The very meaning of the word philanthropy is
rooted in the Hellenic ideal of "love of people." Therefore, it is a
natural for AHEPA to be the leading Greek-American organization of
philanthropic endeavors throughout the world.
Philanthropy has been a pillar of strength for AHEPA over its many
years of existence. AHEPA's deeds can be seen in the restoration of
the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; in the Halls of St. Basil's
Academy; in the building of our churches; and in the financial
contributions toward the research for cures of deadly diseases. Yet,
this only scratches the surface of the numerous philanthropic works
of the association. Briefly, consider the following few examples:
- AHEPA helped to defray the mortgages and
bills on many churches, including the St. Photios National Shrine
in St. Augustine, Florida, and continues to contribute over $1
million annually to Greek Orthodox Communities through our local
chapters.
- AHEPA amassed $162 million during the
United States' World War II war bond drive.
- Construction of the 400-bed AHEPA Wing to
Evangelismos Hospital in Athens and the AHEPA Hospital in
Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Construction of seven AHEPA Health Care
Centers in rural areas of Greece.
- Funding of the Dr. George Papanicolaou
Cancer Research Institute in Miami.
- Supporters of the "Plant Your Roots in
Greece" Program, the re-forestation of areas ravaged by fire.
- Sponsoring of teams from Greece attending
the International Special Olympics.
- Sponsoring nurse exchange programs between
hospitals in the United States and Greece.
- Worldwide relief for victims of natural
disasters.
- In addition, countless philanthropic
projects are undertaken every year by AHEPA's chapters and
districts, Projects such as the Greek Autism Project and the Greek
Children's Cancer Fund at Sloan-Kettering Hospital both originated
at the local levels. They have now become national projects.
AHEPA constantly seeks new philanthropic projects where it can
contribute its resources to the needs of our communities here and
abroad, The organization builds upon prior successes and uses them
as a catapult for future achievements.
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