Philadelphia, PA — The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region will be welcoming former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as a guest at the 7th Annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Philadelphia.

“I am happy to join in the effort to celebrate the 7th annual ANCA Eastern Region banquet, which has, for so many years, been the single most important fundraising event in the Eastern U.S. for Armenian issues,” the former governor stated.

Rendell held the position of governor from 2003 to 2011 and was the 45th governor of the state of Pennsylvania. Before serving as governor, Rendell was the mayor of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2000.

“We’re thrilled to have former Governor Rendell attend the banquet as our distinguished guest,” said Jim Kzirian, ANCA Eastern Region banquet co-chairman. “His accolades for this state speak for themselves and we are honored to have him as a supporter of the Armenian cause.”

Rendell is an army veteran who holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Villanova Law School. Before serving as mayor, he was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia for two terms from 1978 to 1985. Rendell also served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee during the 2000 presidential election.

He currently sits on several boards, is a Brookings Fellow and teaches government and politics courses at the University of Pennsylvania. Rendell recently finished his autobiography, “A Nation of Wusses,” which was released in June 2012.

Rendell served two terms as Governor of Pennsylvania and oversaw a budget of $28.3 billion as the chief executive of the nation’s 6th most populous state. His legislative agenda focused on common sense political reform and putting progress ahead of partisanship.

After 34 years of public service, including 24 years as an elected official, Governor Rendell continues to pursue many of the same issues he was passionate about while serving. He has become a champion for progress in alternative energy and is committed to making the U.S. a cleaner, more efficient place to live. Rendell now serves on the board of several green and alternative energy firms, including Own Energy, Element Partners and Ocean Thermal Energy. He has also remained heavily involved in the campaign for government efficiency and strategic cost cutting through his work with entities such as Government Sourcing Solutions, Public Financial Management and Greenhill Advisors.

The 7th annual ANCA Eastern Region banquet will welcome Governor Rendell as it honors critically-acclaimed author Chris Bohjalian with its ANCA Freedom Award and long-time Hai Tahd activist Zohrab Tazian with its Vahan Cardashian Award.

The banquet will begin with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner and awards ceremony at 8:00 pm. To purchase tickets or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.anca.org/erbanquet . For more information, please contact James Kzirian at (267) 767-0453.

The ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization that supports the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region in outreach to Armenian American communities.

Photo Caption: The ANCA Eastern Region welcomes former Governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell as a distinguished guest at the 2013 ANCA Eastern Region banquet in Philadelphia on Saturday, Oct. 12.