AHEPA member and President of the Holly Cross Parish in Whitestone, Mr. John Delagrammatikas was also honored, as was Nick Manekas for his life time work in the community. It was only fitting that proceeds from the event were donated mainly to the building fund of the Church. However, over the years, the chapter has contributed to many worthwhile causes, such as the Ronald McDonald House of New York, St. Basil’s Academy, St. Michael’s Home for the Aged, Freedom for Cyprus, YASA, HANAC, the Ahepa District Christmas Party, the Federation of Hellenic Charities, the Greek Independence Day Parade, the Hellenic Society of Constantinople and other causes near and dear to the Greek community.

Both, State Senator Frank Padavan and Councilman Dan Halloran were present and saluted the event. They were joined by Republican Party Chairman Phil Ragusa, New York City Council candidate Vince Tabone and Republican Party organizer Kimon Thermos.

Ted Stamas, President of the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter, opened the event and welcomed the participants. He also introduced Comptroller George Maragos who in turn thanked everybody and promised to work even harder to ensure that their money as taxpayers will be properly applied, making every effort to curtail on waste and mismanagement. He then went through a general overview of the US and New York economy, indicating that much need to be done in order for the country and state to get back on track by producing more wealth and real development.

For President Theodore A. Stamas (Stamboulidis), there is another reason that makes his involvement in the organization so special. “Our Chapter was founded by my late father, Andreas Stamboulidis 29 years ago,” he explained in an interview with NEO. “He had been a longstanding member and for several years was the President of the Hermes Chapter 186. He was also elected Supreme Governor of the national organization. Shortly after his death in early 2000, in order to honor him, the national organization of AHEPA renamed our Chapter the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter of Whitestone, New York.”

Since its inception, the Chapter has contributed tremendously to the financial well being of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone and to the physical and spiritual well being of its members. “We have done over $250,000 in monetary contributions to our church for its building fund and the building fund of our community center,” says Stamas. “Our members have also worked on the parish council and in other capacities. Our local Chapter has awarded approximately $12,000 in scholarships to students graduating from our afternoon Greek school.”

He also went ahead to especially thank members Mike Katsandonis and Petros Ragoussis for helping organizing the successful event.

DEMETRIOS RHOMPOTIS