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A message from Stanley Matthews (1930 – 2023), Founder of the Greek Children’s Fund

A message from Stanley Matthews (1930 – 2023), Founder of the Greek Children’s Fund

“On behalf of the Greek Children’s Fund, and most importantly, the patients and their families, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for your continued and unprecedented support of this most worthwhile cause. They say that a man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child. By courageously and tirelessly supporting the Greek Children’s Fund, the Greek American community stands tall. Greeks have always distinguished themselves by their compassion, warmth and energy. The continued success of the Greek Children’s fund is a testament to those very qualities. It is but one example of what our community can accomplish, and I, along with all the other members, are eternally grateful and proud to be part of such a wonderful community. I wish to personally extend my deepest appreciation to all of you. I consider you all as not only friends and supporters, but as family. You are an inspiration to us all and your efforts make me proud of our great heritage. I know that with your help and with God’s blessing, we will achieve another forty years of progress.”

Meet Our Greek Children's Fund Board

Greek Children’s Fund Board

The Greek Children’s Fund is led by a committed group of individuals dedicated to improving the daily lives of children and families of Hellenic descent who suffer from cancer and life-threatening illnesses. The board of directors each give their time freely to support, advocate and guide the Fund to ensure its strategic goals are being met.

Sam Matthews, President

Sam Matthews

President

Sam’s Bio

Sam Matthews, Esq. is the current President of the Greek Children’s Fund (GCF). For the past 30 years, he has been an active Board Member and Executive Officer.

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Irene Kehayas Drakopoulos, Vice President

Irene Kehayas Drakopoulos

Vice President

Irene’s Bio

Irene Kehayas Drakopoulos is the current Vice President of the Greek Children’ Fund. She is a tireless networker and champion of Fund’s mission, having volunteered for over 30 years as a Member and as an Executive Officer.

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Eleftheria (Ria) Georgelis, Vice President/Secretary

Eleftheria (Ria) Georgelis

Vice President/Secretary

Ria’s Bio

Eleftheria (Ria) Georgelis is the current Co-Vice President and Secretary of the Greek Children’s Fund. For over 25 years, she has assisted with many initiatives, such as 1997 Concert of Hope at Madison Square Garden, the 1999 Telethon of Hope, the Telethon with Dimitrios Kastana for Greek TV, and has planned many Greek Nights with the New York Mets, New York Yankees, New York Red Bulls, and New York Islanders.

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Ismini Michaels, Treasurer

Ismini Michaels

Treasurer

Ismini’s Bio

Ismini Michael is the current Co-Treasurer of the Greek Children’s Fund and has been a volunteer for the last 40 years. She is an indispensable member of the organization and has served as treasurer since 1994.

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Tina Anastos, Treasurer

Tina Anastos

Treasurer

Tina’s Bio

Tina Anatsos is the current Co-Treasurer of the Greek Children’s Fund and has been a member since 1997. She has been actively involved in many fundraising events over the years, beginning with the 1997 Concert of Hope at Madison Square Garden and the 1999 Telethon of Hope.

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The New Gen: “Hope for Life” was established by a group of young members

The GCF New Gen:
Hope for Life

The New Gen: “Hope for Life” was established by a group of young members whose goal is to continue to build a strong vision and raise public awareness about the care of children with life threatening illnesses. While they come with new ideas and actions, the synergy of love for ailing children and families remains leading.

Honorary Distinctions

  • 1983

    Stanley Matthews Receives recognition from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for creating GCF.

  • 1985

    Gregorian Enterprises presents Stanley Matthews with their Humanitarian Award.

  • 1987

    The Karpathian Federation hosts their 18th Dinner Dance, at which they honor Stanley Matthews.

  • 1988

    Stanley Matthews receives acknowledgment from Paul A. Marks, M.D., President of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

  • 1992

    The P.G.E.I. Charitable Foundation of America recognizes Stanley Matthews as the Humanitarian Father of the Year, citing, “In appreciation of your unselfish devotion and dedication to the Greek and American children and their families.”

  • 1994

    The GCF is listed as a great benefactor of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on its Wall of Benefactors at the John D. Rockefeller Research Center (the first ethnic charity to receive this recognition from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).

  • 1994

    The Hellenic University Club of New York presents Stanley Matthews with the Paideia Award for his creation and leadership of the GCF. The award is presented at Tavern on the Green in New York.

  • 1994

    Estiator magazine honors GCF and recognizes Stanley Matthews for his achievements.

  • 1996

    The Naussau-Suffolk Diner Restaurant Owners Association, Inc. recognizes Stanley Matthews and GCF.

  • 1996

    AHEPA 5th District honors Stanley Matthews and GCF.

  • 1997

    Madison Square Garden recognizes Stanley Matthews, Sam S. Matthews, Christos S. Karnessis and the GCF committee for “Making the Concert of Hope a monumental success” and the most successful ethnic concert at Madison Square Garden.

  • 1999

    Pan Gregorian Enterprises, Inc. of Metro NY and LI honors Stanley Matthews and the GCF committee.

  • 1999

    The U.S. House of Representatives recognizes GCF with the Congressional Record.

  • 1999

    New Jersey Governor Christie Todd Whitman recognizes GCF with a formal ceremony in the New Jersey State legislature.

  • 2000

    Stanley Matthews is recognized as Man of the Year by his hometown, the Borough of Harrington Park, New Jersey, for his involvement with GCF.

  • 2003

    The Village of Varvitsa, Laconia, Greece, recognizes Stanley Matthews and the GCF committee for their accomplishments.

  • 2004

    Battle of Life presents Mr. Matthews with an award recognizing his contributions to enhance the lives of Greek and Cypriot pediatric patients. His efforts help enhance the lives of these patients and their families undergoing treatment in the United States.

  • 2004

    World Hellenism of New Jersey recognizes Stanley Matthews and the GCF committee.

  • 2007

    North Fork Bank celebrates the grand re-opening of its branch at 31-17 Broadway, Astoria. To commemorate the event, North Fork Bank makes a generous contribution to GCF.

  • 2013

    Sam Matthews receives the GCF lifetime achievement award for his leadership and dedication to the Fund.

  • 2017

    Sam Matthews receives the U.S. Congressional Flag of Honor issued by the U.S. House of Representatives commending his philanthropy and his community service.

  • 2023

    Sam Matthews honored at Hermes Expo’s 2023 Awards Dinner.

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Greek Children’s Fund

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About GCF

The Greek Children’s Fund (GCF) focuses on the well-being of every child and has built a non-profit organization based on philanthropy, kindness, and collaboration.

Learn About Greek Children's Fund History
Our History

Throughout its 40-year history, the Fund has continued to better the world and has remained an all-volunteer run organization that raises funds through events, sponsorships and partnerships.

Learn About Greek Children's Fund Values
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Mailing Address

Greek Children’s Fund
P.O. Box 541500
Flushing, NY, 11354