November - December 2011 Philoptochos Outreach Events
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By Margaret Yates
January 25, 2012
The Philoptochos chapters throughout the Metropolis continue their
community outreach. For their
Thanksgiving outreach, the Holy Trinity chapter in Carmel, IN donated $5,000 in
Kroger gift cards to families throughout the area. Annunciation in Rochester, NY donated $1,100
to the “Smiles for Christmas” program and collected toys, books, games and new
clothing for St. Joseph’s Villa, an organization that houses children with
varying difficulties. In addition to
their donation of $1550 for food gift cards to the Salvation Army and Catholic
Social Services for distribution to needy families, members of St. Nicholas in
Ann Arbor took families in the area shopping for warm clothing through the Warm
the Children program. The Detroit area
Philoptochos chapters met in early December for a combined Christmas
party. Details of this event will be in
next month’s issue of the Shepherd’s Staff.
The Philoptochos was pleased to host the Name Day open house and reception for Metropolitan Nicholas on December 11. This event was coordinated by Ann Feles, Harriet Stoukas and Kyria Anna, who provided us with much of the great food. As in years past, guests were welcomed to the Metropolis with the beautiful Christmas decorations assembled by Ann Feles. Following St. Spyridon Vespers that evening another reception was held for those in attendance. Metropolis Board members provided refreshments for that reception as well as the reception on the 12th following the Liturgy for St. Spyridon. We are blessed to have had Kyria Anna, who worked so tirelessly, preparing for these events. A heartfelt thank you to Kyria Anna for all she does!
The first event of the New Year for all chapters in the Metropolis is for the benefit of Saint Basil Academy. Special trays were passed, along with the cutting of the Vasilopeta in most communities. As St. Basil Academy is a National commitment, all money collected is sent to National for distribution. What a wonderful way to start the year!
Many chapters are in the throes of planning fundraising events to benefit chapter charities. The first (to my knowledge), is the Grecian Carnivale , a festive evening which will be held on Feb. 25 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, IN with a Mardi Gras theme. This year a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Aiden Brown Foundation, which supplies i Pads to children undergoing cancer treatment.
Plans are progressing for the Metropolis biennial luncheon to be held on April 21 at the Annunciation Cathedral in Detroit.
Holy Trinity/St Nicholas in Cincinnati is planning a luncheon and fashion show on May 5 to benefit their chapter charities. Also on May 5, the St. Nicholas Philoptochos in Ann Arbor is planning a luncheon and children’s fashion show. All proceeds will be given to a children’s charity in the area. We hope that you will support these events as we fulfill the mission of Philoptochos.