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Children's Medical Fund Luncheon Frances Levas, Metropolis of Boston President

Dear Philoptochos Sisters and Friends,

The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos is truly honored to be hosting the fifteenth Biennial Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon on behalf of the National Philoptochos Society. It will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel

under the High Patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston.

It has been close to 20 years since the Metropolis of Boston last hosted this event, and we are looking forward to it. Our Mistress of ceremonies is Maria Stephanos, who was a nightly news anchor for the last 18 years on FOX-TV in Boston. Our keynote speaker, Jeanette Clough, presently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a regional teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School serving the metropolitan Boston/Cambridge area.

During the luncheon, grants will be awarded to hospitals, universities and programs that benefit children throughout the Metropolis of Boston in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut. The remaining funds will be distributed to programs

throughout the United States at the 2016 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention. Since its inception in 1989, the Children’s Medical Fund has distributed close to $3 million in grants across the United States.

The Sponsorship Committee members and I wish to thank those of you who have already made your sponsorship donations. Each of us knows the importance of this ministry and that helping those most in need and most vulnerable is key to the mission of Philoptochos. There is still time to offer your support. Any and all donations will be acknowledged. In addition, please return by mail all sold raffle tickets as soon as you can. We need the support of all our Philoptochos chapters and stewards across the country to ensure the success of this year’s luncheon and be able to distribute as many grants as possible.

There will be many events throughout the weekend, starting with the National Board meeting on Friday, followed by the Luncheon on Saturday and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, celebrating the Feast day of SS Cosmas and Damianos, the patron saints of Philoptochos. All are welcome to join us for the Divine Liturgy at the beautiful Annunciation Cathedral of Boston with a reception following in their Center.

We hope that you will have time to explore the many wonderful neighborhoods of Boston amidst the events planned. The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is located on the magnificent waterfront. There are many museums and historic places to visit throughout the city, as well as many fine Italian restaurants located in the North End.

Please gather your family and friends and attend this most important philanthropic event for the children. If you cannot attend the Luncheon, please consider being a sponsor and/or purchasing raffle tickets. My co-chairs, Christine Karavites, Elaine

Philanthropy Witness The Official Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society

October 2015

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Kevgas and Georgia Lagadinos, the entire Metropolis of Boston and I await your arrival to our beautiful city and thank you all in advance of your continued support and look forward to hosting you in the Metropolis of Boston.

With Sisterly love,

Frances Levas Metropolis of Boston President Chair of the Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon

Children's Medical Fund Luncheon Key Note Speaker, Jeanette Clough

Fifteenth Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon keynote speaker, Jeanette Clough is the President and CEO of Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA. She will speak on issues relating to pediatric care and the ways in which charitable and religious organizations can assist in the care of children

Cough didn’t aspire to be a CEO when she took her first job as a staff nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital. She spent 13 years at the hospital, earning two promotions and two master’s degrees while she was there, then left to become director of nursing at Waltham Hospital in 1988. Barely three years later, she was named CEO and successfully turned the hospital’s finances around. That caught the attention of a CEO search committee at Mount Auburn Hospital, where she was hired in 1998.

Considered by her peers to be a consummate leader, Clough is also described as smart, dedicated and compassionate. In 2006, she allowed a wedding to take place in the hospital's board room so that a terminally ill father could see his daughter get married.

Make a Difference Day Anita Kartalopoulos, Chair

October 24 is National Make a Difference Day and we ask all Philoptochos chapters to participate. The goal is to teach our children to do good deeds and to make a difference in the world. In collaboration with author Nick Katsoris and Make a Difference with Loukoumi, we encourage children to do their very own good deed during the month of October and if possible, on October 24, not only to make a difference, but also to do so in honor of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios’ Name Day, which is on October 26.

We recognize that this is a “start up” year for this initiative and are encouraging chapters to aim for simple but achievable results. Please involve members of your parish, youth and friends to make this an intergenerational effort.

Some Philoptochos chapters are already set with their Make a Difference Day plans:

Chapters in Fairview and Roseland, NewJersey have chosen to work with SundaySchool and Greek School children to sendthank you cards with words of appreciationto our brave veterans. Philoptochosmembers will work with them to carry outthis initiative so that each child or youthlearns the importance of the sacrifices ofour men and women in uniform.

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Philoptochos of Holy Trinity Cathedral,Portland, Oregon, will be collectingdonations of toiletries and assemblingHealth Kits for International OrthodoxChristian Charities (IOCC). Health Kits arefrequently requested by IOCC partners tohelp victims of disaster. The kits includeitems such as hand towels, soap andtoothbrushes. Father Paul approved thedate and added it to his calendar. This is aparish wide activity and everyone is invitedto participate.

