A family tradition of generosity. A new generation putting it into practice.
November 18, 2026 · Carnegie Diner at the Martinique Hotel · New York City
Our children hear the word philotimo. They learn about it, write about it and see it shared online. Through Project Philotimo, they get to live it—with their own hands, their own time and a meal prepared for someone who needs it.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe: Our Valued Partner
Carnegie Diner & Cafe is a valued partner in bringing Project Philotimo to life. We are grateful to proprietor Stathis Antonakopoulos and the Carnegie Diner team for welcoming our children and families, sharing their hospitality, and helping create a hands-on experience of service. Their partnership gives our young volunteers a place to work together as they prepare and pack meals for neighbors in need.
A family tradition of generosity
This tradition began with a son remembering his father.
In 2022, Andreas Koutsoudakis brought Project Philotimo to the Greek America Foundation in memory of his late father, Andreas—a beloved Tribeca restaurateur whose generosity and care for others left a lasting example. Together with Kyriakos and Roda Perperidis and their children, that tribute grew into a tradition of families serving their neighbors.
The idea was simple: give children the opportunity to experience the generosity we hope they will carry throughout their lives.
On Wednesday, November 18, we will continue that tradition at Carnegie Diner, hosted by Stathis Antonakopoulos and his team. Children will work alongside their parents or appointed guardians to prepare and pack meals for New Yorkers in need. Then they will personally deliver the meals they helped prepare.
The delivery is an essential part of the experience. It connects the children’s work to the people and communities they are supporting, helping them understand what it means to show up for others.
Join us as a family
Project Philotimo welcomes children ages 12 and under, accompanied throughout the program by a parent or appointed guardian.
- 4–6 p.m.: Meal preparation and packing at Carnegie Diner.
- From 6 p.m.: Departure for meal deliveries.
- Location: Carnegie Diner at the Martinique Hotel, 49 West 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001.
- Capacity: A maximum of 40 children. Advance registration and confirmation are required.
All times are New York local time. Families should plan to participate in both meal preparation and delivery. Transportation arrangements, delivery locations and the anticipated finishing time will be shared once confirmed.
We recognize that the 4 p.m. start may require an early school dismissal for some children. The schedule allows time for the full experience, including the evening deliveries.
A program for GAF member families
Project Philotimo is part of the Greek America Foundation’s commitment to helping young people put generosity and service into practice.
One parent’s active GAF membership covers participation for the family. Membership will be verified before registration is confirmed.
If your family is new to the Foundation, we invite you to become part of this community. Membership sustains our year-round work in service, education and culture—and creates opportunities like this one for families to take part.
Sponsor a meal. Help our children serve.
Each $20 donation sponsors one meal that our young volunteers will help prepare, pack and deliver.
Our participating children and their families will help raise support alongside teenagers from Gen G, the Foundation’s leadership, philanthropy and service program for ages 13–18. Everyone will share one fundraiser, bringing more of our community into this act of giving.
$20 sponsors one meal · $100 sponsors five · $200 sponsors ten
Our shared goal is $2,000 to sponsor 100 meals.
A father’s example continues through the children who carry it forward. Join us in living philotimo.