WASHINGTON, DC – On Saturday, January 3rd, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) held a successful kick off reception in downtown Boca Raton, Florida, reported the Assembly. Organized by the Assembly’s South Florida Regional Council (SFRC) Chair Carol Norigian, nearly one hundred members, friends and supporters gathered at the Waterstone Resort overlooking Lake Boca Raton to reconnect with friends in the New Year.

The reception featured remarks from Assembly Communications Director Taniel Koushakjian who discussed a range of topics on the upcoming Armenian Genocide centennial year, including Assembly activities such as the annual Assembly Meeting on March 13-15, 2015 in Boca Raton, FL at the Marriott in Town Center. Koushakjian also touched on the national centennial gathering in Washington, DC, May 7-9, 2015, in which the Assembly is also participating, along with a broad-based coalition of Armenian American organizations.

In support of these efforts, Koushakjian noted a special matching pledge of up to $500,000 announced by Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hirair Hovnanian on all new donations to the Armenian Assembly of America in 2015.

During his remarks, Koushakjian recognized Jim and Marta Batmasian for their sponsorship, Board Members Lu Ann Ohanian and Carolyn Mugar, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Haratunian, and local Rev. Fr. Paren Galstayan from St. David Armenian Church, who were all present. While enjoying the company of those gathered, guests were also entertained by the sounds of Joe Zeytoonian and Dick Barsamian who performed various Armenian songs.

“We are happy to see the Assembly’s increased activity in South Florida and invite all Armenian Americans to join us in Boca Raton on March 13-15, 2015 for some major events and announcements,” stated Assembly SFRC Chair Carol Norigian.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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NR: # 2015-001

Photo Caption 1 (L-R): Judy Khachadourian, Araksi Dinkjian, Onnik Dinkjian, Marta Batmasian, and Michael Haratunian.

Photo Caption 2 (L-R): Lu Ann Ohanian, Judy Khachadourian, Araksi Dinkjian, Onnik Dinkjian, and Carol Norigian.