AHEPA Bergen Knights Chapter #285 - Charitable Giving
Charitable Giving & Fund Raising Activities of the Bergen Knights
The Bergen Knights have supported a multitude of charitable organizations and foundations. Most recently, our chapter has supported:
- Fund more than 1,000 cutting-edge research projects at nearly 150 institutions.
- Create a travel program to help support families of children receiving treatment and develop resources, such as our SuperSibs! program to help people everywhere affected by childhood cancer.
Alex's Lemonade Stand for Childhood Cancer Research
The vision of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is a cure for all children with cancer. The mission of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is To change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.
Since 2000, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation have raised more than $200 million. That money has helped to:
The foundation believes that every person can make a difference. Together, we can bring about a cure. Please join us by donating today.
AHEPA 5th District Cancer Research Foundation
The mission of the Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. is to facilitate fundraising and to award grants to scientists and medical research institutions whose primary goal is to find a cure for cancer.
The Foundation volunteers began their fundraising efforts in March of 1989. Armed with collection canisters thus inaugurated the humble beginnings of collecting donations to provide funding for cancer research.
The Foundation presented its first grant award in the Fall of 1990 to Fox Chase Cancer Center in the amount of $5,000.
Through the generosity and support of individuals and the expansion of several new fundraising events, the Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation has significantly increased its financial support one hundred fold. As of 2019, the Foundation has been honored and privileged to award over $1 Million to the men and women who diligently work towards a cure for cancer.
Canister Program
The Foundation volunteers began their fundraising efforts in March of 1989. Armed with collection canisters thus inaugurated the humble beginnings of collecting donations to provide funding for cancer research. Many canisters may be seen throughout New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware in diners, restaurants, local businesses and professional offices.
If you would like to participate click here more information and the Foundation's Canister Program
AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors
Many Veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Veterans suffer from the sights, sounds and memories of the horrors of war. They carry this home with them and depression and suicidal thoughts are common.According to the Department of Defense, 1 in 5 veterans suffer from PTSD, and 1 in 6 will attempt or have suicidal tendencies.
The AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors program matches veterans with specially trained service dogs to help mitigate and assist them in their path to recovery and management of their disabilities; as well as, provide the veteran with the companionship and therapeutic qualities of a specially trained service dog that was rescued from a dog pound. Saving a life of a dog to save the life of a veteran at a cost of $15,000; at no cost to the veteran.
To date the AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors program has raised $540,000 for 34 service dogs.
AHEPA Scholarships & National Educational Foundation
Several million dollars have been allotted and donated to students around the United States by AHEPA.
Scholarships are awarded at the chapter, district and national level. AHEPA Bergen Knights Chapter awards merit-based scholarships to graduating high school seniors who will attend an accredited College or University.
In addition, our chapter-sponsored teams participate in the annual regional and national Hellenic History Tournaments.
Our chapter-sponsored teams compete in a friendly Jeopardy-style contest to test their knowledge of ancient and modern Greek history.
The Hellenic History Tournament is an educational competition for students who want to learn about 3,500 years of Greek History. The tournament is open to students in grades 8-12 at the time of the competition. There are no additional requirements to compete. The winning team is awarded a $3,000 scholarship prize ($1,000/student) and the second place team is awarded a $1,500 scholarship prize ($500/student). The top two teams qualify for the National Rounds at the Supreme Convention, where there will be an additional $10,000 in scholarship prize money awarded.
Students form their own 3-member teams, select a team name, and elect a team captain. Each team member in required to fill out the registration form and pay the $35 registration fee by the registration deadline. In return, each contestant receives a copy of "Hellenika, Heritage and History"”" by T. Peter Limber, the book used as the basis for most of the competition questions.
The tournament takes place during a single Saturday in the spring. All contestants receive a certificate of participation before the competition starts. The competition has two preliminary rounds with teams competing in simultaneous matches. During a match, questions are asked in an exciting TV quiz show environment that keeps the audience aware and involved. Friends and family members of contestants are welcome to watch. The team that correctly answers the most of the 24 questions is the winner of the match. The top teams advance to the knock-out rounds where the winning teams in each round advance to the next round and the losing teams are eliminated. The process continues until the final match between the last two remaining teams.
Our chapter-sponsored teams have worked hard to fair well in the regional AHEPA Hellenic History Tournaments. In 2020, our chapter-sponsored teams swept the regional tournament by taking the top 3 spots.
AHEPA's National Education Foundation offers a variety of student and professional development programs.
The Hellenic Relief Foundation, Inc. is incorporated in the State of New York as a non-profit philanthropic entity with a mission of providing support for the Greek population, suffering during the present economic crisis, by addressing needs in health and nutrition. The Foundation is the initiative of Americans of Hellenic descent who wish to address Greek needs in health and nutrition.
Hellenic Public Radio - COSMOS FM
Hellenic Public Radio - COSMOS FM (HPR) broadcasts under the aegis of the Greek American Educational Public Information System, Inc. (GAEPIS) - a not-for-profit media, educational organization. GAEPIS is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Hellenic heritage in the United States via the media of mass communication.
GAEPIS was founded in 1987 to meet the needs of Hellenic Americans, serving the Hellenic-American community in all its diversity.
By providing quality coverage of issues and informative and educational programs in both English and Greek, GAEPIS seeks to address the needs of recent immigrants from Greece and Cyprus, Americans of Hellenic descent and Philhellenes.
Hellenic Public Radio – COSMOS FM is the only daily, bilingual non-commercial Greek radio program in the New York Metropolitan Area.
AHEPA Bergen Knights Chapter #285 is a 501(c)(10) tax-exempt organization. As such, donations to AHEPA Bergen Knights are tax-deductible.
Our History
Since our founding in Hackensack on August 27, 1931, the AHEPA Bergen Knights' has focused on philanthropic endeavors contributing both locally in Bergen County, New Jersey and around the world. Today, our chapter is based in Tenafly, New Jersey but our history of commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism has not changed.
Our Charities
The AHEPA Bergen Knights have supported a multitude of charitable organizations and foundations both locally in Bergen County and around the world. Most recently, our chapter has supported Alex's Lemonade Stand for Childhood Cancer Research, AHEPA 5th District Cancer Research Foundation & AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors.
Our Sponsors
The AHEPA Bergen Knights have served philanthropic interests for over 85 years. We plan a variety of professional events to promote your business and support our charitable causes. With you by our side, we're sure to achieve our fundraising goals. If interested in being an event sponsor, please reach out to us. We can't wait to hear back!