Washington, DC
Second Annual Benefit Dinner
Sunday, November 12, 2006

The IOCC Metropolitan Committee of Washington, DC held its second Annual Benefit Dinner on Sunday, November 12. Nearly 150 guests from 14 different parishes gathered at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda for a Vespers service followed by a dinner of chicken marsala and pasta. A number of area clergy were in attendance, along with members of IOCC's staff and board of directors.

The dinner was followed by a screening of IOCC's video "Unconditional Love" and presentations describing the mission and work of IOCC by Matthew Parry, IOCC Director of Operations, and Dr. George Kaludis, member of the IOCC Board of Directors. Gifts to support IOCC were offered by the Philoptochos Societies of Saint George, Saint Sophia, and Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churches; by the Fellowship of Saint John from Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, and by the parish of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church. At the conclusion of the evening, many of those present offered generous contributions, raising approximately $20,000 to assist those in need.

The event was organized by the volunteers of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Committee, representing the following area parishes:

Saint Mark Orthodox Church, Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, The Protection of the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church, Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Saint Nicholas Cathedral, and Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church. Fathers George Khitiri, George Rados, and Gregory Safchuk also provided essential support and assistance, as did the staff of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church.