An organization dedicated to spreading positive values will sponsor an evening of food, drinks, networking and cigars to benefit a program that donates service dogs to military veterans.
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Chapter 517 will serve as the host to its seventh annual Cigar Night on May 9 at the Grand Marquis, 1550 Route 9, Old Bridge. The event will take place from 6:30 p.m.-10:30 and the minimum donation for admission is $145. Featured at the fundraiser are cigars, an open bar with liquor and wine, food stations, pastries and raffles and door prizes.
AHEPA is a national organization that was founded in 1922 and is involved in multiple causes. AHEPA Chapter 517 is based in Holmdel and was founded in 1995. The mission statement of the organization is to promote the “ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, integrity, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.”
The proceeds from the cigar night will be used to benefit AHEPA philanthropic endeavors, including Chapter 517’s Service Dogs for Warriors program, which donates service dogs to veterans.
According to George Karatzia, the AHEPA national chairman and a member of Chapter 517, each service dog costs $15,000.
Karatzia, a Marlboro resident and Vietnam War veteran who is also the senior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans Freehold Chapter 74, considers service dogs to be helpful toward veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. One in five veterans battles post traumatic stress disorder and one in six veterans will attempt or have suicidal tendencies, according to AHEPA Chapter 517. An average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
“Dogs help alleviate problems,” Karatzia said. “The dogs understand your emotions and feelings. The dogs wake you up and get veterans out of their nightmares, the movie that keeps playing in their heads. They help veterans get off their medications and get out in their world.”
AHEPA donated its first service dog to a veteran in Virginia in 2016 and the program has since become a national project.
Karatzia described the Cigar Night as a “guy’s night out” with the opportunity for guests to talk business with each other. Food offered will include lobster and roasted pig, along with the desserts, and the open bar will have Scotch tasting.
“Those behind the Cigar Night do a fantastic job,” Karatzia said. “It’s a great evening and it supports our fundraising. All the drinks are included with the donation and you get a great meal.”
Tickets can be purchased at ahepa517.org/events/Cigar-Night/index.htm.
Admission is limited to 325 seats.