
History of the National Panamanian Friendship Reunion,
Inc.
Part 2.
Local associations organized events in Atlanta, GA (’92); Houston,
TX (’93); Virginia Beach, VA (’94), Washington D.C. (’95), Tampa
Bay, FL (’96); Rochester, NY (’97); and San Diego, CA (’98). Under
this new system, reunion participation increased dramatically, however,
there was little consistency in the quality of the event, and the
integrity of certain organizations was questionable. In 1999, in
an effort to maintain a consistent standard at reunion weekends,
NPFR decided to stop awarding the event to local organizations,
and the Board of Directors began planning and overseeing the 4th
of July weekend as in the past.
In addition, the National Panamanian Friendship Reunion, Inc.
became an official non-profit organization in 1999. A commitment
was made to assist Panamanians in the United States, Panama, and
abroad, through educational workshops, scholarships and other charitable
donations, funded through reunion revenue. Since that time, reunions
have been held in Charlotte, NC (‘99); Houston, TX (’00); Long Beach,
CA (’01); Fort Lauderdale, FL (’02); Brooklyn, NY (’03); Chicago,
IL (’04); San Diego, CA (’05); and Baltimore, MD (’06); and New
Orleans, LA (’07).
The National Panamanian Friendship Reunion, Inc. has changed significantly
over the past 22 years. We remain dedicated to using all reunion
proceeds to support the Panamanian community and bringing families
and friends together to reunite, network, and celebrate Panamanian
culture.
NPFR thanks you for your patronage and is deeply and sincerely
appreciative of your continued support.
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