65

Parev,

I want to share with you an interesting number:

One that represents both proof of our progress and the promise of a better future.

That number is 65.

That's where we - the Armenian American community - stand in the Fortune 500.

Just ahead of Prudential and Fedex, and just behind Walt Disney and Pepsi.

My math shows that, with roughly 500,000 Armenian American households in the United States, each with approximately 1.5 income earners, that translates, given a conservative estimate of average income per person at $45,000, into total annual revenue of $33.4 billion, or 65th place on the listing of America's biggest corporations.

That's a lot of money.

And potentially a lot of power. A lot of respect. A lot of influence.

That's the kind of money that not only gets our community courted, but makes darn sure that we won't be crossed.

But only if we, as a community, commit ourselves financially - with only a small fraction of our wealth and income - to advocating for our views and advancing the Armenian Cause.

If you're reading this, you're very likely among those who already give generously of your time, your money, and your spirit. For this I say thank you. And I urge you to do your part to broaden the circle of givers to the Armenian Cause. To help friends and family understand that politics is not a spectator sport, especially not for Armenians, and not with the life and death challenges that Armenia is facing today.

With the ANCA Telethon coming up on May 31st, please keep the number 65 in mind, and remember that the difference between what Armenian Americans donate financially and what we are capable of donating would suffice to achieve nearly all our community's goals.