1. National Philoptochos Society
2012-2014 Committee Report
Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon
General Chair: Aphrodite Skeadas, National Philoptochos President
Luncheon Chair: Rosemary Nikas, Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos President
Luncheon Co-Chairs: Thea Martin, Joyce Spanakis, Crystal Thomas, Thana Ward
The Fourteenth National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon took place on October 12, 2013 at
the Fairmont Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA with a sellout crowd of over 500 guests from throughout the United
States. It was the first time that the Metropolis of Pittsburgh hosted this eagerly anticipated event. The event,
Let Us Rejoice and Embrace the Children, was organized by the National Philoptochos and the Metropolis of
Pittsburgh Philoptochos under the high patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America and
with the spiritual blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh.
Every two years, the Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon unites supporters from across the United States to
raise funds for children’s medical programs and facilities that offer support, treatment, innovative research
and cures to critically ill children. The 2013 Luncheon raised over $296,000 to be distributed in the form of
Grants.
At the Luncheon, Grants were awarded to the following thirteen (13) Children’s Medical Fund Grant
recipients within the Metropolis of Pittsburgh:
• Angel’s Closet, Stroudsburg, PA
To provide funding for this program, which works cooperatively with 15 social service
agencies, churches and hospitals to distribute newborn clothing and supplies to low income
mothers
• Aultman Hospital, Canton, OH
To benefit the Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit, to provide nutrition for pre-term infants
whose immune systems are suppressed
• Childhood League Center, Columbus, OH
To provide funding for social service programs for low income families with children under the
age of six years with special needs
• Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Funding for the Pediatric Extended Care Center, which provides a vital alternative to in-home
nursing care for children with acute and chronic medical needs.
• Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
For a study investigating vaccine-based immunotherapy treatment for childhood Gliomas, the
most fatal brain tumors for children
• Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH
Funding for medications and supplies that are not covered by health insurance to provide
ongoing support and relief for families with children with childhood cancers and blood
disorders
• Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund, Irwin, PA
To benefit the Electronics for Kids with Cancer program, which provides a new Nintendo or
mp3 player for each child undergoing long hours of chemotherapy and blood transfusions
•
•
•
•
•
•
New Horizons Youth and Family Center, Lancaster, OH
To support the TeenScreen Program, which provides free, school-based mental health screens to
local junior and senior high school youth
Pinnacle Health Children’s Resource Center, Harrisburg, PA
For Medical Examination & Counseling Services for childhood victims of sexual and physical
abuse and child witnesses to home-based violence
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH
To provide funding for the Diabetes Technology Clinic, to purchase insulin pumps for children
with Type I and Type II diabetes
Variety the Children’s Charity, Pittsburgh, PA
Funding for the Adaptive Bikes for Children with Disabilities program, which provides
mobility and recreation for children with physical disabilities
Weirton Christian Center, Weirton, WV
Funding for the Journey Transportation project, which provides transportation for children
from their schools to the after school care program
West Virginia University Children’s Hospital, Morgantown, WV
Funding for the Pediatric Supportive Care Program, which provides innovative treatment and
therapy for childhood victims of abuse
The program was opened by an inspiring rendition of the National Anthems of both America and Greece sung
Peter Papadakos, Proto Psalti of the Metropolis. Featured were inspirational remarks of His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios and His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, and a dynamic presentation by National
President Aphrodite Skeadas.
Dr. Georgette Constantinou, Ph.D., Administrative Director of Pediatric Psychiatry and Psychology,
Behavioral Health Clusters at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, Department of Pediatrics,
delivered the keynote address on the topic, “Giving Back – A Way to Help Depressed Teens.” Dr.
Constantinou was a dynamic speaker, and her talk on this timely topic was enjoyed by all. Mike Emanuel,
Chief Congressional Correspondent FOX News, served as Master of Ceremonies and delighted all with his
commentary. A wonderful musical performance was provided by the renowned Bel Canto Singers of the
Children’s Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh.
Maria Skiadas, Chair of the 2011 Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, which was held in Old Greenwich CT,
was the Luncheon Honoree. National President Aphrodite Skeadas presented the ARISTA Award to Mrs.
Helen Collis for her dedication and lifetime service to the mission of Philoptochos.
Special thanks and sincere appreciation go to Rosemary Nikas, Luncheon General Chair and Metropolis of
Pittsburgh Philoptochos President; to the Luncheon Co-Chairs, Thea Martin, Joyce Spanakis, Crystal Thomas,
Thana Ward and their entire committee from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, who worked tirelessly to insure the
event’s success; and to our generous benefactors and sponsors, without whom we would not have achieved
our goal.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Metropolitan Savas for his exceptional guidance and inspirational support
throughout more than a year of planning. In addition, special gratitude goes to President Aphrodite Skeadas
and the National Executive Board for giving us the opportunity to host this wonderful event and for their
unfailing advice. Finally, a sincere thank you to all of the Philoptochos Chapters and National Board Members
from across the country who were so supportive. The success of the event is due not to the Metropolis alone,
but to the contributions of an ‘army of women,’ who never fail to answer the call to ‘embrace the children.’