Atlanta Leads the Way!

Here’s an example of authentic grass roots fundraising.

Congratulations Metropolitan
Alexios and the Atlanta Community. Axios to all!

On February 28, 2016, the Annunciation Cathedral and Philoptochos (Ypapanti) chapter in Atlanta, Georgia, jointly hosted the “On Sacred Ground” Luncheon and Auction as a fundraiser for the rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center.

Working closely with parish priests, Father Paul Kaplanis, Cathedral Dean, and Father Christos Mars, Presbyter, a small, but very strong, committee, chaired by Valine Georgeson and Stacie Nefos took on supporting the rebuilding of the only House of the Lord destroyed on 9/11. From their first meeting in October 2015, they were focused on making this luncheon not only successful, but a unique and memorable event.

They invited New York actor Anthoula Katsimatides to be their guest speaker. Her beloved brother, John, lost his life on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center, and she serves as a board on the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.

Fast forward to February 28th; the luncheon was attended by over 360 parishioners. The meal was delicious and generously underwritten, the tables beautifully decorated with thoughtful gifts for each guest.

His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta thanked everyone for their participation. He observed that he had been Anthoula’s parish priest when he was in Astoria and was very delighted to see her after all so many years.

The guests watched the Santiago Calatrava video, which many had never seen, and it made visible the radiant beauty that will shine from the St Nicholas Church. Anthoula’s speech was beautiful. With love, warmth, tears and humor, she shared her story with us. The packed ballroom was utterly silentas she spoke. It was both poignant and powerful as she captured the hearts of all.

The luncheon continued with a wonderfully entertaining and successful live auction! Two parishioners, a father/son team, are auctioneers and their energy inspired great bids on the fabulous array of items that were offered. All were smiling whether they bought something or not. The day ended on a joyful note. The parishioners were enlightened and inspired by this rebuilding and eager to visit St Nicholas Church once it is completed. All left feeling that their luncheon participation helped play a small role in the St. Nicholas story. Because of numerous and incredibly generous individual and organizational donors, luncheon attendees and the successful auction, this single luncheon netted over $155,000 for the St. Nicholas rebuilding.

Special thanks are extended to the OSG committee members, Janet Algers, Elaine Carlos, Helen A. Carlos, Voula Giannakopoulos, Vickie Klemis, Suzy Lamas and Joanna Snider for their tireless efforts and unabated support.
This is grassroots fundraising at its very best! What if every community gave this kind of effort…? READ MORE