DIY for IOCC: You’re Inspired. Now What?
Do you have a wedding, baptism, or birthday coming up this summer? If you’d like to support IOCC with your special day (or for any other occasion!), consider starting a personal fundraising page through IOCC’s website. Connect your family and friends with the work IOCC does through the power of your social network, and BE THE DIFFERENCE for someone in need. Check it out at iocc.org/diy, or email outreach@iocc.org to get started—and thank you!
Overcoming Podoconiosis
“When my condition gets better, I want to show as many people as possible that this disease is treatable,” said Deberie. Deberie, 38, has been living with incredible pain for years, caused by podoconiosis. The painful swelling in her legs and feet means she stays in bed for days at a time and has also withdrawn socially. After learning of a podoconiosis-specific treatment center from a community health worker, Deberie decided to visit it and learn more. Read the rest of Deberie’s story here!
Volunteer for an Upcoming Home Build
As summer approaches, IOCC has several volunteer opportunities to support long-term recovery projects after disasters in the US. Communities affected by these catastrophes often face great need long after the crisis has ended, and we are looking for volunteers to help repair and rebuild homes (no skills required!). Current opportunities:
- June 3-8: Houston, TX
- July 8-13: Houston, TX
- July 15-20: Houston, TX (18+ only)
- July 22-27: Houston, TX
- August 5-10: Houston, TX
- August 19-24: Houston, TX (18+ only)
Please visit iocc.org/homebuild to read more and apply.
Volunteers in Action
Let us know about your kit drives and IOCC presentations—email images and brief write-ups tooutreach@iocc.org so we can feature them here. And thank you!
RICHMOND, VA
The Sunday School children at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral spent a day assembling both emergency kits and school kits for those in need. The children were interested to hear that the kits could end up as far away as Syria or Serbia! Thanks to all the Sunday Schoolers at Ss. Constantine & Helen for participating in this service project, and to their teachers for organizing it!
Upcoming Events
Interested in planning your own event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to send a speaker to your parish or event, so please contact us at410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- June 1: Denver, CO—2nd Annual Springtime Beer Garden
- June 8: Virginia Beach, VA—5K Run/Walk for IOCC
- September 28: Akron, OH—Team IOCC at the Akron Marathon
- October 17: Pittsburgh, PA—Cognac Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- October 19: Baltimore, MD—TEAM IOCC at the Baltimore Running Festival
- October 28: Philadelphia, PA—Eighth Annual Benefit Banquet
- November 10: St. Louis, MO—IOCC Annual Banquet
IOCC Awareness Events
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
DENVER, CO
On May 4, the IOCC Denver Metropolitan Committee hosted its annual banquet for IOCC at Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral. More than 110 people and clergy from four Orthodox jurisdictions gathered to enjoy a delicious Middle Eastern feast and updates about IOCC’s most recent work. Emcee Omar Rihani and Denver Metropolitan Committee chair and IOCC board member Elaine Cladis offered remarks throughout the evening, and Mariam Saoma, IOCC’s Assistant Program Officer for the Middle East, shared reflections about recent trips to Jordan and Uganda. In addition, Fr. Chris Margaritis, presiding priest of Assumption, offered encouraging and motivational words about supporting IOCC’s work, and Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes gave a short update about IOCC’s current programs in the Middle East and Greece. Many thanks to committee chair and board member Elaine Cladis, Omar Rihani, and to the entire committee for planning this special event each year!
PITTSBURGH, PA
A talented Team IOCC participated in the Pittsburgh Marathon for the third straight year on May 4–5, faithfully (and energetically!) representing IOCC’s cause. Five runners participated in a variety of races downtown and rallied their community to raise funds for IOCC’s work around the world through their personal fundraising pages. This year, the group had their first team dinner the night before the race to enjoy some fellowship and friendly competition. Thanks to Nick Terezis and Chris Weber for leading Team IOCC to success for yet another year!
CHICAGO, IL
The Annual Chicago Grand Banquet & Silent Auction, held at Café la Cave on May 16 and now in its 27th year, was a festive evening attended by more than 250 guests. His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia), and His Grace Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest (Orthodox Church in America) were also in attendance. Dimitrije Djukic, IOCC Manager of Middle East Programs, was the keynote speaker, and he shared personal stories from his time in the Middle East and his interactions with beneficiaries in the region. The crowd viewed three new short videos that touched on IOCC’s recent work in Greece and Ethiopia. The program also included remarks from Chicago Metropolitan Committee chair Bill J. Vranas, event chair Maria Loukaki, IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes, and the evening’s emcee, Fr. Malek Rihani. IOCC Frontliners from around the country also attended, and during dinner two briefly shared experiences of responding to disasters. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction with items—including a gift certificate for a custom canvas fine art portrait—generously donated by local supporters. Many thanks to the hierarchs and local clergy for their kind support, Chicago committee chair Bill J. Vranas, event chair Maria Loukaki, and the entire committee, as well as to all the volunteers who played a role in putting this beautiful evening together!
ORANGE COUNTY, CA
St. Luke’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Garden Grove recently hosted a Share the Love for IOCC event on May 19. More than 90 people gathered for the love-themed evening to share a meal, share Christ’s love, and help rebuild communities in the US and around the world. A group of talented volunteers set up the room to represent regions of the US, such as the Mid-Atlantic and the Southwest, and each station had a variety of delicious regional fare and beautiful decorations from states where IOCC has responded to disasters. Info stations were also set up around the room so visitors could read about IOCC’s responses in particular states while enjoying the heavy hors d’oeuvres. Event chair Melody Bahu emceed and welcome several guests to the stage to say a few words, including IOCC co-founder Charles Ajalat, IOCC Frontliner Mike Claypool, and IOCC Gift Officer Nicholas Kasemeotes. The highlight of the evening was the opportunity drawing featuring three tables of gourmet food, wine, event tickets, gift certificates, and more! Thank you to Melody Bahu and the entire Orange County committee who dedicated countless hours to make this event a success!
CLEVELAND, OH
On May 19, the IOCC Cleveland Metropolitan Committee held its annual banquet. 150 Orthodox faithful from across the Greater Cleveland area came out to hear a keynote address from Biljana Mihajlović, IOCC Manager of Europe Programs and Gifts-in-Kind, share personal stories from her more than 20 years with IOCC. Mr. Ted Theodore emceed the evening, which included the awarding of the Diane Zamiska Award, a local award in memory of a beloved member of the community, to committee member Pete Theodore. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, homemade local wine, and catching up with one another in what is now a 27 year-old tradition.Thank you to Connie Zimmerman, Julie Hall, Protinica Kathy Babich, and the rest of the IOCC Cleveland committee and volunteers for organizing a lovely evening!
