Montebello, CA – Friends and supporters of the Armenian National Committee of America came out in force on November 2, 2007 to raise funds for the national grassroots public affairs organization. Over $40,000 was raised at the event in support of the ANCA’s leadership in advancing Armenian issues in the Washington, DC.

“We are proud of the ANCA,” community leader Nazareth Sadorian remarked after the ANCA fundraising event. “The support we received tonight for the ANCA is a clear indication that our grassroots activists are one hundred percent behind this organization,” he added.

At the fundraiser, ANCA National Chairman Ken Hachikian outlined the organization’s efforts in support of House Resolution 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution. He also outlined the challenges faced by the army of lobbyists being hired by the Republic of Turkey to deny the Armenian Genocide. According to Hachikian, former Republican Congressman Bob Livingston is being paid $100,000 a month to lobby for Turkey. Former Democratic leader Dick Gephardt is also getting paid over $100,000 to represent Turkey on Capitol Hill. With a well-funded opposition, Hachikian stressed the need for the ANCA to have the resources to counter the web of Genocide denial which the well oiled Turkish lobby continually attempts to advance. In addition, Hachikian stressed the need to expand the ANCA’s grassroots efforts through more extensive field work and community education outreach efforts. Finally, he underscored the value of voter registration efforts.

“Leaders lead,” commented ANC-Western Region Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “That is what we always see in Montebello. A community that is united in support of the Armenian Cause and always willing to provide financial resources for the ANCA office Washington, DC. I am proud of the Montebello community for having had the vision to put this wonderful event together,” Hamparian added.

The Montebello area Armenian American community has a long and proud history of supporting the ANCA and being at the forefront of issues related to the Armenian Cause. In the 1960’s the community rallied to build a prominent Armenian Genocide monument at Bicknell Park. More recently, the local Armenian American community established a sister city relationship between the City of Montebello and Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabagh.

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. Working through a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the US and around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.