Grassroots Stars to Be Honored at Annual Gala

Grassroots Stars to be Honored with Vahan Cardashian Awards at ANCA WR Annual Gala Banquet

The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced today that it will honor Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, Ani Haroian, Bearj Barsoumian, James Kalustian, and Ani Martirosian with the ANCA-WR Vahan Cardashian Award at its Annual Gala Banquet on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. "The heart and soul of the ANCA-WR is its grassroots, the second army of the Armenian nation spread throughout every town, every city, and every state in the United States who dedicate themselves to the advancement of the Armenian Cause.  Our unprecedented number of accomplishments wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, Ani Haroian, Bearj Barsoumian, James Kalustian, and Ani Martirosian and so many others who helped lead the way in their respective hometowns," noted ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. "The unremitting contributions that each of them have made is what Vahan Cardashian stood for and the vision he shared.  We are proud to bestow this honor to a very deserving group of ANCA grassroots stars," added Asatryan.  The award is named for Yale-educated lawyer Vahan Cardashian who set aside his successful New York practice to dedicate himself to the establishment of the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia (ACIA), predecessor organization to the Armenian National Committee, and to advocate for the plight of the Armenian nation. Read On. Previously Announced 2014 ANCA WR Honorees   Humanitarian Award Near East Foundation       Freedom Award President Bako Sahakyan Advocate for Justice David M. Balabanian Esq. Legacy Award Vahe Karapetian Legislator of the Year Senator Kevin de Leon