By Nick Stamatakis
Over six hundred people attended the 40th-anniversary gala of the Pan Gregorian Association’s Charity last Sunday at the Venetian in New Jersey. It was quite a gathering of the most representative part of our community and at the same time the most generous. Among the long list of contributions (of a total of $130,000 for 2024) the $60,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House stands out. Chairman of the Board of Pan Gregorian Nicholas Callas gave the opening remarks, while Demetrios Kafchitsas (our main photo), President of NY Metro was the MC..
The guests enjoyed the company of fellow restaurateurs – not only of Greek descent as the Pan Gregorian has expanded its reach to the wider community. They also savored the superb quality of the food, especially the excellent appetizers from the Venetian – a remarkable assortment rarely seen at our events.
Greece’s general consul in New York, Ifigenia Kanara addressed the gathering (photo above) and seemed to be a rather refreshing presence, compared with the male consuls we have had in the past. Helleniscope wishes her luck in her difficult task.
Ms. Kalliopi Logothetis sang the National Anthems (our photo).
Finally, it would be an omission not to mention the omnipresent organizing power of Nick Bardis, who made the whole event possible.
Pan Gregorian is an established institution in our community. They have been through difficult times during the pandemic and after as the whole landscape in the restaurant business is changing. Its solid leadership will guide the organization with experience and confidence to a new era that is now rising in America.
Our heart-felt congratulations!!
