message from the president - hellenic women's...

Message from the PresidentGreetings,

We were thrilled at the response that we received last Spring for our inaugural edition of INK so I am delighted to send you this second annual Hellenic Women’s Club, EOK newsletter. Through your continued support over the past fifteen years alone, the Hellenic Women’s Club has distributed over $1,750,000 to many worthy charities from Boston to across the Atlantic.This edition of INK has articles

that we hope you will find interesting, including a spotlight on our own Hellenic Women’s Club EOK scholarship program which has awarded scholarships to some remarkable young women. In addition, since “a picture is worth a thousand words”, we hope that you will enjoy the photographs in our Through the Past section as well as throughout the newsletter. Look closely… you may spot yourself at our annual fundraiser, the Mistletoe Ball and Mistletoe Mingle “after party” where multi-generations come together to mingle, eat, and, of course, dance! This year Bostonians experienced the pain of the Boston marathon bombing but also witnessed the coming together of people of all walks of life who turned tragedy into triumph. The Hellenic Women’s club was able to contribute to the One Fund Boston through its Special Appeals Fund, which is explained in detail in this newsletter. Please accept our heartfelt thank you for all that you have done to help the Hellenic Women’s Club EOK continue to support an array of worthy efforts. We hope that you will also find time to attend our upcoming Spring Soiree on April 27th and enjoy the warmth of this special community.Thank you and happy reading!

Stephanie C. AndrewsPresident, Hellenic Women’s Club, Inc.

The Newsletter of The Hellenic Women’s Club, Inc.Spring 2014

Hellenic Women’s Club, Inc., EOKOfficers 2012-2014

Stephanie C. Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentMary Lynn Pergantis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentDorothy Sophocles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerPatricia L. Dukakis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant TreasurerFelicia Kiehm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corresponding SecretaryMary Papastavros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recording SecretaryPamela Lazares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demetra FundEva Markos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scholarship FundAllys Spilios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sustaining Sponsorship

Members

THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF INK Stephanie Andrews, Liz Karagianis, Tania Lingos-Webb,

Mary Lynn Pergantis, Diane Triant

Joan AliapouliosDespina Koules AntonRenee ArgyrisChrista AyoubOlga BassettMaria BehrakisJean CanellosLouise DamascusCarolyn DelGizziCarol DrakeMary GomatosKathleen HamiltonStacey Tsairis KacoyanisLiz KaragianisChristine Kondoleon

Bobi Koukounaris LelonTamara LingosTania Lingos-WebbDaphne Georas MeredithJanice PanagakoElaine PantazopoulosConnie PapageorgeAthena PapasFlorence PattersonMary PhilopoulosJanis Otis SemineHeidi TourkistasJennifer Trakas-AcerraDiane Speare TriantZacharie Haseotes Vinios

Ann AgrisCrystal CondakesAngelyn Konugres CoupounasHarriet Kotsilimbas DavisCarolyn Pappas DiamandisConstance GeorgaklisSandra GomatosLinda HasiotisKatherine KaragianisAlexis LelonValentine MasonJoanne Nikitas

Helen Papoulias O’LearyMaria Karagianis O’NeillMaria PapageorgeThalia PapageorgiouLee PolleyCathy Papoulias SakellarisMatia SculosDiana TsomidesAlexis Hasiotis WintersteenClotilde ZannetosCynthia Zervas

Associate Members

Ink The Newsletter of the Hellenic Women’s Club Inc. www.hellenicwomensclub.org

Through the Past

1966 A Dinner Dance invitation asks guests to support a variety of Hellenic Women’s Club scholarships. Below: EOK president Ellie Bounakes presents scholarships to Holy Cross students, with Archbishop Iakovos (second left) in attendance.

When did the first EOK benefit take place?Answer: In March 1941, EOK guests enjoyed Greek pastries and selections by two pianists at a Greek War Relief concert. The printed program reminded them: “The Greek nation is fighting for freedom. It is our fight.”

We do hope that Prince Charming found his Cinderella!

