Dear Holy Trinity Family,
Since my last letter, our chapter has continued to remain busy and involved in many meaningful activities. From October 17 through December 8 our chapter held a Yarn Drive to benefit the women at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Numerous parishioners donated skeins of yarn. Others donated money with which the co-chairwomen of our new Prison Ministry, Despina Kartson and Stephanie Madouros, bought skeins. The donations totaled over $400. That made for a huge yarn donation to the Facility! Many thanks to all who donated to this ministry.
On December 7, our chapter held its annual Candlelight Dinner. I am delighted to share with you that this important fundraiser was a huge success, raising over $21,000 in net profit! More than 230 attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by our own chef Manny Louros in our beautiful church social hall which sparkled in white and gold decor. Everyone was delighted to honor Marina Sirras, a past president of our Philoptochos chapter, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service, not only to our chapter but also to our parish community. There were many fabulous raffle prizes, including a super raffle prize of a blue cashmere, fur-trimmed cape donated by this year’s honoree. Our guests delighted in shopping at the ever-popular holiday boutique. It was truly an evening of merriment. Thank you to all who supported our chapter by attending. Many thanks to our co-chairwomen Anna Damianides and Maria Valliades and to all those who worked so hard, in so many different ways, to make this event the beautiful evening it was.
After liturgy on December 17, our chapter held its annual Hats, Gloves, and Scarves for the Homeless Sale. Members of our community had the opportunity to purchase a set of these warm accessories. These sets were then distributed to our friends in need at the December Soup Run. Sales of these sets totaled over $1200, the proceeds of which will be used to benefit all our Outreach Ministries. Thanks to those who purchased the sets. Many of these items were handmade by our own Knitting Group. Thank you to chairwoman Sylvia Chandras and to all who contributed their crafting talents to create these beautiful items. Also, thanks to the Board members who worked on the details of this event to make it possible.
On January 28, our first General Membership Meeting of the year was held in the Daskos Room following the liturgy to discuss the Proposed Budget for 2024. Our treasurer, Angie Lambros, presented a well-prepared and comprehensive report. Following a discussion and a question-and-answer exchange, our members voted to pass the Proposed Budget.
Presently ongoing is our Membership Drive. We seek to expand our membership and its multigenerational composition. Did you know that in some families membership in Philoptochos spans three generations? That is wonderful! Please renew your membership or join. Let’s aim to surpass the membership total of last year’s 200. With your support we can. Look in your mail for membership details. Stop by the Philoptochos table at coffee hour to speak to any of the co-chairwomen of the membership committee, Tina Pantginis, Eirinni Copulos, Maria Fotiadis, Maria Kohilakis and Elli Modroukas, for more information.
The annual Presanctified Divine Liturgy dedicated to our chapter will take place on Wednesday April 17. Of course, our ever-popular Easter Market where you may buy delicious Lenten and Paschal foods, will be back this spring. Co-chairwomen Andrea Nicholas and Elizabeth Zoulis already are busy with the planning and preparations. Proceeds from this important fundraiser directly support our ministries and other philanthropic endeavors. Please stay tuned for more information about both these events.
Remember, there are many ways to become involved; for example, by volunteering for one or more of our Outreach Ministries. Once a month, volunteers at the Carver Center assist food-insecure members of the Port Chester community. Volunteers prepare a meal for HOPE Community Services of New Rochelle six times a year. Our chapter sponsors the weekly Community Food Drive. Once a month, volunteers make sandwiches that are delivered to those in need at the Grace Episcopal Church in White Plains. Also, once a month, volunteers prepare and deliver a pasta and salad meal that feeds about 60 grateful friends at the Oasis Shelter in New Rochelle. Through our Soup Run, we provide a meal, toiletry kits, clothes, and various sundry items to the homeless and those living in shelters in Manhattan and elsewhere. Our Philoptochos chapter also provides other ways to be engaged. Every month both the Knitting for Charity group and our Book Club group meet. Visit our Church’s website at www.holytrinitynr.org or stop by our Philoptochos bulletin board in the Church foyer for information about what dates are available for you to participate in any of the Outreach Ministries and for further information about these ministries, clubs, and other forthcoming events.
Finally, remember our chapter is connected. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram where you can see photos, read about our ministries, clubs and events, and see what we all do to make the world better.
With gratitude and love,
Agathy Gerkis
Philoptochos Chapter President
avloula@gmail.comNo Facebook? No problem!
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