Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

Happy New Year
And Many Thanks for a Great 2008!
Dear Brothers, Sisters, and friends of the AHEPA Family:

It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in 2008, waiting with excitement for the upcoming historic Supreme Convention in Greece. Indeed the Athens Supreme Convention was the crowing jewel event in 2008; however, we also made significant strides in areas of civic responsibility, education, and philanthropy. We met the goals of our public affairs agenda: passing Brumidi legislation, working to ensure Greece's path to Visa Waiver Program is a fair and level one, supporting funding for the Greek Service at Voice of America, among other initiatives. We witnessed the elevation of educational programs such as the Journey to Greece and AHEPAcademy. Furthermore, the selfless and benevolent acts of our members, whether it is raising funds for Cooley's Anemia or cancer research, or housing our nation's seniors, is always what lies at the heart of AHEPA's mission. And with the help of the Daughters, Sons, Maids, and Philhellenes, we were able achieve success in not just one, but all facets of our collective mission.

Again with your help, 2009 will prove to be even brighter for our Order. With your dedication, we will build our membership numbers. With your generosity, we can send more young people to Greece and enrich our scholarship programs. With your passion, we will be a steadfast voice for Greek Americans in Washington and throughout the globe. And with your Hellenic spirit, AHEPA will be the organization our immigrant Forbearers created it to be.

On behalf of the Supreme Lodge, AHEPA Headquarters and the entire AHEPA Family, may 2009 bring your family health, prosperity and love.