1991 A Mistletoe Ball guest placed the following ad in the Hellenic Chronicle:

The EOK’s 77-year history has been rich in philanthropy and friendship. From princes to prelates (and even presidential hopefuls), thousands of Hellenes from New England and beyond have offered their support and participation. Please enjoy reliving a few eventful moments from our archival albums.

[email protected] The Newsletter of the Hellenic Women’s Club Inc. Ink

1951 Reported in a Boston Newspaper:

Greek Prince Honor Guest of Hub Club

Prince George of Greece, octogenarian uncle of the king, whose wife is a hospital patient here, will be guest of honor tonight at the sixth annual dinner dance of the Hellenic Women’s Club. The party, which raises funds for the Greek War Orphans’ Fund, will take place in the Georgian Room of the Hotel Statler.

The Hon. Constantine Triantafilakos, Greek Consul of Boston, will also be an honor guest as will two representatives of the Greek Royal Navy, here to take over two United States destroyers.

Mrs. George Demers, Chairman of the Dinner Dance, is aided by Mrs. Leonidas Sophios, President of the Club, and Mesdames Dennis Alexander, Thomas Pappas, Chris Sutton, Nicholas Trent, and Alexander Varkas.

Warm bedding and clothing has been sent to the Children’s Convalescent home of St. Damaskinos; and through Foster Parents, Inc., an orphan has been adopted by this organization.

In recognition of the EOK’s commitment to Greek orphans from the 1940s to the 1980s, Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios sent a letter of appreciation from Turkey to the club president, Crystal Condakes (right).

The Hellenic Women’s Club is pleasedto announce a scholarship program

for deserving young women who havedemonstrated community service,

leadership and academic achievement.

Each Award will be $5,000

For more information,including all application materials,

please visit our websitewww.HellenicWomensClub.org

Deadline for 2012-2013 academic year is June 30, 2012

the hellenic women’s club, inc.

scholarshipprogram

epsilon omicron kappa | established 1936

The Hellenic Women’s Club is pleasedto announce a scholarship program

for deserving young women who havedemonstrated community service,

leadership and academic achievement.


For more information,including all application materials,

please visit our websitewww.HellenicWomensClub.org


the hellenic women’s club, inc.

scholarshipprogram

epsilon omicron kappa | established 1936

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Hellenic Women’s Club is pleased to announce a scholarship program for deserving young women who have demonstrated

community service, leadership and academic achievement.


For more information, including all application materials, please visit our website www.HellenicWomensClub.org



A scholarship is a chance to grow. A chance to learn. A chance to succeed. And this year, the Hellenic Women’s Club, EOK, made it possible for seven young women to receive a scholarship in the amount of $5,000 each.

More than 40 applied for this year’s spots, and since the annual scholarship program began two years ago, the Club has already awarded $95,000 to young women from across the state.

The Hellenic Women’s Club Scholarship Fund was launched in 2011 to mark the Club’s 75th anniversary. The fund now annually supports young women who receive scholarships on the basis of community service, leadership, and academics. The recipients are named each year on the night of the Mistletoe Ball, the Club’s landmark fundraising event, which is held at Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. Each year, the young women are invited to the Ball as guests of the Club.

“The Club’s annual fundraising events are the driving force behind these scholarships, and this support allows us to celebrate these remarkable students,” says Eva Markos, EOK scholarship chair. “It is wonderful that so many men and women in the Greek community are so dedicated to supporting our efforts.”

This year’s scholarship recipients include: Kathryn Georgakopoulos, an undergraduate at Boston College, where she volunteers at The Women’s Resource Center, which empowers men and women to attain intellectual, emotional, and spiritual goals.

EOK Recently Grants $35,000 in ScholarshipsAlso honored are Anya Housianitis, a student at Clemson University in South Carolina, who devotes time to the Lawrence Girls and Boys Club. Lauren Xenakis is a student at the University of Pennsylvania, who is devoted to a Hospice organization that serves the population of midcoast Maine. Angela Berkowitz, a student at Harvard University was honored for her work as producer of the Prime Minister’s Program, a weekly course and discussion group called Re-Designing Europe, which featured former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.

