Friends of Habitat for Humanity, Greater Athens

Stratigou Eindou 14

185 36 Piraeus , Greece

Tel: +30 (210) 418-2251

5 October, 2005

The Greek Alumni Associations of American Universities cordially invite you to an evening of Jazz and solidarity for the victims of hurricane Katrina. The event will take place at the University of Indianapolis Cultural Center, Markou Avriliou 5, Plaka (tel 210-3239908-9), on Wednesday October 19th at 7 pm.

 Hundreds of graduates of American Universities who live in Greece have visited New Orleans. All of us recognize the uniqueness of New Orleans, its culture, and its music. We felt the need to show our concern for the "Day After", we can by supporting Habitat for Humanity. 

Come and enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and the passion of people who care enough to share with those less fortunate. Learn about the Katrina survivors, see what they survived. Learn about an organization called Habitat for Humanity, what they do, and why they do it. Learn about the Greek organization, Friends of Habitat for Humanity Greater Athens, and their plans for helping Greek citizens in need.

Donation 20 euros

Participating Partners for this event include the Greek Alumni Associations of the following Colleges and Universities

Boston University o Columbia o Georgetown o Harvard o Indianapolis o Michigan o MIT o Northeastern o New York o Pennsylvania o Princeton o San Francisco o Stanford o Yale o Wharton

o Greek Alumni of American Universities Assoc

E-mail from Yvette Jarvis September 9, 2005

I have asked the Embassy and the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), most American institutions, Democrats and Republicans Abroad, the Retired Veterans Association, etc. here to mobilize and join with me to actualize an idea of mine to raise money to be specifically spent on affordable housing for the displaced victims of Katrina through Habitat for Humanity.

I thought the the NGO Friends of Habitat for Humanity Greece established last year here in Greece could initiate and coordinate this effort. After speaking to Connie Burke, Pres. and Ron Curry Pres Retired Vets Association, we decided to begin the process.

The Ambassador has agreed to help. Two former Ambassadors have agreed to help. Health Minister Kaklamanis, the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), and the Hellenic American Union (HAU) all offered any help we might need.

My idea was to have a big event or events to raise money but also to have individual organizations do something if possible in conjuction with the Gala. I have spoken to the BU Alumni assoc ( I was recently elected as vice pres.) and plan to reach other alumns here as well.

I think a telemarathon would be good as well. Ron and I thought the embassy could also audit the special bank account we set up so as to keep everyone's suspicions at a minimum.

We contacted HHUS in Atlanta and they sent the estimated cost of housing in a box (program) at between $75 and 80,000. They are grateful for our initiative and will help in anyway they can.

Monday September 12 at 5:30 we have our first organizational meeting at the U.S. Embassy to organize the event.

I think that a one time thing is not enough, so ideas are welcome as to how individual orgs can also do or team up with someone else to contribute too.

I'll let you know Monday's outcome. We'll need all the help we can get and the connections we all have pooled together.

Yvette