The Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece, Panagiotis Skandalakis, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Charles Ries, and the Greek Ambassador to the U.S., Alexandros Mallias, joined by AHEPA Supreme President, Gus James, will be in Atlanta on Monday, January 9, to present to the Habitat for Humanity a check of $85,000, as a symbolic gesture of solidarity of the Greek people to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The Katrina Relief Fund in Greece raised the money from two concerts held in Athens last October and November, and from individual donations.

President George W. Bush, during the White House presentation of credentials by the new Greek Ambassador, Alexandros Mallias, said on October 3:

“On behalf of the United States, I would like to thank the Greek government, as well as the noble and generous Greek people, for their prompt and warmhearted assistance to the people of the United States, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  As the old saying goes, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’.  Greeks have proven recently once again that they are friends indeed.”

At a luncheon hosted by AHEPA, the largest Greek-American organization, the check will be handed over to the Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta, as a contribution to the citizens of the Gulf States recovering from the devastating hurricane. (The Carter Presidential Center, The Cyprus Room, One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, January 9, at 12:00 noon). 

Noni Skandalakis, representing Greek NGO Panathinaiki and Yvette Jarvis, VP of the Friends of Habitat for Humanity, Athens and City Councilor of the municipality of Athens, Greece, who were involved in the fundraising effort, will also attend the presentation.

Source: Press Office of the Embassy of Greece

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