Under the High Patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and with the spiritual blessings of Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, the Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos will host the National Philoptochos Society's Tenth Children's Medical Fund Luncheon on Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
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 Tenth Children's Medical Fund Luncheon will benefit leading children's hospitals in the Metropolis of Denver including: Children's Medical Center (Dallas, Texas); Cook Children's Medical Center (Fort Worth, Texas); Children's Hospital (Austin, Texas); Children's Mercy Hospital(Kansas City, Missouri); St. Luke's Children's Hospital (Boise, Idaho), as well as the National Philoptochos Children's Medical Fund. A portion of the proceeds will assist with medical needs of Orthodox children in Ethiopia, by establishing a Children's Medical Clinic in Ambo, Ethiopia.
Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President, reminds us all 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." President Skeadas further stated that, "Philoptochos has incorporated new programs that have a further global outreach which will serve humankind in a greater and broader scope. This year Philoptochos is expanding its outreach from the Children's Medical Fund to include a new Children's Medical Clinic in Ethiopia where responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis is of the highest priority."
Over 500 attendees will gather at the luncheon to support this worthy initiative and to hear the internationally renowned author, Eleni N. Gage, whose acclaimed first book, North of Ithaka, published in Holland, Britain, Greece, Australia and the US, describes her experiences when she returned to her family's village to restore the family home. Eleni holds a degree in Folklore and Mythology from Harvard University with a specialty in Modern Greek folklore. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications. The guests will also be entertained by The Texas Boys Choir which has earned a well-founded reputation for excellence with performances at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center, the George Bush Inaugural Gala and the World Cup opening ceremonies.
Luncheon Chairmen are: Honorary Chairman, Mary Jaharis, New York, NY; General Chairman Martha Stefanidakis, Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos President; Co-Chairmen Elaine Cladis, National Philoptochos Secretary and Cindy Demeris, National Philoptochos Board member. Dallas Host City Co-Chairmen are Helen Carnegis, Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos Board member and Elaine Atalis, Dallas Chapter President. The Luncheon Committee includes committees and volunteers, locally and nationally who are working unceasingly to ensure the event's success.
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 nearly seventy-five years. In the last two years $2.5 million was distributed to the organization's worthy initiatives. Information about the Society's programs can 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 and also provides financial support for innovative research programs to pediatric hospitals throughout the USA.
To support the National Philoptochos Children's Medical Fund and Luncheon Inquiries: Contact National Philoptochos Society, Helen Lavorata, Director, (212) 744-4390 or [email protected]. Luncheon Reservations: Contact Marian Catechis at 713.666-5304.
Contact:
Christine Karavites
Publicity Chairman
(508) 982-4276