TUSTIN, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America’s (ANCA) confident and strong message of political activism was welcomed by Armenian Americans from across Southern California recently during two well-attended fundraising events held in Orange County and San Diego.

The ANCA gathering in the San Diego area was hosted by John and Cynthia Andonian of Rancho Santa Fe, while the Orange County function was organized by the Orange County ANC and generously hosted by Garbis and Zov Karamardian at their restaurant in Tustin, appropriately named Zov’s.

“Many thanks to John and Cynthia, Garbis and Zov and the Orange County ANC team for hosting these two beautiful gatherings,” remarked ANCA National Chairman Ken Hachikian. “I appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas and share the work of the ANCA in Washington, DC and across the U.S. It is no secret that the success of Armenian American advocacy efforts stems directly from grassroots activism. These gatherings in San Diego, Orange County, and around the nation help us build on past achievements and re-energize our team to advance the Armenian Cause,” Hachikian added.

The event at the home of John and Cynthia Andonian brought together a combination of longtime ANCA supporters and individuals interested in learning more about the organization’s efforts. Hachikian gave an update about ongoing efforts to secure U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide, building an economically strong Armenia, and broadening the U.S.-Armenia bilateral relationship.

The fundraiser hosted by the Orange County ANC featured remarks by local ANC chair Chris Guldjian and community leader Dikran Sassounian and included the participation of many special guests, including perennial ANCA benefactors Dr. Garo aand Sylvie Tertzakian and Manas Boujikian, who served on first ANCA National Board. Sassounian and Boujikian each recently traveled with friends and family to Washington, DC and made their first visits to the ANCA headquarters. Boujikian, along with Asbarez Armenian Newspaper editor Apo Boghigian met with the ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns and gave insight about the dramatic expansion of Armenian American advocacy efforts over the past twenty-five years.

Photo Captions:

Caption #1: ANCA event hosts John and Cynthia Andonian with national and local leaders and supporters

Caption #2: ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian with supporters in Orange County, California.