President Bako Sahakyan to Be Honored with ANCA WR Freedom Award at Annual Gala Banquet
The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region (ANCA WR) announced today that it will be
honoring His Excellency Bako Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) with its highest honor, the prestigious Freedom Award at its Annual Gala Banquet on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
“We are deeply grateful for President Sahakyan’s ongoing commitment to forcefully defending Artsakh’s right to self-determination, while ensuring unprecedented redevelopment in the region and establishing policies that have in the past decade placed Artsakh on the international map as a peace-loving society founded on democratic principles. By honoring him, we are eager to provide our community the opportunity to publicly express their appreciation for his decades of leadership and service on issues so dear to all of us,” stated ANCA WR Chair Nora Hovsepian.
Under President Sahakyan’s leadership, Artsakh has blossomed exponentially in both foreign and domestic areas including establishment and practices of democratic principles, a fair market banking and loan system, traditional and non-traditional economic practices in areas of agriculture, mining, IT, and energy, with the latter resulting in Artsakh’s ability to now generate 70% of the energy it consumes, as well as, creating bilateral foreign relations, which contributed to a number of new joint venture enterprises with dozens of well-respected companies from the United States, Canada, Russia, France, and Italy.
Born and raised in Stepanakert, President Sahakyan became an activist for Artsakh early on in his life. He carries an extensive career with the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army that spans for nearly two decades. Following his service to his homeland’s defense forces, he made the leap to government leadership and was eventually named the interior minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in 1999. His devotion to Artsakh and strong democratic principles were noticed and appreciated by his colleagues, and in 2001 he became head of the republic’s National Security Service. President Sahakyan served the position for the following six years until he declared his candidacy to run in the 2007 Presidential Election. He was elected as the fourth president of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on July 19th of that year and was re-elected for a second term on July 19th, 2012.
President Sahakyan has been awarded many medals, namely, “Battle Cross” of 1st degree (NKR), “Peter the Great” of 1st degree, “For Service to Fatherland” of 1st degree and “Vazgen Sargsyan” medals (Republic of Armenia).
Past recipients of the ANCA Freedom Award include former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans, United States Ambassador to the United Nations and Pulitzer Prize winning author Dr. Samantha Power, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, former U.S. Senator Robert Dole, former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords Baroness Caroline Cox.
The 2014 ANCA WR Annual Gala Banquet will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The main event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. A three-course dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. with a powerful program and presentation of the awards. Individuals interested in attending the Annual Gala Banquet are encouraged to purchase tickets online at www.ancawr.org/gala or call 818.533.8587. To obtain individual or corporate sponsorship information visit www.ancawr.org/gala/sponsorship or call (818) 500-1919. For up to the minute updates on the event like the ANCA Western Region Facebook page or visit ancawr.org.
The ANCA WR Gala Banquet represents the single largest annual gathering of Armenian American public policy leaders throughout the western United States, and is attended by over 1,000 prominent Members of Congress, state legislators and officials, community leaders, and many of the organization’s strongest activists and generous donors from California, Nevada, Arizona, and throughout the western United States.
ANCA-WR to Honor Near East Foundation with the “Humanitarian Award” at 2014 Annual Gala Banquet
The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA WR) has announced that it will bestow the Humanitarian Award to the Near East Foundation, the successor to the historic Near East Relief, at its Annual Banquet Gala taking place on November 2, 2014 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The honor is more than well deserved, as there is perhaps no other organization towards which Armenians everywhere can express greater gratitude.
The Near East Relief. Its mission was clear. Its response ever so swift. Its accomplishments Gumri immeasurable. It’s an organization that stayed true to its noble calling for 15 unrelenting years. It’s difficult to think of an entity today that has been dedicated to the same cause for so long, and carried out as much as did the NER. In short, the NER saved a Nation. It supported our people’s will to live. It allowed us to persevere. For Armenians, it secured our survival, and better yet, our existence. For everyone else, it was the greatest humanitarian effort the world had ever seen.
Established in 1915 as a direct result of the Armenian Genocide, the Near East Relief (NER) (currently known as the Near East Foundation) is the United States’ oldest Congressionally-sanctioned non-governmental organization, which for the first time in American history, expressed the collective generosity and humanitarianism of the American people. It did so under the most challenging of circumstances, galvanizing the entire nation, and thereafter, the world, in bringing international attention to the plight of the starving Armenians during the first world war.
