By Gregory C. Pappas, Founder, Greek America Foundation
Philotimo amplified. That’s exactly what unfolded on Wednesday, November 26th, at the Carnegie Diner & Cafe in New York City — when eleven young members of the Greek America Foundation family came together to prepare Thanksgiving meals for people in need.
Under the bright lights of the festive heart of New York City, the energy was contagious. A dozen pre-teen volunteers — the next generation of Greek America — rolled up their sleeves to assemble more than 100 turkey dinners, which were then delivered to the Hoboken Shelter. And behind every meal was a story of love, compassion, and legacy.
Where It All Began
Project Philotimo began four years ago at the initiative of Andreas Koutsoudakis, who wanted to honor and continue the legacy of his late father— a beloved Tribeca restaurant owner known for his open heart, his generosity, and his unwavering belief that helping those in need was one of the greatest acts of love. The project continues in his memory each year.
During its inaugural year, Roda Perperidis joined the effort, bringing her enthusiasm, her children, and her commitment to raising compassionate young people. Since then, their two families — along with more who join annually — have helped this project grow into a cherished tradition that embodies what we stand for: compassion, service, community.
Generous donors from throughout the nation sponsored the cost of each meal. Their support didn’t just fill stomachs— it fueled the passions of the children doing the work. Because Project Philotimo has always been a two-way project: Helping those in need and teaching our youth the joy and responsibility of giving.
Watching these kids work side by side, proud and focused, was a reminder of what philotimo truly means— honor, love, humility, and doing good without expecting anything in return.
The Amplification; The Ripple Effect
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Stathis Antonakopoulos, proprietor of Carnegie Diner & Cafe, the cost of the food ended up being zero. In a remarkable act of kindness, Stathis donated all of the food expenses back to the Greek America Foundation— meaning every dollar raised went straight to supporting our broader philanthropic programs.
“Watching these children give their time and energy to help others was incredibly inspiring,” Stathis shared. “I’m proud to support this effort, and the Greek America Foundation deserves tremendous credit for empowering kids to lead with compassion and philotimo.”
This Year’s Young Volunteers: Vanna Koutsoudakis, Zoe Koutsoudakis, Chryssa Sevastakis, Vicky Sevastakis, Demetra Antonakopoulos, Elias Antonakopoulos, Christina Frangos, Nicoletta Frangos, Evangelia Perperidis, Anastasios Perperidis and Ourania Perperidis.
Their teamwork and enthusiasm sparked something bigger. By the end of the night, the parents began discussing turning Project Philotimo into a quarterly service initiative, giving the kids even more opportunities to serve their community throughout the year.
And that ripple effect is where the real magic lies. From a simple idea to honor a great man’s legacy, to the generosity of our community to sponsor meals, to the commitment of the parents and their children to give of their time on the busiest evening of the holiday season, to the generosity of Stathis and Carnegie Diner & Cafe, to the evolution of Project Philotimo into a program that will inspire more children and nourish more people in need. Magic, indeed.
Do you have pre-teen children that you’d like involved and live in the New York City area? Participation in our programs is open to members of the Greek America Foundation and their children. CLICK HERE to join the Greek America Foundation today and help us inspire the next generation of philanthropists!
