On the morning of Friday, July 4th, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, ravaging the communities of Kerrville, Texas, and immediate neighbors. At least 121 people have been found dead since, according to local law enforcement, 36 of whom were children. There has not been a single survivor found since the initial day of the disaster. “This tragedy, as horrific as it is, could have been so much worse,” said Kerrville Officer Jonathan Lamb, signifying support for the emergency workers on the front lines.
AHEPA Supreme President, Savas Tsivicos, in support of those in need alongside courageous first responders, directed Supreme Vice President E. Chris Kaitson to present a check for $10,000 to the Grape Juice Restaurant in Kerrville. The Supreme President stated,” Since the inception of the AHEPA Emergency Fund in 2004, AHEPA has been involved in promoting and supporting efforts to assist communities when devastation strikes. AHEPA has coordinated over $1 million in food, clothing, and aid since the establishment of the AHEPA Emergency Fund.”
Currently, the restaurant is temporarily closed for commercial operations, instead opting to stock its shelves with complimentary personal and household supplies, which are subsequently delivered to victims and local residents in need.
Furthermore, the establishment has prepared and distributed breakfast and lunch to over 200 emergency personnel daily since the occurrence of the disaster.
The proprietors, Ms. Heidi Easton and Mr. Daric Easton, exemplify true pillars of support during these challenging times. Demonstrating our solidarity with such distinguished individuals remains a vital aspect of our mission at AHEPA.
Supreme Vice President Kaitson, a Texas native, organized a group of AHEPA members in Texas to join him in delivering the check, saying, “It is such a shame and such a tragedy. The sheer number of innocent lives lost over the past week deeply saddens me, and it is our responsibility as hellenes to do all that we can to help those in need in the greatest time of need.”
Thank you for your attention on this matter,
Savas C. Tsivicos
Supreme President