APPLAUSE FOR THE PEOPLE FROM THE PEOPLE
By Lara Garibian
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Jun 5, 2009
On May 31, thousands of Armenian-Americans were glued to their
television sets watching as the ANCA Endowment Fund held its
fundraising Telethon.
The telethon, filmed live at the Horizon Armenian Television
Studios in Hollywood, California, attracted hundreds of volunteers
who gathered to help put on an exciting show that would present the
great contributions and talents of the Armenian people. The six hour
program showcased all the hard work that has positively affected the
lives of so many who have gone through the ANCA’s Capitol Gateway
and internship programs or who have been educated about the Armenian
Genocide and other issues important to our nation. That last point
was definitely not lost on the audience. Thousands of Armenians from
all over the country called in to pledge money for a cause in which
they deeply believe, giving all of the volunteers who work with and
for the ANCA Endowment Fund a chance to hear back from the people.
There was a very loud and distinct expression of gratitude that hit
in a wave of six hours. Just the fact that the ANCA Endowment Fund
was able to raise nearly $2.6 million in such a depressed economy is
proof enough of what an impact it is making within Armenian communities
across the country.
ANCA activist and volunteer Aida Dimedjian said, "I had an older
couple call in and say they are on social security income, but would
like to contribute and wished they could do more. It was touching
to see how our elderly were willing to donate such a large portion
of their income. I was additionally touched by all the people who
thanked us for our hard work. When your community stands behind you,
it empowers you to do more." Activists and volunteers were so dedicated
to making this years telethon such a success that they flew in from all
over the country, like activist Stephanie Mesrobian who flew in from
Rhode Island, to help in anyway they could to make a difference. The
dedication shined through each and every one of the people who were
in the studio that day.
Working the phones myself, I got to speak to so many people with
such incredible stories. One woman, Araxi Minassian, spent nearly ten
minutes telling me how many of her family members were massacred by
the Turks and how even at 80 years old, her pride for the hard work she
saw being presented was enough to make her feel a sense of satisfaction
that she so needed after having such a tragic family history.
Lisa Sarkissian, from Meadow View, Illinois, had gathered and
collected over 25 individual donations and decided to call in all of
them as her community gathered at a local Armenian church and watched
the telethon together. Her devotion to helping the ANCA as much as
possible was a clear indication of how strongly she believes in what
the organization stands for. There are countless other stories from
the telethon volunteers about callers who expressed their thanks for
all the incredible work that they do and who told them how proud of
them they are.
Arek Santikian said, "Overall, I thought that the audience was
amazing. I believe we almost matched the same amount as we did at for
the last telethon, and we did that in a horrible economic climate. This
shows that the number of our supporters has probably even grown since
last time, and that our work and message are becoming very effective
within the Diaspora. It is important to note that the ANCA Endowment
Fund Telethon is broadcast only in the US, even though there was a
very large donation from Argentina. My point is that given the fact
that this Telethon doesn’t reach out to the entire Trans-continental
Armenian community, we are doing very well. Also, with such personable
and impressive personalities, such as Aram Hamparian and Ken Hachikian,
the ANCA has done very well in attracting a large audience."
Aside from the $2.6 million, the greatest reward was the joy in the
heart of every Armenian who chose to contribute to continue a legacy,
a legend, and an important Cause. But most gratifying of all is the
fact that our community operates almost entirely through the grass
roots activism of volunteers who comprise our army, and it is through
their various contributions of monetary donations, time, expertise,
and sheer dedication , that our goals will be achieved.