HOLLYWOOD, CA – Scores of Armenian community leaders and activists filed into the historic Max Factor Hollywood Museum on Thursday, September 26 for the traditional ANCA-WR Annual Banquet Kick-Off Party. The Kick-Off Party is a precursor to the actual annual banquet, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 20, 2002 at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, California.

“This year we’re honoring individuals who have contributed to the Armenian Cause in the entertainment industry. That’s why we’re excited about honoring the Grammy nominated musicians System of A Down and Oscar nominated film maker Atom Egoyan,” commented Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, Chairperson for the Annual Banquet Committee.

The ANCA-WR Man of the Year Award will be presented to Senator Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) who visited Armenia in early 2002 with an ANCA-WR delegation. Senator Scott introduced and championed S.B. 1657, the California–Armenia Trade Office Bill which was signed into law by Governor Gray Davis two weeks ago.

Tickets for the highly anticipated event nearly sold out at the Banquet Kick-Off with over 40 tables being sold that evening. Senator Chuck Poochigian (R-Fresno) was at the event to remark on the importance of Armenian-American political activism and commended the ANC for their efforts on the various issues before the State legislature. Senator Poochigian played in instrumental role in advancing the California-Armenia Trade Office Bill in the Senate.

Chairperson Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian said that she was very excited at the expected turnout at this year’s banquet. With over two weeks left until the actual event, tickets are sold out.

”I am pleased to see that so many people are excited about this year’s banquet. This year’s honorees are model Armenians and we’re looking very forward to honoring them for all of their hard work,” added Mrs. Zerounian-Khanzadian. “Its going to be a truly unique event” For information on the ANCA-WR 2002 Annual Banquet please contact the ANCA-WR Office at 818.500.1918. 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.