On November 10, 2007 the Metropolitan St. Louis Committee for IOCC held its 5th Anniversary Banquet at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, featuring a dynamic Keynote Speaker, Mr. Nicholas Chakos, U.S. Program Coordinator of the IOCC. We had 172 people in attendance. The committee was also celebrating the 15th Anniversary of IOCC since its inception in 1992. The Co-Chairs, Mary Angelides and Kathrine Sharos and President Christine Lemakis presented a beautiful program. Christine thanked her entire committee for their hard work in making this lovely evening possible.
Following the inspirational Vesper Services, everyone was delighted with the beautiful fall decorations and elegantly set tables. Fr. Doug opened the program; a delicious buffet dinner was served while everyone enjoyed piano music by Audrey Guarino. The Alexandra School of Ballet presented “Mazurka” and “Czardas” from Coppelia. Mr. Chakos mesmerized us with his articulate and warm speech, which mirrored the Mission of IOCC to respond to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ to minister to those who are suffering and in need throughout the world, sharing with them God’s Gifts of Food, Shelter, Economic Self-sufficiency and Hope. His heartfelt presentation of his experience in the field, “Where Death Has No Sting”, put a spotlight on individual cases, which energized us to keep our commitment to IOCC.
We viewed an IOCC Video Presentation, “Voices”, Mr. Chakos took questions from the floor and Fr. Achilles Karathanos, Spiritual Advisor and Presbyter at St. Nicholas closed the evening with the Benediction. It is with great humility and appreciation that the IOCC Committee announced they received over $35,000 in donations to help IOCC carry on their mission. “92% of IOCC’s resources are used for humanitarian relief and development programs. Every dollar you give helps IOCC secure almost $7 in support from governments, foundations and other funding sources.”
