October 27, 1999

The Outgoing Presidents Report

Thanks to all the board members. I am most grateful to your commitment, dedication and willingness to help in the implementation of structure, for our Chapter. Everyone’s positive attitude, willingness to listen and respect one another’s opinion contributed to the revival of an almost moribund organization. As a result of your efforts, we now have a complete organization paralleling the ones of our larger sister communities.
 
I don’t mean to sound self-congratulatory, but we accomplished a lot over the last two years. For more than one year while the Hall was under construction we served coffee to the Church attendees under the sky. Even after the remodeling was completed and without the conveniences of kitchen appliances we still managed to hold over twenty fund raising events. We welcomed the Metropolitan and two new parish priests in the community. We participated in the committees for the welcoming of both the Patriarch and the Archbishop in the Los Angeles area. A substantial number of us also attended the Kids and Cancer and the Mount Athos fundraisers sponsored by our Diocese.
 
Under the most adverse conditions and antagonistic demeanor of some Parish Council members we did not abandoned the Church. Instead we continued our effort and further contributed over $17K. As a result of the Chapters effort and for the first time the Church office is equipped with a complete computerized system. I must not forget to thank Yiota for her immense help for translating and publishing this letter and the Philoptochos News for more than two years. These events should clearly speak to the commitment we have for our Church as most of the funds raised went to the Church.
For the first time in recent memory our chapter participated twice in the Diocesan Philoptochos Conference. I covered these expenses from my own personal funds. I do however, urge the new board to budget for this most informative event so that the new President can attend. I found the knowledge gained to be worth the expense.
 
Every one contributed to our accomplishments especially Antonia Kokkinias who tirelessly respondent to every fund raising event as Vice President, Treasurer and host. She prepared and published financial statements, as well as profit and loss statements for every event.   Even with these large contributions to the Church, the bank balances are at almost the starting level.
With deep gratitude special thanks go to the following Past Board Members:
Congratulations Aphrodite! We appreciate your willingness to accept the nomination and continue the effort! We wish you the best of luck and promise to provide you with all the support and enthusiasm you have shown to our Chapter since joining! Please continue to promote our philanthropic mission of St. Elizabeth’s Philoptochos Society.
I feel privileged to have served as President of the Chapter, which I joined back in 1980. I want to take this opportunity to publicly ask for forgiveness from anyone that I may have unintentionally offended during my term. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I have learned something from every one of you.
 
Respectfully,

 

Anastasia Panagiot