At the time, the U.S. Ambassador to Constantinople was Henry Morgenthau, who witnessed first-hand the atrocities being committed by the Ottomans against the minorities in the Near East, particularly the Armenians. On September 6, 1915, Morgenthau sent a cablegram to the Secretary of State in Washington DC with an urgent plea for assistance stating, “Destruction of [the] Armenian race in Turkey is progressing rapidly…” He suggested to a group of American philanthropists to form a committee to raise funds and provide means to save the remaining Armenians who had managed to escape. Within ten days of receiving this cablegram, and with the support and backing of President Woodrow Wilson, a committee led by James L. Barton and Cleveland Dodge was established. It was formed specifically to help Armenians and other Christian minorities who were being forcibly deported from their homes and/or killed in a systematic premeditated campaign of genocide launched under the cover of World War I. Initially, the committee was named “American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief,” but following the mandate of Congress, was renamed Near East Relief.
Endorsed by Congress, the NER received its support from all the people in the U.S. and all presidents throughout its history, including Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921), Warren G. Harding (1921-1923) and Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929). The scope of NER’s work was extensive and focused initially on child saving. It then went on to clothe the naked, feed the starving, shelter the refugees, and school more than 132,000 fatherless and hungry children. In the words of U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, “No private enterprise ever undertaken by Americans and in the name of America [has] accomplished more to arouse, in the minds and hearts of all peoples of the countries in which this organization has carried on its operations, a sincere regard and even affection for America.”
From 1915 through 1930, the NER mobilized the entire American nation, and indeed the world, into a well-organized and well-funded relief effort that successfully saved over 132,000 Armenian orphans and 1 million refugees half a world away. Despite its initial fundraising goal of $100,000 which was later raised to $30 million, the NER ultimately raised $117 million, the equivalent of $2.7 billion in today’s dollars. The NER went on to build over 400 orphanages, food and clothing distribution centers, medical clinics and hospitals, and vocational training schools throughout the Near East to house and care for the survivors. Notably, the NER was successful in inspiring more than 1,000 American volunteers to leave their comfortable lives to travel across ocean and land to dedicate themselves to the relief effort. Many lost their lives in their pursuit to help their fellow man. But their legacy, and humanitarian calling, lives on.
Born in America, and led by the spirit of American philanthropy, the NER initiated “Golden Rule Sunday,” where people throughout the country were asked to serve in their homes the simple menu served to the children in NER orphanages and then contribute as generously as possible to the humanitarian work of the NER. This campaign eventually became an international objective, with over 50 countries taking part in the relief effort, as well as business, church, agricultural, commercial, fraternal, labor, educational, youth, and women’s associations. Golden Rule Sunday secured over 133 national endorsements from prominent organizations around the globe, representing more than 73 million Americans who donated food, money, and clothing for the Armenian orphans and refugees. Even today, the philanthropic message of NER survives, as people of all faiths and denominations recall the then-common household phrase recited to them by their parents, “Clean your plate, think of the starving Armenians.”
All segments of American society were mobilized into action. While government officials called upon the American people to heed the call of the NER, Armenian orphans were adopted by famous American families, include Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, Mrs. Oliver Harriman (widow of President Warren Harding), and Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt (American womens’ suffrage leader). NER enlisted the star power of celebrities such as child actor Jackie Coogan (later known as Uncle Fester of The Addams Family), who toured across the U.S. and Europe on a “Children’s Crusade,” and with the help of The Scouts of Los Angeles and other children’s organizations, raised more than $1 million in clothing, food, and other contributions. A massive NER advertising campaign was initiated throughout the country. Integral to the campaign was NER’s iconic posters, created by leading artists of the day that dramatically depicted damsels in distress. Artistic, strategic, and calculated, the NER posters appealed to the nation’s core moral, national and Christian values. Indeed, the NER appeal was a story of love and of compassion.
