have actively promoted awareness of the Armenian Genocide. Hamparian promised that the ANCA was planning to re-introduce legislation that dealt with the Armenian Genocide in Congress building on the successes of last year’s Senate Resolution 307.

”We plan on having more supporters and having the bill introduced in the House as well,” he said.

Ken Hachikian spoke about the Organization’s fundraising drive in 2003 and encouraged everyone to donate generously to the ANCA. The financial well-being and continued growth of the organization were outlined as priorities for the new year. Ken Hachikian holds a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard University.

“We need to provide the necessary resources for our offices to carry out their very important tasks. Raising awareness and raising money towards the accomplishment of our goals and our national aspirations are not mutually exclusive,” noted the Chairman.

During a fundraiser held at Varoujan Karapetian’s home in Beverly Hills, Raffi Hamparian, Chairman of the ANCA Western Region presented an ANCA-Western Region Appreciation Award to Mr. Varoujan Karapetian for hosting a fundraiser for the ANCA and helping the ANCA-WR in other areas as well.