3rd July 2001 : “FRIENDS OF ONASSIS” letter to DOCK CRUISES

“FRIENDS OF ONASSIS”

ARMONIA HOTEL NIDRI 31100 LEFKADA GREECE

TEL: 0030 645 92751     FAX: 0030 645 92752

TO : DOCK CRUISES

ATT. : Mr. PAPADOPOULOS                                   Nidri, 3^rd July 2001.

            Dear Sirs,

The community here has been in debt to the Onassis legacy for highlighting the pristine beauty of the Ionian with his love affair of Scorpios, one of the Princes Islands the jewels which lie off the coast of Nidri.

The idea of honoring Onassis with a tribute has been discussed by the villagers of Nidri before but this is the first time words have been turned into action.

The Friends of Onassis was conceived in November year 2000, at present there are 100 members that is 100 families have unified in financially supporting the idea.

We rekindled the enthusiasm of Onassis within the community  and stimulated their participation to realize a focal point within the village culminating in the statue of Onassis.

Although local businesses have been the most significant contributors, there have also been donations from local farmers and manual workers. At times we the “Friends” founded difficult to accept such generous donations from families that we were aware could really hardly afford it, but so clearly demonstrating the feeling of the local people.

            Included is a copy of our theme, outlining in detail our aims. The details of which have been fulfilled. Please see enclosed article part of which was sent to the Times newspaper.

            The present status of our project is as follows: The bronze statue is now completed (total height including pedestal, is 4.1 meters) and in store here in Nidri.

Our plans are to have the unveiling during the first two weeks of September 2001, by Athina Roussel – Onassis.

            We have been informed by your representative Mrs. Roula Chalkiopoulou, who is also a member of our group, that your maiden voyage of the "Christina" in the area is planned for about the same time. Could the dates of our planned events coincide with a visit to Nidri by the "Christina"?

            Financial sponsoring is under way. At present our local Greek banks have shown a keen interest in supporting our movement. Several television companies have requested exclusive rights, and already the media has given prime time coverage of the event. We are currently planning a worldwide press conference in Athens kindly offered by the Mayor of Athens City.

As we have been informed by your representative, of your strong interest in participating, we would like to offer you the chance of being one of our major sponsors.

The unveiling of the statue will be a world wide event receiving coverage from all mass media, as it is the first time Onassis has been honored in such a way.

            We would appreciate an indication of your interest and the kind of financial commitment you would be able to make.

Any further suggestions by you will be gratefully appreciated.

We thank you for your interest and awaiting your reply.

Sincerely yours

Con Gazis                  Akis Kalyvas

Representatives of the “Friends of Onassis”