Many of our parents and grandparents have passed down stories of what life in an NER orphanage was like. We have heard the names of guardian angels such as Maria Jacobson and Papa Jakob Kunzler – selfless individuals who dedicated their lives to the orphans. There is no shortage of NER orphanages that provided a second chance to our people, ranging from locations in Lebanon (Bird’s Nest in Byblos, Ghazir, Antoura, Tripoli, Junieh, Sidon), to Syria (Alexandretta, Hama, Homs, Aleppo), to Iraq (Mosul, Baghdad, Bakuba), to Palestine (Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem), to Egypt (Port Said and Cairo), to Greece, to Armenia (Alexandropol/Gyumri), and Turkey, to name a few. Our ancestors were recipients of the generosity and philanthropy of the NER. That says something. It means that had it not been for the love and compassion of Americans and the work of the NER, many of us today would not be here to lead the blessed lives we do. Furthermore, we would not have had the chance to give thanks to the organization that gave so much to us personally and collectively as a people.
It is precisely for this reason that earlier this year, and in anticipation of the Genocide Centennial, the ANCA WR launched the “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” committee, which has and will continue to organize commemorative events throughout 2015 to honor the legacy of the NER. The various initiatives of the committee, in collaboration with the Near East Relief Historical Society, will aim to give thanks to the American people for their ultimate act of humanity. Needless to say, the legacy of NER is not merely a part of Armenian history, but also a significant part of American history.
NER’s acts of charity ought to remind America and the international community of the humanity and compassion America demonstrated towards the Armenians at the turn of the last century. More significantly, honoring the legacy of the NER should serve as a catalyst for collective reawakening to again advocate for and practice acts of compassion towards the Armenian and other minorities being victimized throughout the world today.
America, we thank you! NER, we thank you!
*Accepting the honor on behalf of the Near East Foundation will be Shant Mardirossian, Chairman of the Near East Foundation based in New York. He will be accompanied by President of the Near East Foundation, Charlie Benjamin.
David M. Balabanian, Esq. to be Honored with Advocate for Justice Award at Annual Gala Banquet
The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced that attorney David M. Balabanian, Esq. will be honored with the ANCA-WR Advocate for Justice Award at its Annual Gala Banquet on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Balabanian has selflessly dedicated time to advocating Armenian American rights and has been a leading voice in advancing the Cause. His work is a testament to the power and efficacy of the Armenian American grassroots movement and demonstrates its expansive reach from our local community centers and neighborhood councils, to the halls of the United States Congress and judicial court system for the pursuit of Genocide recognition and beyond.
“Balabanian is a street fighter in the courtroom and for the Cause and a model example of a true Hye Tad soldier,” said ANCA-WR Board Member Raffi Kassabian, Esq. “Balabanian’s work in helping to shape the blueprint for reparations is a tangible reminder that beyond recognition, our grassroots has, and will continue to, vigorously seek reparations for the wrongs that were perpetrated against the Armenian people during the Genocide.”
Balabanian was the first President of the Armenian Bar Association and a litigator with more than 40 years of experience handling complex, high-stakes commercial matters, including securities, energy and antitrust cases. He is currently a partner in the international law firm of Bingham McCutchen LLP, having previously served as Chair of the McCutchen firm. He also served as President of the Bar Association of San Francisco. David received his BA and LLB. degrees from Harvard, and a B.Phil. degree from Oxford which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar.
Balabanian has utilized his legal skills, resources and network to further advance issues of concern to the Armenian American community. This includes representing the ANCA, the Armenian Bar Association and other organizations in filing an amicus brief in the Movsesian/Arzoumanian Armenian Genocide-era life insurance case and successfully defending the Mt. Davidson cross in San Francisco from Turkish attempts to silence speech on the Armenian Genocide.
Martin Luther King, Jr. powerfully proclaimed that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Balabanian’s tireless commitment has led the Armenian American community one step closer to securing justice and is a testament to the work that lies ahead to secure recognition, reparations and restitution to further our Cause.
The 2014 ANCA WR Annual Gala Banquet will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The main event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. A three-course dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. with a powerful program and presentation of the awards.
This year’s honorees include, His Excellency Bako Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh), CA Senate President Pro Tempore Elect Kevin de Leon, Mr. Vahe Karapetian, the Near East Foundation, in honor of the efforts of the Near East Relief in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, David Balabanian, Esq., and ANCA Grassroots Stars from across the nation.
