ore than 46,000 fans cheered as Hellenic dance groups from various schools and organizations from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut danced traditional folk dances on the field of Shea Stadium celebrating “Greek Night at Shea” on Friday, June 16. The Greek Children’s Fund (GCF) a nonprofit organization that raises money for Greek and Cypriot children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses hosted its fourth annual Greek Night fundraiser and united the Greek community in an effort not only to promote Hellenic pride but also to raise funds for families in need. Visit for more information Plumbers South Brunswick, NJ

Chairpersons of the event were Nick Pavlou and Lena Varis, members of the GCF organization. This year’s fundraiser was once again successful, selling more than 2,000 tickets to the Greek community and raising more than $18,000 for the Greek Children’s Fund. In accordance with a now annual tradition, businesses and organizations who have sponsored and supported the Greek Children’s Fund and certain individuals all received the Mets Spirit Award as a special tribute and were honored on the field by the GCF.

Assemblymember Michael Gianaris (l.), who received a Mets Spirit Award from the Greek Children’s Fund during Greek Night ceremonies at Shea Stadium June 16, is congratulated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

This year’s honorees were Assemblymember Michael Gianaris; John Santouris of the Pan Gregorian Organization of Upper New York; Jim Rountos of the Pan Gregorian of Connecticut Charitable Foundation; Marathon Bank of New York; Signature Bank; John Spirou of 7 Star Restaurant; Andrew Latos of the Astoria law firm Latos, Latos & DiPippo; Leo Andreadakis of Danica Plumbing & Heating Corp., and Dean and Maria Pialtos from the Pauly’s Gift of Love Foundation.

The Hellenic groups who danced on the field included dancers from the William Spyropoulos School of Flushing, St. Demetrios School of Astoria, Chian Federation, Cretan Association “Omoneia”, and the Kolokotronei Hellenic Dancers. Also In attendance were members of the Boy Scout Troop 725. The Foundation sponsored the appearance of Cypriot baritone Constantinos Yiannoudes, who sang the National Anthem. Yiannoudes was an inspired presence and a delightful addition to this year’s event.

Founder and Chairman of the Greek Children’s Fund Stanley Matthews, together with Chris Coroneos, Foundation president, presented the awards to the honorees on the field before the game. “It is such an honor to present these awards to individuals who continuously support our organization,” Matthews said. “Their generosity is greatly appreciated.”

Accepting the Mets Spirit Award for

Marathon Bank was Senior Vice President Nick Tavantzis. “Marathon Bank is honored to receive this award,” Tavantzis said. “We join the Greek community in this wonderful effort to raise funds for children with cancer. Marathon Bank’s primary goal is to assist our community by building strong business relationships with philanthropic and benevolent organizations such as the Greek Children’s Fund.”

The law firm of Latos, Latos & DiPippo was instrumental in providing volunteer assistance to the GCF during prior telethon fundraisers, offering their law firm’s facilities as a base for contributors calling in to place donations towards the organization. Attorney Andrew Latos expressed his admiration for the organization’s mission. “It is truly an honor to be a part of this great event,” Latos said. “Our efforts to make a difference and to ease a child’s pain should be a priority in all of us. I commend the GCF for their efforts and for their accomplishments.”

Photo Tony Barsamian Gathered on the field at Shea Stadium and holding their awards from the Greek Children’s Foundation were this year’s honorees, including Assemblymember Michael Gianaris; John Santouris of the Pan Gregorian Organization of Upper New York; Jim Rountos of the Pan Gregorian of Connecticut Charitable Foundation; Marathon Bank of New York; Signature Bank; John Spirou of 7 Star Restaurant; Andrew Latos of the Astoria law firm Latos, Latos & DiPippo; Leo Andreadakis of Danica Plumbing & Heating Corp., and Dean and Maria Pialtos from the Pauly’s Gift of Love Foundation.

The Greek Children’s Fund organization wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the New York Mets, who have graciously supported the organization and its efforts to raise money for cancer patients. As one of the first, nonprofit, philanthropic organizations of its kind in the Greek-American community in the United States, the GCF assists an average of more than 200 pediatric patients and their families every year. The driving force behind the growth and development of this dynamic organization has been the efforts of its dedicated volunteers and the financial support of the Greek-American community. Since its inception in 1983, the GCF has established strong ties with philanthropic and private organizations and businesses in the tri-state area that provide the GCF with invaluable assistance in its fundraising efforts. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sam Matthews at 201-9075090 and make a difference in a child’s life.