UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.—The Armenian National Committee of America-San Fernando Valley West Chapter hosted its inaugural banquet on April 7 with approximately 250 community members and supporters conversing upon the Sheraton Universal Hotel’s Starview Room to support the efforts of the ANCA-SFW Chapter.
Among the attendees were a number of elected officials including US Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-30), California State Assemblymember and Los Angeles City Councilmember-elect Bob Blumenfield, CA State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles City Controller and Mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Councilmember and Mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Los Angeles City Councilmember and candidate for City Controller Dennis Zine, Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Steven Zimmer and Pasadena City Councilwoman Jacque Robinson.
The evenings program included a video presentation summarizing the activism of the Chapter during the past several years and a powerful message from ANCA San Fernando Valley West Chapter’s Chairman, Nareg S. Kitsinian, Esq.
The highlight of the banquet was the awards ceremony honoring three distinguished individuals: Nichan Kulukian with the Hai-Tahd Award, Armand Keosian with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian with the Public Service Award. Honorees were also presented with Certificates of Appreciation and Proclamations from the United States Congress, California State Assembly as well as the City of Los Angeles.
Among the speakers were Los Angeles City Mayoral candidates Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel who congratulated the chapter on the success of its banquet and both reaffirmed their solidarity with the Armenian American community and applauded the continued efforts of the ANCA San Fernando Valley West Chapter to activate the community and engage the electorate.
In addition, Councilmember Paul Krekorian also spoke and congratulated the SFW Chapter on a successful banquet and recognized the honorees for their tireless efforts to support the San Fernando Valley Armenian American community.
Congressman Brad Sherman also took the stage to congratulate the SFW Chapter and the evening’s honorees for their accomplishments. Congressman Sherman also provided insight on the successes the ANCA and its local chapters have had in advancing Armenian interests in Washington
Congressman Sherman presented Assemblyman Nazarian with the highest gift a US Congressman can bestow on another public servant, with a US flag that has flown above the US Capital building.
The program was concluded by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, who presented the evening’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Armand Keosian, with a Letter of Blessing and Commendation from the Western Prelacy in recognition for his service to the community.
The banquet was the first for the ANCA San Fernando Valley West Chapter and received acclaim from elected officials, sister organizations and community leaders alike.
“The banquet exceeded all expectations and was a complete success” stated Shant Barseghian, chairman of the banquet committee. “We thank all those who supported the event and look forward to planning another in the future.”
The Armenian National Committee of America, San Fernando Valley West Chapter advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.
