Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias speaks at
Hellenic American Academy Banquet, Cretan Fraternity dance

January 23, 2007

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias praised Chicago-area community leaders for preserving Greek and Cretan cultures.

Giannoulias’ remarks came Jan. 20 during the Hellenic American Academy’s annual gala held at Rosewood Banquets in suburban Rosemont and the Cretan Fraternity of Chicago and Suburbs annual dinner dance at the Crystal Palace banquet hall in suburban Park Ridge.

Giannoulias praised the Hellenic organization for its importance to the community.

“I am very proud to be here tonight to celebrate the Hellenic American Academy,” he said. “The value of continuing a Greek education and maintaining Greek culture is extremely important to future generations of Greek Americans.”

At the Cretan Fraternity dinner dance, Giannoulias praised George Papadantonakis, fraternity president, for the society’s work in fostering and maintaining Cretan culture. Giannoulias also watched a performance by the organization’s youth dance troupe.

Through his office, Treasurer Giannoulias, whose parents immigrated to Chicago from Greece in 1962, offers the Bank At School education curriculum in the Greek language. The program teaches young children about banking, saving money and avoiding debt.

 
     
 
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