Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) has announced two of its honorees for the 2004 Annual Banquet. ANCA-WR Chairman of the Board of Directors Raffi Hamparian and Annual Banquet Committee Chair Aida Dimejian announced that Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and California State Senator Charles Poochigian (R-Fresno) will be honored at this year’s event.

Hamparian praised Congresswoman Eshoo and Senator Poochigian by saying, “With a whole new class of young Armenian American elected officials on the horizon, we need to recognize the individuals who have set the standard in terms of commitment and hard work.

“Congresswoman Eshoo and Senator Poochigian are role models and exemplary public officials in their respective bodies. They have brought great pride to Armenian Americans and we are extremely grateful for their hard work,” added Hamparian.

The ANCA-WR announced that it will hold its 2004 Annual Banquet at the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California on Sunday, October 24, 2004. Last year’s ANCA-WR Annual Banquet was a sold out affair which featured such honorees as Federal Judge Dikran Tevrizian, California Treasurer Phil Angelides, Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA) as well as Dr. Alfred De Zayas, former undersecretary to the United Nation’s Human Rights Commission.

The ANCA-WR Banquet is attended annually by prominent Members of Congress, State Legislators, Mayors, academics, and a vast number of Armenian American political activists. The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet is the largest event of its kind that brings Armenian Americans together with a large number of federal, state and local public officials. The Banquet annually draws over 750 individuals, including a long list of dignitaries. Last year’s event was no exception, and with this year’s guest list packed with high profile figures, tickets sales are already heating up.

“The Banquet continues to get better with each passing year, with more dignitaries, better venues, and an amazing list of honorees,” commented ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian. “If you haven’t been to an Annual Banquet, then you must attend. If you’re an activist or supporter interested in politics, helping the Armenian Cause, and meeting exciting and interesting people, then this is your event,” added Kassakhian.

The ANCA-WR’s Board of Directors also announced that the location for this year’s annual pre-Banquet Kickoff Party will be the luxurious and elegant Cicada Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. The Kickoff Party generally attracts those interested in reserving tables for the Annual Banquet. Most of the tables for the Banquet are sold at the high energy event.

With all the grandeur of a Hollywood dream movie from the 1920s, Cicada Restaurant and Lounge has been voted Top Decor by the popular Zagat Restaurant guide. The stunningly spacious room features Lalique crystal, ornate gold-leaf ceilings, and a mezzanine and lounge overlooking the main floor that was made famous in the films “Pretty Woman” and “Bugsy”.

The gathering will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 7:30 PM. The complimentary event is part of ANCA-WR tradition and marks the beginning of the fundraising drive leading up to the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet – the organization’s gala event.