A Commitment to Help U.S. economy postpones Athens, Greece convention

AHEPA to hold 2002 annual meeting in New York City

By Andrew Kaffes

WASHINGTON – The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association of Americans of Greek descent and Philhellenes, has postponed the 2002 Supreme Convention, scheduled for Athens, Greece, until 2003, announced Supreme President Andrew T. Banis.  According to the supreme president, the annual convention will be held in New York City, July 16-21, 2002, at the New York Hilton.  It has been 34 years since New York City hosted the event.

"We feel a strong commitment to help the United States in this time of need by supporting its economy," said Banis.  "In a confident and bold manner, our members have demonstrated their seriousness to meet their patriotic duty to our country by bringing the convention to New York City in an effort to assist the citizens and businesses of this great city."

According to Banis, the annual meeting is one of the largest gatherings of Hellenes in North America, averaging 3,000 participants from around the world, including Canada, Australia, Greece, and Cyprus.

"AHEPA, an organization founded by immigrants in pursuit of the American Dream, is proud to return and help the city that embraced this vision and welcomed our immigrant forefathers with open arms," he added.

According to Banis, the organization has officially notified the Government of Greece of the postponement. "In doing so, we made it clear that the decision to move the Athens meeting to 2003 in no way reflected on the confidence we have in Greece as a venue," said the president.  "Rather, having our meeting in the United States next year is an effort to show support for the travel and tourism industry, which is currently in need of such assistance."

"We are grateful for the Greek government's understanding and flexibility," said Banis.

In addition to holding the annual meeting in New York City, AHEPA will assist the economy of our nation's capital, also reeling from the events of September 11, by having its 35th Biennial Congressional Banquet, in Washington, D.C., March 25, 2002.  The gala affair averages 1,000 people, said Banis.  This year's theme is "We Honor America."

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with 521 chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia.  It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek-Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA has joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith to fight discrimination.

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 the AHEPA family, or any of its programs, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202.232.6300.  For instant information visit www.ahepa.org.