The Saint Demetrios Philoptochos inBaltimore, Maryland is planning an event onSunday, November 1 to coincide withPhiloptochos Sunday. They will bepartnering with the Sunday School to read“Loukoumi's Good Deeds.” They will alsomake cards of cheer for the elderly and illand learn from the Philoptochos membersabout some of the traditions of the church.

Other examples of good deeds include collecting and distributing:

Toiletries, socks, hats and gloves and/orcanned food for the homeless

Gently used icons for Orthodox ChristianMission Center (OCMC)

Used blankets, throw rugs and towels forlocal animal shelters

Our goal is to create a sea of good deeds from the hearts and hands of our children, guided by the Philoptochos. We would like to know what chapters are doing so that this can be shared with His Eminence on His Name Day. As chapters make their Make a Difference Day plans, we ask that you share them with us by sending a short email to: PhiloptochosDifference@gmail.com

Upon completion of the parish event, please forward a follow up email (and if possible, photos) telling us the result. The cumulative good works will be further inspiration to all to make a difference in the lives of others

View a presentation by Nick Katsoris on Make a Difference Day here: http://bit.ly/1EZf9t1

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in Progress

Jennifer Constantin ~ Arlene Siavelis Kehl ~ Anne Michals, Co-Chairs

Photo Credit: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

To be a part of the Saint Nicholas National Shrine Philoptochos Fundraising Initiative, please donate directly to your local Philoptochos chapter or your Metropolis Philoptochos. For information and resources visit: www.philoptochos.org/news/saintnicholas

Construction is well underway on the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, designed by Santiago Calatrava and inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Overlooking the National September 11 Memorial, the domed structure will be a spiritual beacon and a celebration of our Orthodox faith.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Martha Driscoll, Chair

So, you want to be a “Best Friend” to your best friend? In October, when the nation focuses on breast cancer awareness, a best friend who cares will remind those close to her to take steps for early detection.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. If detected early (localized stage), the five-year survival rate is 100%. Self-examination and annual mammograms are critical in detecting early breast cancer. As October goes “pink,” chapters are encouraged to initiate breast cancer awareness and prevention programs.

Using online resources for breast cancer awareness and prevention, a chapter can:

www.cancer.org/cancer/news/news/study-links-walking-to-lower-breast-cancer-risk

www.nationalbreastcancer.org

www.cancer.gov/types/breast

www.breastcancer.org/

www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases

www.pinterest.com/emtange1/breast-cancer-awareness-ideas/

Quick Tips From Successful Chapters Alexis Limberakis and Maria Tamvakologos,

Membership Co-Chairs

The Membership Committee collected Best Practices for a Successful Chapter from each Metropolis. We chose one tip from each.

DIRECT ARCHDIOCESAN DISTRICT

We hold meetings and classes on relevant, nonbusiness-like topics such as stress relief, nutrition and knitting.

METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO

We have a Facebook page and keep it updated.

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON

We invite smaller chapters to partake in larger meetings and projects.

METROPOLIS OF DENVER

We give "A Guide to Greek Traditions and Customs in America" by Marilyn Rouvelas to new

brides and graduates.

METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA

The Parish Priest plays an important role and attends most meetings and is quite visible.

METROPOLIS OF DETROIT

We include non-members in projects and ministries and even invite them to co-chair activities.

METROPOLIS OF PITTSBURGH Our Membership Committee is co-chaired by one younger and one older woman.

METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO We visit our Parish Greek School and Sunday School.

METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY

We share testimonials of work done by Philoptochos.

1) Schedule a speaker from local medical andprofessional groups

2) Encourage individual detection plans

3) Sponsor and organize community outreach forwomen in need

4) Organize parish activities to involve all agegroups

5) Sponsor nutritional program and activities

6) Research local community opportunities forforums and workshops

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October 25 is College Student Sunday Mark Your Philoptochos Calendar!

Pam Argyris and Theone Dickos, Co-Chairs

With the beginning of a new school year we need to think about our Orthodox college students as they return to campus. As Philoptochos members, we need to continue to stress the importance of having all our chapters support Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) so that we may continue to nurture and keep our young college students connected to their Orthodox faith. OCF has announced that the date for College Student Sunday has been finalized! It will be October 25th as part of Orthodox Awareness Month (www.ocf.net/oam). Parishes are encouraged to recognize their college students on that day, allow a student to speak about OCF to the congregation, and take a collection on behalf of National OCF. Detailed materials should be forthcoming for parishes. Please watch for the information, speak with your priest and plan accordingly.