In addition, Carolyn Katsarakes, a student at Colby College in Waterville, Maine was acknowledged for her Interdisciplinary Studies. Alexandra Theodore, a student at New England School of Law, who works at the Walpole Special Needs Summer School, was a recipient, as was her sister, Melissa Theodore, also a student at New England School of Law, who’s involved with the May Institute, a non-profit organization that provides healthcare services to children and adults with autism.

Eligible to apply for the EOK Scholarships are young women who are U.S. citizens of Greek-American descent or who are of the Greek Orthodox faith; who live in Massachusetts; or who are students at a Massachusetts college or university.

The Hellenic Women’s Club has a long tradition of supporting scholarships, dating back to the 1930s when EOK scholarships were first administered through the Boston Latin Schools. Later, in the 1950s, the Club supported Greek-American scholarship students at MIT, Harvard, Boston University, and Tufts. Later still, it supported students at Hellenic College Holy Cross and Wellesley College, where nine young women of Greek-American descent have received scholarship aid through EOK support.

For information on how to apply for a scholarship, visit http://hellenicwomensclub.org/eok-scholarship-fund.php

2013 Mistletoe Ball Photos are still available for purchase

Barry Okun Photography(781) 828-1829eventproofs.com

Event Name: Hellenic – Password: Hellenic

Carolyn Katsarakes, Anya Housianitis, Lauren Xenakis, Angela Berkowitz, Eva Markos-Chair, Alexandra and Melissa Theodore, and Kathryn Georgakopoulos


The Hellenic Women’s Club, Inc. EOK Demetra Fund for Breast Cancer Research and Patient Assistance (Demetra Fund) was established in 2001 through the generous gift of a club member, Dr. Helen P. O’Leary, in loving memory of her sister and fellow club member, Demetra “Toulie” Samellas, who passed away from breast cancer. With a mission of hope to enhance the quality of life for women across the world, it provides funds for medical research and patient assistance within the specialty of women’s breast cancer.

Since its inception, the Demetra Fund has committed $250,000 in grant funds to underwrite research and/or patient assistance at internationally recognized medical institutions such as the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center (MGHCC). From 2009-2012, the Demetra Fund underwrote a significant 3 year breast cancer research project at DFCI, under the auspices of the world-renowned medical researcher and cancer physician, Dr. Judy Garber.

At present, the Club is funding two iconic patient assistance programs. At DFCI, we have created the first and only fund of its kind to provide monetary assistance exclusively to women being treated for breast cancer. This fund helps to defray the costs of everyday expenses such as food, transportation, utilities, phone cards, and the like. The second, which is at the MGHCC, makes grants towards compression sleeves for patients suffering from post-treatment arm swelling, also known as lymphedema, as well as for wigs and living expenses. This is currently the only fund at

Demetra Fund Activities

MGH to provide assistance solely to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Each year, the Demetra Fund receives donations from private individuals, companies, and foundations through the Club’s Sustaining Sponsorship Program, which is the principal fundraising arm of its annual Thanksgiving weekend Mistletoe Ball. There are also special fundraisers specifically to benefit the Demetra Fund, such as the exciting upcoming event on Sunday, April 27, 2014, which is being generously underwritten by Neiman Marcus ~Natick. We thank Neiman Marcus~Natick, as well as all of our contributors, for their steadfast support of the Demetra Fund and its important work.

The Hellenic Women’s Club

and

- Natick -cordially invite you to an afternoon of Fashion, Friendship and Fundraising

to benefit

The Hellenic Women’s Club, Inc. EOK

The Demetra Fund for Breast Cancer Research and Patient Assistance

Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 2 o’clockCouture Salon - Second Level

Neiman Marcus Donation 310 Speen Street one hundred and fifty dollars Natick, Massachusetts

Sips, Savories and SweetsPrize drawings ! Complimentary parking ! Valet parking available

Dr. Helen Papoulias O’Leary and Dr. Thomas O’Leary, Jr.

