Pan Arcadian General Hospital of Tripoli “Evangelistria”

The future of Greece depends on the health of her people.Your contribution to the Pan Arcadian Hospital is your investment in the future of Greece.

William G. Helis

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William G. Helis

William G. Helis was one of the first to contribute to the organization of Greek-Americans for the creation of the Pan-Arcadian Hospital of Tripoli. He was a multimillionaire and one of the main supporters of the American President Harry S. Truman. Along with the Skouras brothers he was one of the founding members of the Greek World Relief Association of America (GWRA). He was one of the first members of the Central Executive Committee and in 1946 he was elected National President. From this position he worked with zeal to gather and send to Greece financial aid of $ 12,000,000 in 1947. At the same time, with personal donations and as chairman of the Fundraising Committee he led the construction of the Pan-Arcadian Hospital of Tripolis.
William G. Helis was born on October 17, 1886 in Tropea, Arcadia. He immigrated to the USA in 1904. In 1908 he married his Dutch-born spouse, with whom he had three daughters and a son. He was one of the major AHEPA executives. In 1946 he was elected Vice President of AHEPA and in August 1947 at the Los Angeles Congress, he was elected High President of AHEPA. (1947-1949).

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His grandfather served as mayor of Tropea (Arcadia) for 32 years.

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William G. Helis & Harry S. Truman

(1918-1988)

March 29, 1948: President Harry S. Truman (second from right) accepts a gift (probably a membership card) from member of the Order of Ahepa, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. From left to right are: Chris Garrison, Secretary of the Kansas City chapter; Thomas Kapsemalis, President of the Kansas City chapter; President Truman; and William Helis, President of the Order of Ahepa. Hotel – Statler – Washington, D. C.

(Copyright holder: Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.)
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HISTORY OF THE HOSPITAL

The Pan-Arcadian Hospital of Tripolis was erected with funds of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America, and of the Greek World Relief Association of America (GWRA), a non-profit governmental organization active during the war period with the aim of aiding Greece, with William G. Helis being a member of its Board of Directors, as well as with the support of the Marshall Plan.

The hospital was built in accordance with “American standards”, since all its materials and equipment had been shipped from the United States as donations of Arcadians in the USA.With the financial support of the Greek-American Arcadians in the USA, the Pan Arcadian Hospital of Tripolis was built with 269 beds for the care of the Arcadian People.

In 1951, beds were allocated “for use” in the 411 Military Hospital.

In 1952, the Pan Arcadian Federation of America handed over the Pan-Arcadian Hospital of Tripolis under a contract, in exchange for a token rent, to the Ministry of Health.

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William G. Helis Jr

(1918-1988)

William G. Helis Jr., a Louisiana oil producer and sportsman, was the managing partner of the oil properties of his father, William G. Helis, an independent producer.
The younger William G. Helis Jr, whose father emigrated to the United States from Greece, maintained close ties to Greece throughout his life. He served as honorary consul here for the Royal Consulate of Greece from 1950 to 1968, and represented US President Lyndon Johnson at the marriage in Athens of King Constantine to Princess Anna-Marie of Denmark in 1964.
Among his civic and philanthropic activities were the Dimitris Mitropoulos Awards for young pianists, which William G. Helis Jr. founded. He helped send dozens of award winners through college and music schools.

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The History of the Pan Arcadian Hospital of Tripolis by the Pan Arcadia Federation of America with words and pictures.

Let's all work with solidarity and passion to alleviate misery and pain.

And when the erection of the Hospital in Tripoli is finished, the mouths of the ailing will mention with gratitude and affection the names of the pioneers and the contributors in general to this beautiful and humanitarian idea. (Demetrios Sofianos - Consul General of Greece in San Francisco)

Our immediate objective is the completion of the Tripolis Hospital, so solemnly voted upon by the previous conventions. It is a sacred obligation which must be fulfilled. So far, only a part of this undertaking has been completed. This work must be finished. Giving money alone will not suffice. Each one of us must become an apostle burning with a holy zeal for the completion of this hospital. No one should rest until the Tripolis Hospital becomes a functioning reality in 1948. The Tripolis Hospital is a deed worthy of great men. (Alexander D. Sioris - Supreme Vice President of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America)

It is with great pride that I announce that the Pan-Arcadian Hospital has been under construction since April 19, 1948. We must continue to raise funds until we have met our share of the cost of construction. (Peter N. Chumbris - Supreme President of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America)

The Pan Arcadian Hospital of Tripoli is already on the way of completion and soon this meritorious and beneficent Hospital of the Arcadians of America will be completed. We will send you the details soon. We are obliged to intensify our efforts and collect the rest of the money needed for the fruition of this project, and for this cause all Arcadians are obliged to try their best to support the Fundraiser. And with great joy we see that the future is shining bright and full of hope for the continuation and accomplishment of this great work. Lets all together with love and solidarity shout with one voice: GO ARCADIANS OF AMERICA. (Elias Christopoulos - Chairman of the Central Fundraising Committee)

Today the Pan Arcadian Federation is the most powerful local organization of Greeks Abroad. It first set the example to other unions of organizing to federations. And it first and alone made the decision to establish in Tripoli the, already being erected, Hospital, whose cost will exceed 2.400.000 $. Therefore Arcadians have the right to be proud about the until now brilliant action of their Organization, and in the future, look forward to its continuation with optimism. (Constantine Nicolopoulos - Regional Governor and founding member of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America)

We can now say that construction of the hospital in Tripolis is now under way. It is the duty of every Arcadian to give both financial and moral support in order that successful completion of our project may be realized. (N. A. Kandis - District Governor)