HARRISBURG, PA – AHEPA District #4's National Humanitarian Project for the year 2019-2020 was focused on another Service Dogs for Warriors project. District Marshal Dr. Michael Billys of Chapter #64 spearheaded this program which generated the $15,000 required to purchase and train the 44th service dog for a warrior for AHEPA.

Past District Governor Charles Mackenzie made this fundraising project a success in District #4 by challenging District Marshal Dr. Billys to spearhead the project.

AHEPA District #4 embarked on this mission of securing the 3rd consecutive service dog while Dr. Billys from Chapter #64 suggested honoring the memory of Chapter #64's recently departed brother John Sempeles who contributed to the highly successful fundraising efforts of Chapter #64 being the originator of the OPA CARDS fundraising program and the Food for the Needy program which generates funds for the disadvantaged.

AHEPA Chapter #64 Brother John Sempeles honoring Brother Nick G. Gekas with a Lifetime Achievement Certificate presented in 2018. (Photo by Nick Theofanis)

Sempeles also was instrumental in the AHEPA Chapter #64 philanthropic and charitable efforts to disburse these monies to the less fortunate in the surrounding communities of the greater Harrisburg area. Chapter #64 raised $6,000 of the $15,000 required and is very proud of their significant contribution. The District #4 goal again was to raise $15,000. This designated dog is to be named 'Uncle Buck' after the nickname of the late John Sempeles. This dog will be assigned to a veteran who suffers from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

The Chapter thanked the District #4 Chapters and individuals who donated to this cause for fulfilling a veteran’s prayers of recovering from this disorder with the companionship of a service dog. With 22 veterans a day committing suicide, the Ahepans felt the need to contribute to this vital cause. Dr. Billys announced that the goal was met and applauded all those chapters and individuals of District #4 who participated in this project at the 88th District Convention which was held online on June 20.

The late John Sempeles at an AHEPA meeting. (Photo by Dr. Michael Billys)

Chapter #64 Donors: Haralambos Arahovas, Dr. Michael C. Billys, David Bobb, Sam Boutselis, LTC Vasileios Bouzidis, Hon. John F. Cherry, Dr. Zissis Chroneos, Theodore Giovanis, Bernadette Hart, William Kaldes,Gus Kokos, Cleon Kordistos, Nick Mallos II, Constantine Mantis, Charles Mackenzie, Christ Megoulas, John Mesogitis, Gregory Nielsen, Pete Paturzo, Brian Petrides, Susan-Chris & Ellie Sempeles, Constantine Sgagias, Eric Solomon, James G. Stamos, Gregory Touloumes, Hao Troung, Dimitri Zozos, and Hon. George Zozos.

AHEPA District #4 Donors: Harrisburg Chapter #64 ($6,000),Allentown Chapter #60 ($4,100), Beaver Valley #400 ($1,200), District #4 ($1,000),Valley Forge #432 ($650), Chester-Delco Chapter #79 ($650), Chester County #484 ($500), and Reading Chapter #61 ($120).