Under the High Patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America and with the spiritual blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, the National Philoptochos and the Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos presented the Tenth National Children's Medical Fund Luncheon on Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Dallas, Texas that proved to be one of the most successful luncheons to date.

Over 500 guests were moved by the inspiring words of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios; the compassionate message of National Philoptochos President, Mrs. Georgia Skeadas; the wonderful cultural program, and the charming guest speaker, Ms. Eleni Gage, who delighted the audience as she recalled her journey to rebuild her ancestral home. Program highlights included introductions by Reverend Father Nicholas Katinas, Proistaminos of the Holy Trinity Church in Dallas of three parish children who received miraculous care at Children's Hospital of Dallas and the generous donations totaling $160,000 presented by President Skeadas to five children's hospitals in the Metropolis of Denver and the establishment of a children's medical clinic in Ambo, Ethiopia. The combination of the many unique elements of the Luncheon program created a heartwarming and inspirational afternoon for the guests gathered to honor and "Bless the Children".

Ms. Maryann Mihalopoulos, Luncheon Master of Ceremonies, aptly guided the attendees through each phase of the program that featured a Musical Interlude including the Greek Orthodox hymn Litrosin, sung by Julia and Pam Cramer and the Andrew Lloyd Webber composition, Pie Jesu sung by Julia and Angela Cramer. The musical climax was the spectacular performance of the world famous Texas Boys Choir whose voices filled the ballroom with warmth and joy.

Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President, extended special thanks to the Luncheon Honorary Chairman, Mary Jaharis of New York, NY, for her continued support and magnanimous generosity; the Luncheon General Chairman, Martha Stefanidakis of Houston, TX, Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos President; the Luncheon Co-Chairmen, Elaine Cladis of Denver, CO, National Philoptochos Secretary and Cindy Demeris of Houston, TX, National Philoptochos Board Member; the Host Committee Co-Chairmen, Helen Carnegis, Metropolis Board Member and Elaine Atalis, Dallas Philoptochos Chapter President, and to the entire Luncheon Committee that includes committees and volunteers, locally and nationally, who worked unceasingly to ensure the Luncheon's success. Special recognition and gratitude were offered to the entire Metropolis of Denver and especially the host parish of Holy Trinity in Dallas and Philoptochos for their outpouring of love, hospitality and support. A heartfelt thank you was expressed to all of benefactors, underwriters and sponsors for their boundless generosity of time, talent and treasure.

President Skeadas honored Maria Stavropoulos, 2003 Luncheon Chairperson, presenting her an award for the successful Luncheon held in the Metropolis of Detroit. She also acknowledged Dr. and Mrs. Michael Morykwas of Winston Salem, NC, the great benefactors of the 2003 Children's Medical Fund Luncheon, for their profound generosity once again, with a munificent donation to Saturday's Luncheon. Dr. and Mrs. Morykwas are deeply committed philanthropists and most recently received an award as outstanding Philanthropists of 2005, presented by the North Carolina Triad Chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, whose mission is to advance philanthropy, volunteerism and stewardship.

President Skeadas stressed that "This particular undertaking provides critical support for ailing children and brings comfort and renewed hope for a healthy and happy future for so many families. The National Philoptochos Children's Medical Fund serves as a manifestation of love and compassion by honoring the precious gift of children."

Eleni Gage, the internationally renowned author of "North of Ithaka", transported the luncheon guests through her journey with the same humor and pathos depicted in her book that describes her experiences when she returned to her family's village of Lia in Northern Greece to restore her grandmother's house which had been neglected for many years.

President Skeadas then presented donations in the amount of $25,000 to each of the area hospitals: Children's Medical Center (Dallas, TX); Cook Children's Hospital (Fort Worth, TX); Children's Hospital (Austin, TX); Children's Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO), and St. Luke's Children's Hospital (Boise, Idaho). A $35,000 donation was presented to the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) to establish a six-room medical clinic in Ambo, Ethiopia focusing on the provision of free medical care and free primary education for HIV and AIDS-infected orphans.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios addressed the entire luncheon program by weaving theological tenets throughout his remarks and praised the "absolutely beautiful organization of the artistic and cultural program" offering special recognition for the musical interlude and the Texas Boy's Choir. His Eminence concluded his remarks by stating that "Philoptochos is an answer to tremendous crises" and referred to this as "The age of Philoptochos, the age of philanthropy in coping with the problems facing our world in a contemporary context."

For information contact:

Christine Karavites
Publicity Chairman
(508) 982-4276