Ink The Newsletter of the Hellenic Women’s Club Inc. www.hellenicwomensclub.org

Special Appeals Program

When Hurricane Sandy struck the east coast in October 2012, causing billions of dollars in damage, the Hellenic Women’s Club sent funds to the American Red Cross to help with the recovery effort. Likewise, when fires ravaged the Peloponnesus area of Greece in 2007, the EOK contributed to International Orthodox Christian Charities for disaster relief in the area. Both of these donations were made through the Club’s unique Special Appeals program.

Established in 1965 with a budget of $640, the program enables the Club to support timely and urgent philanthropic needs at the request of its members. Since 2001, the Hellenic Women’s Club has awarded over $60,000 to educational, medical, disaster relief and

philanthropic organizations through its Special Appeals program. These include a variety of causes such as Doctors Without Borders, the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund, Tufts Dental School Scholarships and the Metropolis of Boston Camp.

One of the worthy organizations supported through EOK Special Appeals is Neighbor Brigade. Founded by Jean Seiden and the late Pam Manikas Washek, Neighbor Brigade creates community-based networks of volunteers who provide help to their neighbors in times of crisis. These neighbors might be undergoing cancer treatment, experiencing a debilitating illness or injury, or facing the sudden death of a family member. Neighbor Brigade volunteers provide meals, transportation to and from medical appointments, and other critical support.

Pam, a well-known member of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Weston, lost her own battle with cancer in 2012, but her legacy lives on in the over 30 chapters of Neighbor Brigade throughout Massachusetts and in Dover, New Hampshire. The EOK supported Neighbor Brigade at the request of EOK member Dorothy Sophocles, and donated again in 2013 in memory of Pam Washek. Last fall, a number of EOKers were moved to don Neighbor Brigade T-Shirts as participants in a fundraising walk.

Through the Special Appeals program, the Hellenic Women’s Club is able to extend its impact far beyond the Established Charities it supports on a regular basis.

Dorothy Sophocles, Olga Bassett, Allys Spilios, Mary Papastavros, and Kathleen Hamilton

Mission StatementThe Hellenic Women’s Club, Inc., also known as Epsilon Omicron Kappa (EOK), engages in wide reaching philanthropic endeavors while promoting Hellenic ideals, culture, and community in New England. Founded in 1936 by a group of seven women to assist Greek war orphans, the EOK continues today as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which is characterized by a hard-working group of uniquely dedicated women who offer their talents, energy, and spirit to the mission of charity.

For three quarters of a century, the Hellenic Women’s Club has enjoyed the generous and continued support of its patrons and Sustaining Sponsors. This partnership has allowed the EOK to make annual gifts to a variety of medical, cultural, educational, and institutional organizations in the greater Boston area and beyond. In addition, the EOK is proud to have established the Demetra Fund for Breast Cancer Research in memory of a dear member. To commemorate the Club’s 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee, the Hellenic Women’s Club Scholarship was launched in 2011, honoring its scholarship mission.

The Hellenic Women’s Club celebrates philanthropy and community at its annual Mistletoe Ball, which was inaugurated in 1946 and is believed to be the longest consecutive event of its kind in Boston. This holiday benefit, along with a spring event, has enabled the EOK to award more than $1.750 million to worthy organizations in the past fifteen years alone.


Established Charities (receiving annual donations for the past 10 to 45 years):

American Farm SchoolChildren’s Hospital Boston, Hellenic Cardiac FundChildren’s Hospital Boston, Hematology/Oncology Division- Thalassemia researchCystic Fibrosis Foundation of Massachusetts And Rhode IslandDana-Farber Cancer Institute- Dr. George Canellos FundEOK Demetra Fund for Breast Cancer ResearchEOK Major Gift Fund Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation CenterLupus Foundation of New EnglandMassachusetts General Hospital, Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases FundPerkins School for the BlindPhiloxenia House, Metropolis of BostonPine Street InnRosie’s PlaceShriner’s Hospital for Children-BostonScholarship Funds: Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Wellesley College (endowed fund) Hellenic Women’s Club General Scholarship

