AHEPA Raises Funds for Cyprus

By NEO Magazine on November 15, 2013

by Eleni Kostopoulos

Cyprus, while facing longstanding political challenges, was not immune to the effects of the Great Recession, and the country continues to struggle for economic stability. As such, the Order of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) hosted a successful fund-raising dinner dance at Terrace on the Park, in New York, to assist the poverty-stricken people of Cyprus.

From Left: Anthony Kouzounis (Supreme President of AHEPA), Mr. Demetrios Kaloidis, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to UN Nicholas Emiliou, Consul General of Cyprus in New York Koula Sophianou, Congressman Eliot Engel, Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, Ambassador of Cyprus to the US George Chacalli, Daughters of Penelope President Joanne Saltas and Philip Christopher, President of PSEKA

Though the number of attendees was sparse compared to previous events, AHEPA succeeded at gaining strong support from the community at-large and more than $300,000 were collected, thanks partly to a major pledge by Terrace on the Park owner Dimitrios Kaloidis. Guests included U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, George Chacalli, ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, as well as other dignitaries and community members of the tri-state area.

“As we are all aware, Cyprus has endured its own banking crisis that has impacted the people on the island,” AHEPA Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis told NEO magazine. “Just as with Greece, AHEPA stands by the people of Cyprus during a most difficult and challenging time, and offers its support. In this spirit, AHEPA hosted a benefit ‘kick-off’ event to help the AHEPA Charitable Foundation take a significant step toward reaching a goal of raising $50,000 for this cause. We view this event as a springboard to launch increased grassroots support from our chapters to help us reach our goal.”

Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis with Executive Director Basil Mossaidis and AHEPA personnel, PHOTOS: ETA PRESS

Mr. Kouzounis added that though political and financial turmoil remains in Cyprus, he remains hopeful there is light at the end of the tunnel for the challenged nation. “We unfortunately continue to witness Turkish intransigence that has made the resumption of negotiations intended for the fall difficult,” he said. “Obviously, the energy finds within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, and the agreements secured to work in cooperation with Israel and other nations, provide hope and optimism for Cyprus’ future, both politically and economically. After all, the exploitation of these hydrocarbon resources will benefit all Cypriots, but there is still a long road to travel to bring the energy finds to market.”

Philip Christopher, president of the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and chairman of the Terrace on the Park event called the fundraiser “symbolic” and one that reflects long-term philanthropic efforts for the people of Cyprus.

“I see a potentially bright future for Cyprus 10 years from now,” Mr. Christopher said. “The priorities for us include educating our US Congressmen to learn about the issues. We must continue to work to find a solution for getting Turkish troops to withdraw, and we must prioritize legitimate humanitarian and financial issues.”

Mr. Christopher added that Cyprus’ recent discovery of hydrocarbons within its exclusive economic zone can be a key factor in determining the financial direction the country takes within the next few years.

Supreme President of AHEPA, Mr. Anthony D. Kouzounis, Congressman Eliot Engel and President of PSEKA, Mr. Philip Christopher, PHOTOS: ETA PRESS

Recently, the appraisal drilling results for the “Aphrodite” gas field revealed natural gas volumes of 3.6 to 6 trillion cubic feet, with a gross mean of 5 trillion cubic feet. Though uncertainty remains regarding the status of the reserves, hope remains for the future of Cyprus, which currently holds an unemployment rate of more than 16.0% and still faces harsh recessionary conditions.

In the meantime, AHEPA will continue to execute the philanthropy and volunteerism that are large pieces of its overall mission. Most recently, a shipping container filled with $650,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment was shipped to Athens, Greece, after a donation of $17,000 was made to secure the shipping container to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). This fifth shipment of medical supplies AHEPA helped deliver to Greece in cooperation with the IOCC contributes to an overall total of $3.25 million in medical supplies that have been donated and delivered to hospitals throughout Greece.

Louis Arvanitis with his daughter Eleni, PHOTOS: ETA PRESS

Mr. Kouzounis noted he’s proud of the association’s continued efforts and the devoted members who selflessly dedicate their time and money to important charitable causes.

“AHEPA members pride themselves on taking a ‘roll-up your sleeves, can-do’ approach to tackling the challenges that face the community,” he said. “Whether it is raising funds to help deliver medical supplies to Greece, to our chapters supporting their local Meals-on-Wheels program or soup kitchens, to walking the halls of Congress or awarding scholarships, ‘Ahepans’ will rise to address and meet these challenges to the best of their abilities. In my travels, this work ethic, based on volunteerism, never ceases to amaze me.”

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