Flappers, Fedoras & Philanthropy Light Up Tampa Bay!
Greek Orthodox Churches Host Roaring ‘20s Gala to Benefit the DRC

After hurricanes howled and calendars clashed, it was delay after delay—but at last, the stars aligned and the glittering Gala was underway! The Greek Orthodox Churches of Tampa Bay, under the ever-capable leadership of Mr. Tony Damianakis, Chair of the Tampa Bay Council, hosted a grand and glorious evening in benefit of the DRC. The hosts? None other than the parish of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Palm Harbor, Florida. The scene? The grand hall of St. Nicholas Cathedral—transformed, as if by magic, into a ritzy, roaring speakeasy fit for Jay Gatsby himself!

The joint was jumpin’ with flappers in fringe, fellas in pinstripes, and enough sparkle to make a chandelier blush. The gin was (figuratively) cold, the jazz hot, and the spirit of generosity hotter still. Guests strutted in dressed to the nines, ready to cut a rug and cut a check—all for a worthy cause. Right at the entrance, a photo booth captured the glitz and glam as guests posed like silent film stars.

The program kicked off with Chairperson Damianakis giving a warm welcome, followed by the grand entrance of the evening’s Master of Ceremonies—Fr. James Rousakis, dapper as ever in pinstripes, spats, a fedora, and walking stick—our very own Great Gatsby of the Greek persuasion.

Fr. James introduced His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos, who offered a blessing, joined by the local Vicar, Rev. Fr. Athanasios Haros. The crowd, brimming with sequins, feathers, and fellowship, hung on every word.

With wit sharper than a jazz riff, Fr. James quipped, “I haven’t seen this much fringe and sparkle since Thea Maria tried to bedazzle her flapper dress with a glue gun.” Then, raising a glass, he toasted to a night of sparkle, spirit, and support. And just like that, dinner was served—a sumptuous spread of chicken and filet mignon that had the crowd humming with approval.

Fr. James, clearly born for the spotlight (or at least for vaudeville), reflected on his role, joking that the committee picked him because he’s been around since the first Roaring ‘20s—and probably still had the wardrobe to prove it. He reminded guests that the original 1920s came just after the Great War, a time of hope, hustle, and high spirits—an era echoed now in the optimism for the DRC’s adult living facility.

But this Gala wasn’t just for sipping and swinging. No sir! It was about something grander: coming together to support a mission more valuable than all the gold in West Egg. This was a night to turn up the impact.

Once dinner plates were cleared and fedoras adjusted, guests were encouraged to hit the dance floor—because this Gatsby gathering was about makin’ memories and a difference. “Back in the 20s,” the MC noted, “folks were wild and free—mostly ‘cause they were hiding gin in their bathtubs. It was the time of Prohibition… the worst time for alcoholics—bar none!”
W.C. Fields once said, “During Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water.” Fortunately, the Vicar of Tampa Bay lives on something far more nourishing—the word of God—and he took the stage to share a few words of his own. He then introduced the DRC leadership team: Chair Kostas Kazakos, Vice-Chair James Tasios, and the ever-gracious Ms. Marlene, on-site administrator. Each spoke with heartfelt conviction on the mission and future of the DRC.

A video tour, narrated by our MC, transported guests through the DRC’s halls and hopes, painting a vision of what’s to come.

Finally, the room rose to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos once more. He shared warm reflections, admitting he was momentarily taken aback upon entering the hall—unsure if he’d stumbled into Gatsby’s mansion or a church function. But his delight was clear, commending the committee, the MC, and all involved for a roaring success.

His Eminence offered the closing prayer, assisted by Fr. Rousakis, and sealed the night with divine grace.

But hold your horses, the night was far from over!

The Silent Auction was announced—with fabulous offerings that had guests reaching for their checkbooks faster than a flapper doing the Charleston. Meanwhile, the Venice pastry table beckoned like a sweet speakeasy for the sugar-inclined.

As the final act, none other than award-winning songwriter and performer Nick Dukas and His Orchestra took the stage. The joint truly started jumpin’ as couples danced the night away—fluffing feathers, tipping fedoras, and celebrating community, care, and the can-do spirit of the 1920s.

So, here’s to the Greek Gatsby Gala—a night where time turned back, spirits lifted up, and every dance step brought us one closer to making a difference.  The event realized a profit of $59,000 for the DRC.

And that’s the way it was, folks—straight from the speakeasy to your soul.