February
Dear Members,
February is the shortest month, but also the sweetest. Thanks for your patience in receiving this month’s newsletter. It was a busy month preparing for our special events, the Valentine’s Brunch & Bingo and also our Author’s Talk & Tea. Both events were very well attended and sincerely enjoyed by those who came. It was a pleasure to work with the wonderful women in Philoptochos to organize and prepare for our guests each time.
The point of every event we plan is to engage our community and provide care for the many parishioners who depend on us. It is a joy to gather our beloved seniors together for a few hours each month to participate in a program and interact with their friends. We are always seeking ways to bring new information forward that illuminates our culture and brings us closer together. All of the revenue we collect is earmarked for the philanthropic needs of the Greek Orthodox community. We fund a myriad of programs and projects that ease the stress and needs of our own people first and then consider help beyond our local community to those in distress beyond. We are grateful for the support that each of you brings to these endeavors each time you make a donation or buy a ticket to one of our events.
March is the official beginning of our 2024 Membership Drive. Please make sure that you come to the Philoptochos table on Sundays in March to check the status of your annual membership and renew. The renewal of your dues is so important, as we rely on your membership fees for so many purposes. $22 of every membership leaves our coffers immediately to support the Metropolis and National priorities, so we ask that you give as much as you can beyond that to assure that our own endeavors are healthy and strong. Our mission is to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry the aged, the sick the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need our help. We can’t do it without you.
If you shop at King Soopers, your registration in their Community Rewards program affords Philoptochos a percentage of your purchase in the form of a rebate to Philoptochos in each quarter of the year. This does not affect your discounts or gas points in any way. It simply allows King Soopers to support the community endeavors that their customers hold dear and direct them to. We would really appreciate your involvement on behalf of our good works. Stop by the Philoptochos table with your Sooper Card and we’ll help you sign up!
Please mark your calendar and join us for our next General Meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 @ 6:00 PM in the Annunciation Room. We welcome new members and value your time and ideas. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone then!
Special thanks to George Locallo for his photographic skill and constant support. He is one of our finest Philoptochos volunteers and we appreciate all he does for us at each and every event we host!
Valentine’s Day Brunch & Bingo
Our Valentine’s Day event is one of the funnest parties of the year! We all look forward to the delicious brunch prepared by our members and the wonderful prizes that our members donate to assure that everyone leaves a little lighter and happier for having come. Special thanks to those who made the day so fun, Phyllis Kennebeck, Faith Ioannides, Patrice Dovas Hudson, Marina Koustas, Klea Kappos, Cathy Locallo, Liberty Matzakos, Chuck Sweeney, Elaine McCoy, Kiki Brown and Dianne Sweeney.
Author’s Talk & Tea
Author Yvette Manessis Corporon joined us to share the poignant story in her book, Something Beautiful Happened. The audience was rapt with attention as she spoke of the courage and philotimia shown by the islanders of Erikousa towards the harbored Greek Jewish population of the island during World War II. Her touching story combined with the exquisite tea prepared by our members made for a memorable day. Thanks to our committee chairpersons, Stellee Papdeas, Alex Kitsos and Nikki Phillips, and to the tireless efforts of Mary Athanites, Patrice Dovas Hudson, Eva Fry, Charissa Gianos, Phyllis Kennebeck, Liberty Matzakos, Elaine McCoy, Niki Mott, as well as Liz Contos, Klea Kappos and Cathy Locallo. And our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Yvette Manessis Corporon for making the journey from New York for this wonderful day in support of the good works of Philoptochos.
march membership madness
Come by the Philoptochos table on Sundays in March to check your membership status and renew your support of our chapter. We welcome new members and invite you to join us on March 12 for our General Meeting at 6:00 PM in the Annunciation Room for a look at who we are and how we work together. Please join us!
