For the 3rd year in a row, 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. Co-chairs Stacey Karagiorgis, owner of Little Richard’s Barbeque, and Zoe Michael, owner of Mama Zoe’s, Yama’s and Cin Cin Burger Bar, are proud to bring the 3rd-annual Christmas Silver Tea Cancer Services Benefit to Winston-Salem. As members of the Daughters of Evrytania at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, they both have a heart for service and philanthropy. They have enjoyed using the Silver Tea to raise money, and awareness, for Cancer Services Winston-Salem. Last year they raised $10,000 that directly impacted the lives of cancer patients and their care-givers right here in this community.
Cancer is a widespread disease, and chances are you or someone you know has been directly affected by it. What you may not know, is that if you are diagnosed with cancer in this community, you will soon be contacted by Cancer Services. This local organization, established in 1955, works hard to serve their mission: “To enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer and to provide the gift of life through education.” They work to achieve this by providing patient advocacy and information, medication and financial assistance; by helping provide equipment and supplies; transportation for treatment; peer support; wellness groups and programs; risk-reduction programs and survivorship programs.
Cancer Services is an organization that Stacey Karagiorgis holds very close to her heart. She was shocked when she received a diagnosis of Breast Cancer in 2016. 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’ outreach really changed how she felt about what was happening. Karagiorgis went on to say, “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 2019, Karagiorgis is cancer-free, but she continues to use cancer services for education and support.
The host of the Christmas Silver Tea is The Daughters of Evrytania at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. They have 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 3rd-generation family members. They have always focused on philanthropy, and put on a fundraiser every year. Over the past several years, 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. They chose Cancer Services as their beneficiary in 2017 and are proud to continue to raise money for this worthy cause.
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 a variety of local vendors, including Nitsa’s Apparel, who will be doing a pop-up shop. 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 7th, 2019, 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 children under 12. For ticket information, please call or e-mail Stacey Karagiorgis at 336-575-6904, [email protected], or Zoe Michael at 336-848-7203, [email protected].
