Under the High Patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and with the spiritual blessings of Metropolitan Gerasimos, the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos will host the Eleventh National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, “Let Us Rejoice and Embrace The Children,” on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, California.
There can be no more compelling cause than the health and future of a child and it is through the Children’s Medical Fund that the National Philoptochos Society is able to demonstrate its love and help alleviate the suffering of children afflicted with critical and life threatening illnesses. The Eleventh National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon will benefit leading children’s hospitals and special children’s medical programs within the Metropolis of San Francisco as well as the National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund. They are as follows:
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, San Clemente, California,
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center, Tacoma, Washington,
Children’s Hospital Central California, Madera, California,
Clinica Monseňor Oscar A. Romero, Los Angeles, California,
Emilio Nares Foundation’s “Ride with Emilio” Transportation Program for Children with Cancer, San Diego, California,
St. Joseph’s Children’s Health Center, Phoenix, Arizona, and
Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix, Arizona
Since 1989, the Children’s Medical Fund Luncheons have raised over $2.1 million and through these funds, the National Philoptochos has been able to provide medical assistance to critically ill Greek, Greek-American and Orthodox children, whose families are unable to afford appropriate and necessary medical treatment and to provide financial support for innovative research programs to pediatric hospitals throughout the United States. In 2005, the National Philoptochos Society expanded its philanthropic outreach beyond the US boundaries by responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis and other medical needs of Orthodox children and established a medical clinic in Wolizo, Ethiopia.
Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President, stated 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 benevolent works of Philoptochos are a continuation of Christ’s ministry on earth. The National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund affords us an opportunity to return to God a portion of the time, talents and resources with which He has gifted us by honoring the precious gift of children.”
Over 500 attendees will gather to support this worthy initiative and to hear a wonderful program featuring Mr. Michael Chiklis, the Luncheon’s Guest Speaker. An internationally renowned actor, director, producer and philanthropist, Mr.Chiklis has received numerous honors including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Golden Globe Award as Best Actor in a Drama Series, Golden Satellite Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series and Television Critics Association Award for Best Drama Actor. A recognized philanthropist, Mr. Chiklis supports and devotes his personal time to Cure Autism Now (CAN) and The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation as well as many other charities.
President, Georgia Skeadas, along with the Luncheon Chair, Valerie Roumeliotes and the Co-Chairs, Patty Chacopulos, Kathy Gabriel, Marina Kookootsedes and Jeannie Ranglas are also pleased to announce that Mr. George Miserlis, nationally acclaimed television actor and famed vocalist, will be the featured Master of Ceremonies.
Guests will be further entertained by the Greek-American soprano Michele Patzakis Prappas who has thrilled audiences with her exciting characterizations and beautiful singing and who has performed throughout the United States and European Opera Houses. The Children’s Chorus from Saint Sophia Cathedral of Los Angeles, California will close out the afternoon’s program with special renditions to honor all children and the mission of this philanthropic effort.
About Philoptochos:
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society has provided charitable and philanthropic assistance within the Greek Orthodox Community and the community at large for the past seventy-six years. In the last two years, over $3M was distributed to the organizations worthy initiatives. Information on the Society’s programs and fund drives may be found at www.philoptochos.org.
About the Children’s Medical Fund:
Since its inception in 1989, the Children’s Medical Fund has sought to provide medical assistance to critically ill children whose families are unable to afford appropriate and necessary treatment. The Fund also provides financial support for innovative research programs to pediatric hospitals throughout the United States. Children’s Medical Fund Luncheons have been held in New York, Atlanta, Boston, New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit and Denver.
To support the National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund:
Checks should be made payable to “National Philoptochos Society”, earmarked for the Children’s Medical Fund. Include name and address and mail all checks to: National Philoptochos Society, 345 East 74th Street, New York, New York 10021.