NEW YORK, NY –
As the new year begins, Pancretan Association of America (PAA) President Diane Kounalakis—together with the PAA Philanthropic Committee and Chair Bianca Nicole Pigounakis—announces the Association’s 2025 philanthropic commitments, reaffirming its dedication to supporting communities across Crete and the United States.
In a recent statement, the PAA notes that its charitable work reflects deep gratitude to its donors and a shared belief in uplifting institutions and initiatives that protect human dignity and improve quality of life.
Since August 2025, the PAA has contributed $120,000 to organizations serving all four regions of Crete, as well as to meaningful causes throughout the United States. These donations have strengthened healthcare, social welfare programs, and community services—creating lasting impact both in the ancestral homeland and within the broader diaspora.
A major milestone this past year was the Association’s partnership with the Region of Crete to establish the island’s first Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMUs) at PAGNI Hospital in Iraklion. Completed in July 2025, this groundbreaking project significantly expands diagnostic and treatment capabilities for epilepsy patients. The initiative raised an additional $65,000 specifically for the EMUs, with matching funds from the Region of Crete, ensuring the project remained on schedule and within budget.
Looking forward, the PAA is launching an urgent new campaign to raise $75,000 in support of mental health and elder care—an effort driven by growing concern for Crete’s seniors and families affected by dementia.
The funds will support the relocation of the Alzheimer’s Day Center to a facility owned by the Holy Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas, adjacent to the General Hospital of Chania. This campaign will help ensure the new space is fully renovated and ready for immediate use.
The Association is also honored to work closely with the philanthropic organization “Synanthropos” (Συνάνθρωπος), led by Mr. Sifis Hiotakis. His team’s dedicated network of local volunteers and supporters is instrumental in advancing this initiative. Their collaboration reflects the unity, compassion, and shared purpose that define Cretan heritage and the global Cretan community.
Through continued philanthropy and partnership, the Pancretan Association of America remains committed to building a lasting legacy of care—both for Crete and for generations to come.
PAA Philanthropic Donations for Crete and the United States
Donations for 2025 totaled more than $120,000, contributed by the Pancretan Association of America, its members, and its friends.
Crete – Regional Beneficiaries
Halepa Nursing Facility – 24/7 elder care facility. Purchased five new medical beds.
PAMEA – 24/7 facility for elderly and physically challenged individuals. Purchased five new medical beds.
Splantzia Food Kitchen – Provides free meals to over 150 people in Chania. Funds support operating expenses.
Prostasias Paidiou kai Neon – Boys orphanage. Funds support operating expenses.
KIFAP AMEA Megalohari – Daycare for autistic individuals of all ages, offering therapies, activities, and meals at no cost to families. Funds support operating expenses.
Orizontas – Provides free housing in Athens for children and families undergoing cancer treatment. Funds support operating expenses. This initiative was led by the PAA Women’s Executive Committee and PYA Youth.
KIFAAMEA – Daycare center for disabled individuals of all ages. Funds contributed toward building a new therapeutic swimming pool, in partnership with Synanthropos.
Agios Nektarios Idryma – Girls orphanage. Funds support operating expenses.
Metropolis of Rethymno and Avlopotamou, Theometer – Food kitchen and family support services. Funds support food and operating expenses.
Iera Mitropoli Lampis, Syvritou & Sfakion at Foufoura – Food kitchen providing two meals daily to over 100 people in need. Funds support construction of a butcher kitchen.
H Parea Tis Agapis – Supports PAGNI pediatric cancer patients. Funds support daily operations.
Paratima Prostasias Paidiou Papaik Tombias – 24/7 living facility for disabled individuals. PAA rents a nearby home for five children to support schooling and home‑life stability, covering rent and utilities.
Panagia Kaliviani – Elder care facility that also supports students and families facing financial hardship. Funds support operating expenses. PYA Youth are conducting an additional campaign to raise $15,000 by summer 2026.
Prostasias Paidiou kai Neon Lasithiou – Boys orphanage in Neapolis serving 15–20 children whose families face financial challenges. Funds will purchase a new washing machine and support daily operations.
Philanthropicos Syllogos Samaritís – Assists families facing financial hardship with rent, utilities, medical needs, tuition, and more. Funds support operating expenses.
United States Beneficiary
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Houston, Texas Funds raised by the PAA and its chapters provided housing assistance for a cancer patient from Crete undergoing treatment.
In addition, the PAA raised an additional $65,000 for two new Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMUs) at PAGNI Hospital in Heraklion, Crete. In partnership with the Region of Crete and Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis—who provided matching funds of $65,000—the project was completed on time and on budget.
