In a moment, I am going to ask you to make a contribution to my campaign. I hope you give me a chance to explain why my Greek heritage is so important to me in Congress and how it influences my decisions, but if you are already with me, can you chip in right now?

My grandfather immigrated from Greece, and with the close relationship we had, I learned a great deal about the spirit of Hellenism from him. While I was helping around his restaurant, he would teach me the Greek alphabet and show me our culture's cuisine.

When I became an adult, I continued exploring my heritage. Visiting family members in Greece always gave me a better understanding of our world. Even as I walk the halls of Congress, I find ways of honoring and recognizing my heritage.

I was sworn in to Congress on my grandfather's Greek bible. I serve on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and I am a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus and the Greek-Israeli Caucus. This allows me to advocate on critical Mediterranean issues, like the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. I also had the privilege of representing President Obama at the opening of the magnificent Acropolis Museum in Athens and have met a number of times with His All Holiness Bartholomew.

John, I am proud of my Greek heritage, and I am proud to push for strong US-Greek relations in Congress.

This year, I am running for Congress in one of the most competitive districts in the entire country. I want to continue representing you in Congress, but I need your help. Can you please chip in $10 to my campaign so we can have the resources we need to win in November? As one of the only Greek Americans in Congress, I want to continue fighting for you.

Efharisto,

Dina