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Wellesley, MA Armenian Americans for Obama-Biden today thanked supporters and volunteers throughout the country who worked tirelessly to ensure victory President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden. Volunteers and contributors raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and made countless calls to fellow citizens in key swing states. An unprecedented amount of contributions were collected through Armenian Americans for Obama-Biden website, www.armenianamericansforobama.com, during the months prior to the election. We also thank all Armenian Armenian groups who worked tirelessly. Contributions ranged from $5.00 to $10,000. Armenian Americans throughout the United States used the internet as a means of contributing in a way never seen in past elections. Volunteers reached out to fellow citizens across the county, and in conjunction with Obama’s campaign strategy targeted Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Virginia. Armenian Americans for Obama-Biden was formed after a meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts in February of 2007 between then Senator Obama, and Carolyn Mugar, who is the President of the Armenian Assembly of America and Anthony Barsamian, who serves as the Assembly’s Public Affairs Chair. Mugar and Barsamian traveled to Ohio during the week leading up to the election where every Armenian American in the State was called and worked with Ohio Armenians to canvas and conduct voter protection. The effort was joined by Dr. Carolann and George Najarian, who have contributed greatly to Armenia and have worked closely with the Democratic Leadership throughout the country. Dr. Najarian travel to New Hampshire days prior to the election after phone banking from Cambridge. Julie Babayan, Jirair Ratevosian, Aram Aslanian and Hovhannes Vardanyan were key coordinators, organizing, phone banking and volunteering their time around busy graduate school and work schedules. Mark Momjian of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a classmate at Columbia with President-Elect Obama worked with activist in Pennsylvania. Roger Strauch from San Francisco who together with his wife Dr. Julie Kulhanjian, both of whom have many philanthropic endeavors in Armenia to assist those in need. Also, joining the leadership on the West Coast was Dr. Roger Ohannesian of the Armenia Eye Care Project. Dick Hapootlian, a former Democratic State Committee Chair and attorney from South Carolina was an early supporter of President-Elect Obama, working in South Carolina, during this crucial State primary and traveling with Obama to Virginia days prior to November 4th election. Sarah Morgenthau, great grand daughter of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau and a Washington, D.C. based attorney who is leader of Women for Obama worked with the group. Michael Kasparian, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention worked with his brother David to host President-elect Obama and Michelle Obama at their home in New Jersey. “Over the course of several months Armenian
Americans have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and worked
across the country to urge fellow citizens to vote for peace and
security,” stated Anthony Barsamian. “We are thrilled
with this successful effort to both raise funds and get out the
vote. Our community worked hard to bring about change in America
as never before.” |