google-site-verification=K1K4y8-VvI3xQkjvqlKoJzLn0LPxRgcx-l9ExsfDCeU How Friends of Cyprus Was Formed | FriendsOfCyprusUSA
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How Friends of Cyprus was Formed

Why a Friends of Cyprus Association?

“Friends of Cyprus” formalizes an already existing group of persons connected with Cyprus by ethnic affiliation or by interest in and support of the rich cultural heritage of the island. The group, in conjunction with the Honorary Consulate of Cyprus, Atlanta, has organized activities featuring Cypriot culture and its relevance to the American community; for example, in 2017, a shadow puppet show, Karagiozis, at the Atlanta Puppetry Arts Center, and the first ever Atlanta—Cyprus Tour.

The Original Board and the First Executive Committee

Friends of Cyprus, now formally registered with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, was founded by Honorary Consul Polyxeni Potter. Demetri Mazacoufa is the Association’s invaluable Legal Counsel. The Association had its first Board meeting on January 27, 2018. The Association’s Original Board Members were Maria Ioannou Alberts, Mary Brown, Anna Lerios, Stella Michael-Makri, Chris Michaels, Leo Modenos, Polyxeni Potter, Sotira Yiacoumi.

The first Executive Committee was appointed by the Board as follows:

Maria Ioannou Alberts – President

Mary Brown – Treasurer

Stella Michael-Makri – Secretary

 

Meet the 2023 Board and Executive Committee

The 2023 Board Members are Elena Antoniadou, Marianna Constantinou, Beatrice ("Beatie") Divine, Eva Kitromelides, Panayiotis Michael, Olympia Papageorgiou, Polyxeni Potter, David Rodriguez, Phivi Spyridonos.

The 2023 Executive Committee consists of:

Panayiotis Michael – President

Marianna Constantinou – Treasurer

Beatrice Divine – Secretary

Call for Membership and Tax Deductible Donations

There are several levels of membership including a student membership of $15. Initial Membership fees were used to start a Friends of Cyprus Bank account on February 22, 2018. We encourage you to become a member and renew your membership annually so that we can continue to support programs that are of interest to our members.

 

Make Friends of Cyprus your favorite charity

Friends of Cyprus is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Tax deductible donations help Friends of Cyprus strengthen its status as a viable organization and support its mission of cultural and educational exchange between Cyprus and United States. Friends of Cyprus is also listed on Amazon Smile as a charitable organization. You can contribute to Friends of Cyprus simply by doing your online shopping through Amazon.

 

Become a Member today – Why should you join?
  • Show your support for Cyprus

  • Sponsor and organize Annual Event with Cyprus Cultural program.

  • Create Cyprus Lecture Series in collaboration with local academic institutions.

  • Form student outreach and hospitality program.

  • Promote student exchange programs between Cyprus and the United States.

  • Increase Cyprus visibility and profile within the Greek community and within the broader Atlanta community to enrich international understanding and good will.

  • Sponsor, conduct, and manage historical, cultural, environmental, philanthropic, religious, and educational programs featuring Cyprus in the United States.

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