Order of AHEPA
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
NEWS RELEASE
May 1, 2002

George N. Dussias
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0977-941-552

AHEPA Family Donates Ambulance to
Evangelismos Hospital

Athens suffered the devastating effects of a 6.9 Richter earthquake on September 7, 1999. The damage was extensive throughout the Athens and Attica region. During the aftermath of this disaster the remarkable efforts of the various rescue teams was put to the test. Many lives were saved due to the rapid and dedicated efforts of the rescuers. Many local individuals, organizations and corporations as well as the government provided immediate financial support to the victims to help minimize their suffering.

In the United States and Canada the Greek-American Community responded as well. AHEPA's then Supreme President George Dariotis immediately after the earthquake called on all AHEPA Family members in the United States and Canada to raise $100,000 by November 1999 to help the victims. The Omogenia acted quickly to help their Motherland. Eventually over $220,000 was raised and in order to properly control the funds, a separate account was established with the Hellenic Red Cross in Athens. AHEPA then created an oversight committee composed of local AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope members headed by Athens HJ-1 Chapter President Panos Liatsos.

On Thursday, May 9, 2002 at 18:00 hours AHEPA Supreme President Andy Banis will be in visiting Athens from the United States to present the keys to a new Mercedes-Benz ambulance to the Evangelismos Hospital. Ahepa has supported Evangelismos Hospital since the 1950's with the original donation to build the "AHEPA Wing" Building. Over the years AHEPA has raised millions of dollars to help build and support medical facilities in Greece.

Actions speak louder than words and for 80 years, since 1922, AHEPA has been an organization that produces RESULTS! With over 50,000 members, all volunteers, the AHEPA Family of Omogenia Greeks has always risen to the task of helping our fellow man. Since it was determined that the government and local businesses had filled the needs of the victims, AHEPA looked at where it could best utilize its donation of 84,000,000 drachmas.

The first commitment made were to contribute 40,000,000 Drs towards the construction of a children's day-care center in Menidi the hardest hit area. This project is currently under construction and will be completed within the year.

Another gap was then determined to be the lack of sonar detection equipment to locate trapped persons in the rubble. After extensive research by the local committee the best and most high tech equipment was purchased and donated to the Hellenic Red Cross. This sonar equipment is now based in Patra with the HRC emergency response and rescue team. "Although we hope this equipment will never need to be utilized, it is hoped that this sonar will help save many lives", according to AHEPA Supreme President Andy Banis

Six months ago on December 14, 2001 AHEPA Supreme President Andy Banis, Chairman of the Board Steve Betzelos, President of AHEPA Canada Xenofon Skoufaras and Board member Frank Manios traveled to Athens and presented the keys to a personnel passenger mini-van to the Hellenic Red Cross. Once again it was determined that there was a need to transport emergency rescue teams and equipment rapidly to the disaster areas. After extensive research of the various types of vehicles and needs specified by the HRC the local committee presented the Board with the best possible choice. The Mercedes Minivan capable of carrying 7 passengers and some equipment was purchased and donated to the HRC to help save lives.
The local AHEPA Athens HJ-1 and Hellas District 25 committee members included, Panos Liatsos, George Dussias, Anthony Tsouyopoulos-Gremos, Jenny Diamantis and George Costas.

AHEPA is the largest Greek American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith to fight discrimination

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Hellas District 25 includes five AHEPA Chapters: Athens HJ-1, Glyfada HJ-2, Alexander the Great - Thessaloniki HJ-3, Cyprus HJ-4 and Zakynthos HJ-5 with a total of over 400 members. The Daughters of Penelope chapters include: Karyatides 271, (Athens), Hesperus 359, (Athens), Vergina 383,(Veria), Olympiades 393, (Thessaloniki) and Alasia 404, (Cyprus) with a total of over 350 members.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ideals of Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence.

The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena.
For more information about AHEPA, or how to join the AHEPA family, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202/232-6300. For instant information visit www.ahepa.org.