ANCA-WR to Bestow Vahe Karapetian with the Legacy Award at its 2014 Annual Gala Banquet
The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA WR) announced today that philanthropist, industrialist, entrepreneur and staunch supporter of the ANCA and the Armenian community in Armenia and the Diaspora, Vahe Karapetian will be honored with the ANCA-WR Legacy Award at its Annual Gala Banquet on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.VaheK
The ANCA WR Legacy Award is among the organization’s highest awards and is being granted to Mr. Karapetian for his decades of community service and support. “From the Homeland to the Diaspora and back, Vahe Karapetian is a true pillar of our community, creating a lifelong legacy and setting an example of dedication, service, selflessness and generosity. For all of this, he is more than deserving of the ANCA-WR Legacy Award,” said Steve Artinian, ANCA WR Board Member and Treasurer.
Vahe Karapetian was born in Lebanon in 1940. In 1946, he immigrated with his family to Armenia. He earned an engineering degree from Yerevan’s Polytechnic Institute.
Karapetian moved to the United States in 1968. In 1971, he created a catering truck that could be mass-produced. Subsequently he became a central figure in the design and manufacture of the now-ubiquitous catering truck. Today his company, Vahe Enterprises, Inc., is an industry leader that retails custom vehicles and runs a fleet of catering trucks.
For the past four decades, Karapetian has been a noted pan-Armenian philanthropist and community activist, supporting the founding of numerous community institutions, including churches and NGOs, as well as contributing to scores of infrastructure-development projects, in the diaspora, Armenia, and Artsakh alike.
Karapetian played a pivotal role in the construction of the St. Garabed Church and Alex Pilibos School in Hollywood. He supported the creation of the Armenian Chair at UCLA, and, in 2007, the Institute of Armenian Studies at USC, through the establishment of the Vahe Karapetian Family Endowment Fund.
He is also a major benefactor of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. He supported the establishment of the Goris-Stepanakert Highway-construction firm and continues to provide the highway’s yearly maintenance. In addition, he supported the construction of the Sos-Amaras and North-South highways and continues to contribute to the Fund’s annual Telethons. Today Karapetian is a major supporter of the Vardenis-Martakert Highway construction project.
In 1978, Karapetian was awarded the Prince of Cilicia Medal of Honor by His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II.
In 2005, he was honored by the government of Artsakh with the Grigor Lusavorich Medal.
In 2006, he became the first diaspora Armenian to receive the Consolidation of Cooperation Medal from Armenia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, in recognition of his valuable role in helping strengthen the Armenian state.
And in 2011, he became the 42nd individual since 1991 to receive the prestigious Medal of Honor of the Republic of Armenia.
Karapetian is a member of the Advisory Board of Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora, which has awarded him a Gold Medal for his contributions to the socio-economic development of Armenia and Artsakh, as well as his key role in the preservation of the Armenian identity in the diaspora and the development of far-reaching partnerships between the diaspora, Armenia, and Artsakh.
In 2014, Karapetian launched the AGBU Vahe Karapetian Center in Yerevan. The center functions as a residence hall for diaspora youths visiting Armenia, and a venue for cultural and social events designed to foster friendship and collaboration between young Armenians from throughout the world.
Karapetian has frequently been featured in the American news media and has hosted Batsahaytum, his own public-affairs television program.
The 2014 ANCA WR Annual Gala Banquet will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The main event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. A three-course dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. with a powerful program and presentation of the awards. Individuals interested in attending the Annual Gala Banquet are encouraged to purchase tickets online at www.ancawr.org/gala or call 818.533.8587. To obtain individual or corporate sponsorship information visit www.ancawr.org/gala/sponsorship or call (818) 500-1919. For up to the minute updates on the event like the ANCA Western Region Facebook page or visit ancawr.org.
The ANCA WR Gala Banquet represents the single largest annual gathering of Armenian American public policy leaders throughout the western United States, and is attended by over 1,000 prominent Members of Congress, state legislators and officials, community leaders, and many of the organization’s strongest activists and generous donors from California, Nevada, Arizona, and throughout the western United States.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.