Other Donations include Ace Bailey Children’s FundAmerican Cancer SocietyAmerican Heart AssociationAmerican Red Cross (Japan tsunami relief; Hurricane Sandy and other aid)Anatolia CollegeAthens CollegeAthens Symphony OrchestraBattered Women Fighting Back, Inc.Beacon AcademyBoston BalletBoston Latin Schools (scholarships)Boston Med Flight (transport of critical patients)Boston Opera Company Boston Symphony OrchestraCentral Asia Institute (schools for Afghan girls) Children’s Hospital Phenylketonuria (PKU) Dept. College Year in AthensColonel Daniel Marr Boys and Girls ClubCommunity CooksCristo Rey High School, BostonCrystal Peaks Youth Ranch (healing abused children)Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (clinical trial supported by Demetra Fund for Breast Cancer Research) Deree Pierce College, AthensDiana, Princess of Wales FoundationDoctors Without BordersEvangelismos Hospital, Athens (microscope)Girls, Inc. of LynnGlobe SantaGreek Consulate of Boston

The Greek InstituteGreek Orthodox Cathedral of Boston, Evangelismos (senior citizens, psychosavato, chandelier cleaning)Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston (camp program, youth ministries, mosaic cross for retreat center)Harvard University (scholarships, rare Greek books)Hatzikiriakion Orphanage, PiraeusHellenic College/Holy Cross (computers, chapel repairs, Dean’s chair, Archbishop Iakovos library, 75th Anniversary)Heroes Welcome Fund (9/11 first responders)International Orthodox Christian Charities (Peloponnesus fires relief)Ionian Island Earthquake ReliefIron Lung to hospital in GreeceCynthia Kangos (Olympic swimmer) Kyparisia Orphanage, AthensLOGOSMaliotis Cultural Center (kitchen)Massachusetts Chapter of the Nature ConservancyMassachusetts Good Neighbor Energy FundMassachusetts 9/11 FundMichael Carter Lisnow Respite CenterMitera Orphanage, AthensMuseum of Fine Arts (Art in Bloom, art restoration)Museum of Science National Brain Tumor SocietyNational Conference for Community and JusticeNational Orthodox Campus MinistryNational Philoptochos Foster Parents ProgramNeighbor BrigadeNew England Conservatory of Music (scholarship)Northeastern University (scholarship)Ox-Fam (hunger relief)Panagia Kalyviani Orphanage, CretePatras Foundling Home, Vrefokomion (refrigerator and playground equipment)Patriarchate Orphans, IstanbulPrincess Alice Fund (Greek princess’ aid to the infirm)Ronald McDonald House (Greek Division)Salvation Army (Katrina Fund)Sloan-Kettering Hospital (Greek children’s cancer) SPARK Center Children’s AIDS Program (Boston Medical Center)Sparta Workshop for the BlindSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital St. Basil’s Academy (orphans, Iakovos Athletic Field)St. Nicholas Church, NY, 9/11 Fund Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer FoundationSumeria FoundationTaxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church, WatertownOrphanage in Thessaly (clothes dryer)Tripolis School for the BlindTufts University ( dental scholarships)United Red FeatherVision 21 (Greek Orthodox Diocese)WGBH, Public TelevisionWorld Wildlife Fund (conservation efforts in Greece)

AWARDED IN THE PAST DECADE ALONE:IN EXCESS OF $1.750 MILLION DOLLARS

THE HELLENIC WOMEN’S CLUB GIVING HISTORY

Upcoming eventsApril 27, 2014A Spring Soiree to benefit theDemetra Fund for Breast Cancer

June 30,2014EOK scholarship applications due

November 29, 2014Mistletoe Ball 2014

www.hellenicwomensclub.org

Highlights from a few of our events

Prsrtd StdU.S. Postage

PaidCanton, MA

Permit No. 113The Newsletter of The Hellenic Women’s Club, Inc.

message from the president - hellenic women's...

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