About Filipino-American Association of Northeast Georgia
FAANEGA was officially formed in August, 1987 by a group of Filipinos, including Americans who were related to Filipinos by marriage. The first set of elected officers were: Lorenzo Araque - President; Bert Gabor - Vice President; Lilia Melendez - Secretary; Fred Blevins - Treasurer; Bing Domingo, Mar Nieto and Ben Sado - Board members; and Gabriel Gador, Gil Javier and Emil Suero - Advisers. The initial members were: Manny and Gina Altares, Cora Aquino, Judy Araque, Perlita Blevins, Lorna Briones, Emily Butulan, Robert and Marivic Cagampan, Rudy and Elise Corpus, Ben and Tessie de la Cruz, Puring Daniels, Nick and Nattie Demesa, Sheila Domingo, Ruben and Lourdes Garcia, Ramon and Agnes de Guzman, Larry and Neneng Hilario, Eddie and Mirriam Hilario, Edwin and Raquel Hilario, Sherwin Lopez, Gigi Magsalin, Felipe and Gemma Musngi, Amy Nieto, Paquito and Nellie Pagsisihan, Mely Palad, Amy Sado, Gennie Suero, Emma Tumale, Tatang Tumale, and Steve and Dolores Weber.
The association continues to grow in terms of its membership and status in the community. Our membership is steadily increasing in spite of the passing of some of the founding members and the migration of others to other areas. We continue to gain visibility in the Athens-Clarke county area through our community services, i.e. serving hot meals to the guests of Athens Homeless Shelter, participating at Christmas parade, Relay for Life, and volunteering with Athens Habitat for Humanity build houses for low income families, etc.
On September 13, 2006, FAANEGA has been considered exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Under this code, we are further classified as a public charity organization.
Our team is made up entirely of volunteers. Anyone who is interested to help is always welcome to join us.
