Cretans host Giannoulias in New York


Since last March, when Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois State Treasurer, formed an exploratory committee in order to run for the US Senate, Greek-Americans from all over the country have rallied in his support, holding fundraisers and other events to help his candidacy. Cretans could not be an exception for the additional reason that his mother Anna, hails from the beautiful island of Crete.

Recently, the Cretan Society “Omonoia” of New York invited Alexis Giannoulias at the Cretan House for an informal dinner where members and friends could meet and talk to him. “Omonoia” President Charles Marangoudakis, speaking from his long experience as a political activist, stressed how important is for people to get involved in the political process by voting, supporting candidates and inspiring the younger generation to take the obligations of real citizenship very seriously. Along the same lines, Pancretan Association of America President Theodore Manousakis, President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, Dimitris Kalamaras, and State Assemblyman Mike Gianaris asked the people to actively participate in politics and support Greek Americans running for office or reelection.

Alexi Giannoulias, in his brief remarks spoke about his beginnings in politics, after he met a young community organizer named Barack Obama whom he befriended and became basketball buddies. It was Obama who encouraged him to run for office, despite his young age, and like him, he won. Now, it’s Alexi’s turn to inspire younger Greek Americans who have come to consider him a role model. On November 7 2006, running against all odds Alexi became the youngest State Treasurer in the nation, at the age of 30! Giannoulias grew up in Chicago, graduated cum laude from Boston University and earned a law degree from Tulane University’s School of Law in New Orleans. He founded and chairs the AG Foundation, a not-for-profit charity that donates money to treat child-related illnesses, curb poverty and assist disaster relief organizations.

©2009 NEOCORP MEDIA


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