ANC-NJ Holds Fundraiser for Sen. Menendez

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.  The ANCA’s success is entirely based on grassroots support.  Armenian American voices are heard and heeded in the halls of Congress due entirely to the support of the Armenian American community who work tirelessly in every aspect of advocacy led by the ANCA.  This support includes volunteers for campaigns, monetary contributions for candidates who are supporters of the Armenian Cause, letters, phone calls and, in some cases, community members even opening their homes to host and support events in support the Armenian Cause.

A recent example of this support was a fundraiser for Senator Menendez, co-sponsored and hosted by Andreas Roubian, a great activist and friend of the ANC, and the ANC-PAC.  Roubian was a gracious host, opening his beautiful home laden with great works of art to over 100 attendees.  Beyond that however, Roubian was instrumental in the success of the event as he prompted friends and family to attend and support the event.  His drive to have as many facets of the community involved not only created an atmosphere of unity in the Armenian Cause but also helped raise $25,000 for Senator Menendez’s re-election campaign.

The event for Menendez took place on Sun., March 21 in Saddle River, N.J.  The event was originally scheduled for March 14 but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.  The program began by Roubian welcoming the guests to his home.  James Sahagian, the ANC-NJ co-chair, spoke about the importance of ANC work for Armenian Americans and Armenia.  Ani Tchaghlasian thanked everyone for their support and introduced the Senator listing his years of support for the Armenian Genocide Resolution both in the House of Representatives and now in the Senate.  In addition, she discussed the Senator’s long history of support for issues of importance to the Armenian American community including stopping funding for a rail system in the Caucasus which bypassed Armenia, funding for Armenia and Karabagh, and particularly, the hold he placed twice on Dick Hoagland’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to Armenia.  Archbishop Choloyan then blessed the food exquisitely prepared by the hostess herself, Priya Kattragada.

The ANC’s success through its grassroots efforts were echoed by Menendez as he closed his remarks, stating that the ANC does great work and that anyone who is not a member of the ANC should be!

The ANC would like to extend special thanks to Andreas Roubian for co-sponsoring and hosting the event.