There is a unique holiday event happening in Winston-Salem that ties together the Christmas spirit, a silver tea service, and raising money for a great cause. The 2nd Annual Christmas Silver Tea on December 1st, 2018, is being co-chaired by Stacey Karagiorgis, owner of Little Richard’s Barbeque, and Zoe Michael, owner of Mama Zoe’s and Cin Cin Burger Bar. As members of the Daughters of Evrytania at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, they started this event last year to raise money for Cancer Services in Winston-Salem. It was such a success last year, they decided to make it an annual event.
Why They Choose to Raise Money for Cancer Services
Getting a diagnosis of cancer is life-changing. If you receive this diagnosis in our community, you will, shortly thereafter, learn about Cancer Services. When Stacey Karagiorgis was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2016, she found herself in shock. She said, “When I was diagnosed, it was like someone hit me upside the head. I really wasn’t sure what to do. But then, a group at Cancer Services called “Pink Broom Sticks” reached out to me. They introduced me to all the support and education available through Cancer Services, and with their support, I knew I would be able to handle the things that came with the diagnosis. I had lived in Winston-Salem all of my life, but having never dealt with cancer in my family, I just wasn’t aware that a place like Cancer Services existed.”
Cancer Services is a local organization that was established in 1955 to serve this mission: “To enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer and to provide the gift of life through education.”
Services include:
- Patient advocacy and information.
- Medication & financial assistance.
- Help to provide equipment and supplies.
- Transportation for treatment.
- Peer support.
- Wellness groups & programs.
- Risk-reduction & survivorship programs.
Karagiorgis went on to say about Cancer Services, “Once they reached out to me, I felt like I was not alone and that I would be able to get through this. Everything I needed was there; it was exactly what I needed at just the right time.” In 2018, Karagiorgis is cancer-free, but she continues to use cancer services for education and support.
Daughters of Evrytania
The Daughters of Evrytania at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church has a history of philanthropy in this community. This group was started after the original members emigrated from the Evrytania region of Greece. Its members now are 2nd- and third-generation family members. They have always focused on philanthropy, and put on a fundraiser every year. Last year, they noticed that many members of their community were dealing with cancer, so they decided to tailor the yearly fundraiser to reflect this. Karagiorgis felt compelled to recommend Cancer Services as the beneficiary of the event, because of how much help they were able to provide during her diagnosis and treatment.
The Christmas Silver Tea
This is a great event you will not want to miss. In addition to a classic presentation of tea, there will be a full buffet of heavy hors-d’oeuvres and sweet treats. There will also be vendors, including To Your Health Bakery and local artists selling sculpted pottery, functional pottery, baskets, and woodworking crafts. Be sure to participate in the silent auction as well. You will also enjoy holiday music, Christmas carols, and performances by professional ballroom dancers and numerous dance academies for your entertainment.
The Christmas Silver Tea will be held on December 1st, 2018, at 4 pm at the Greek Orthodox Hellenic Center—435 Keating Drive in Winston-Salem, NC. Reservations are accepted in advance of the event. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students, and $15 for children under 12. For ticket information, please call or e-mail Stacey Karagiorgis at 336-575-6904 (skaragiorgis@triad.rr.com) or Zoe Michael at 336-848-7203 (zoegap1@aol.com).
