GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region, announced that it will be hosting its inaugural Dinner Series with California State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino.

The Dinner Series will feature prominent elected officials and community leaders interested in reaching out to the Armenian American community. It will also provide a casual environment where attendees will be able to socialize with each other, as well as with the guest of the evening.

Western Region Board Member and lead organizer, Pattyl Aposhian, said, “We think this is a unique opportunity for community activists and individuals to get together in an intimate setting and interact with elected officials.”

“It’s especially meaningful to be hosting our inaugural event with Assemblyman Portantino because he has been such a good friend of our community and of the ANCA over the past many years. We are happy that he’s going to be kicking off what we expect to be a new and exciting series where people will not only have a chance to meet elected officials, but to develop friendships over dinner in an amicable atmosphere.”

Most recently, Portantino, with his colleague Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, led Genocide Commemoration activities in the State Capitol in Sacramento. He gave a moving address on the State Assembly floor, mentioning the coincidence of April 24th and Easter occurring on the same day this year while highlighting the similarity between the resurrection celebrated on Easter and the resurrection of the Armenian people after nearly being completely destroyed during the Armenian Genocide.

The inaugural dinner will be held at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Guests are asked to arrive at 6:30PM.

To RSVP, individuals may email dinner@ancawr.org. The requested donation amount for the evening dinner is $30. Proceeds will go toward the ANCA-WR and advancing issues of importance to the Armenian American community.

The Armenian National Committee of America-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 ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.