PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – Kefi, philanthropy, and love for Greece filled the Community Center of the Church of the Archangel Michael in Port Washington, borne by the more than 400 people who attended the Grecian Night Out fundraising dinner-dance of the Relief Foundation (HRF) on February 27.

The evening’s net proceeds will be used to purchase food for the underprivileged of Greece. There were numerous sources of revenue, including a silent art auction and individual pledges in addition to the admission ticket, and the net benefit is expected to well exceed $50,000.

HRF Board member Stelios Taketzis thanked the attendees, all the volunteers and the parish leadership for their welcome and support. Fr. Dennis Strouzas and Fr. Nikolas Karloutsos offered the benediction and also welcomed and thanked everyone.

Many contributed to the social and charitable success of the evening – chef Prokopis Zervas, a member of the HRF Board, delighted the guests’ palates and the band Asteri immediately got everyone up dancing with songs from every region of the homeland led by singers Fotis Dimitratos and Rena Tsapelas. There was also a performance by comedian Peter Vouras.

Taketzis congratulated Kostas Zachariades “for putting this whole thing together” and thanked the sponsors, including Atlantic Bank, which was represented by its President Nancy Papaioannou, and cooperating organizations like the Athenian’s Society and its president Panos Adamopoulos and his wife Sylvia,

Board member Philip Vogiatzoglou-Vogis put the spotlight on the purpose of the event, saying “in these troubled time we reach out to you” and then spoke briefly about the organization that was founded four years ago and has been incorporated in New York state as a tax-exempt 501 c 3 organization with a mission of providing support for the Greek population, suffering during the present economic crisis, by addressing needs in health and nutrition.

Nassau County DA Madeline Singas was caught up in the spirit of the evening, telling TNH “What a great night! It’s a fantastic show of support for a good cause. Greeks come together when people are in need to give financial and emotional support and I’m proud to be part of this night, and I’m very proud of the organizers. 100 percent of what they raise goes to the cause, which is inspiring and encourages people to give. It’s pure and genuine and the support and love that is here in this room is incomparable.”

Parish Council President Michael Psyllos told TNH “God bless the efforts of the Hellenic Relief Foundation. What they are doing in Greece is very special and we are very proud to be a small part of that by lending our facilities to their good cause.”