Philanthropic Initiative Supporting Our Veterans

Katherine Siavelis and Peggy Vranas, Co-Chairs

As summer comes to an end and fall approaches, our thoughts turn to Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, each important holidays for our country and fellow citizens. We are thankful for all that God has given us-- our health, our families, our friends and all of the freedoms our country has provided to us. Those liberties have been made possible by the sacrifices of our active service men and women, as well as our veterans. To show our gratitude and appreciation to the men and women

in the military, we would like to recommend a program for your consideration and implementation, one that has been successfully adopted by the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board and chapters, in conjunction with local veterans’ agencies.

For several years, the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board has assisted homeless veterans as they transition to independent living in coordination with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs New England Healthcare System. As part of the program, Philoptochos chapters contribute a wide range of household items, monetary contributions, and/or gift cards to purchase the items needed to establish a new home. The Metropolis Philoptochos members coordinate the purchase and collection and arrange for the delivery of these items to the Department of Veterans Affairs. A list of those items can be found following this article.

To implement a program in your area, we suggest that you contact your local Veterans Administration Network Leadership to determine the needs of local veterans, as well as how to best arrange for receipt and delivery of the household goods. If you are unable to work with the Veterans Administration, you may be able to work with a local Veterans Administration Hospital in your area. In addition to helping homeless veterans, a Metropolis Philoptochos or individual Philoptochos chapter may choose to support organizations like Wounded Warrior Project or Fisher House charities focused on the well-being and care of veterans.

Our brave service men and women have made great sacrifices to serve our country and to protect all of us. It is important to show them that we appreciate their sacrifice, that we care and that we are eager to assist them as they return to civilian life in their new homes – a new chapter in their lives – filled with all of God’s blessings and joy.

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Membership Involved and Informed Valine Georgeson

In this age of instant communication, Philoptochos chapters are challenged to find ways to use both the amazing technology that is available, as well as more traditional means of communication.

Successful meetings, projects and fundraising come about when your membership is informed, not only on the parish level, but on the National and Metropolis levels as well.

E-mail communication is a must! It is fast and free, both of which are so important to budget conscious Philoptochos women! The chapter president, membership chair and even the priest should continuously encourage members to give their email addresses. In addition to meeting notices and other event dates, include things such as meeting minutes and sign-up opportunities in your email outreach.

And on this same note, the local chapters are urged to share their membership email list with both the National and Metropolis Philoptochos offices! There is a tremendous amount of good work and philanthropy that is done on the National and Metropolis levels and it is vital that our membership be informed.

Please know that these emails are never shared with anyone and are only used to communicate Philoptochos news to our membership.

Let your chapters know about the National Philoptochos website, www.philoptochos.org as well as the National Facebook page. Both are great sources for current news and information.

Many chapters have created their own Facebook page, use Instagram and Twitter to keep their membership and parish informed about their good works .

It is also important to communicate this same information to those members who do not have an email address. Parish bulletin boards, printing certain emails for distribution, parish newsletters, and telephone committees are all ways that information and news can be disseminated.

National Emergency Fund October Commitment

Dee Nicolaou, Chair

In our lives, we often experience many obstacles and trials. Sometimes, these obstacles and trials come in the form of natural disasters such as the blizzards, hurricanes, tropical storms, tornados, floods, and wild fires. In such times, we find ourselves lost, afraid, alone and confused by the magnitude of the catastrophe that has upset our lives.

The National Emergency Fund was established to help those who are affected from these unforeseen tragedies in the United States and throughout the world. Our primary mission is to provide aid, compassion and ministry with dignity and hope by assisting the most vulnerable populations during natural disasters. This discretionary commitment enables Philoptochos to respond expeditiously and efficiently to those in need.

The National Emergency Fund has disbursed a total of $258,100 since it began in 2007. In recent years there have been an unprecedented number of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy, the Tsunami in Japan and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Through the generosity of our faithful chapters and stewards, we were able to quickly respond to those in need and offer comfort, hope and monetary aid. In May 2015, $20,000 was distributed to go to IOCC, specifically for the relief efforts in Nepal. Our 2014 donation of $10,000 was sent to IOCC for flood victims in Serbia. Thank you to those who have contributed.

The need is great. If your chapter has not given for 2015, please encourage them to support the National Emergency Fund. All donations are needed and appreciated.

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