Philadelphia, PA – Traffic inside the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel in University City was at a standstill on Saturday night. The University campus hotel was the scene of AHEPAN’s from Districts 4 and 5 face to face all decked out. But instead of horns blowing, smiling faces and groups of AHEPANs in arms filled the room with no concern other than union.
For the first time in many years, the two districts (PA District 4 and NJ/DE District 5) had united in the city that says it all, Philadelphia. The city of brotherly love. It was truly a historic event that even, that also featured current and past history on display, sponsored by the Greek American Heritage Society of Philadelphia. Exhibits featuring the church laity and the visit of King George to Philadelphia were part of the displays that filled the lobby as AHEPANS mingled and shared photo ops.
Comedian, Basile, hosted the evening and shared the microphone with members of all four organizations and representatives of both the Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. One by one, they spoke about the historic event and their philanthropic projects that reach the world, while Basile interjected humor. Atlantis of Philadelphia united AHEPANs and members of the Maids and Sons of on the dance floor, where the Greek dancing took them through the evening.
Unity and pride was shared by AHEPAN’s at this historic event. Many expressed the thrill and excitement of having the two districts coming together this weekend and hoped that they would do it again, soon.
The AHEPA Supreme National Convention 2014 this year will be hosted in New Orleans, LA. The annual event is in its 92nd year.