The Cypriot Young Professionals Host Event to Support the Cyprus Children’s Fund

Cyprus Sweethearts Committee with Ambassador Mr. Vasilios Philippou, Consul-General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, CYPRUS-U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Despina Axiotakis, National Chairman and President of the Cyprus Children’s Fund Mr. Savas Tsivicos, and Cyprus Children’s Fund Executive Director Ms. Andry Ioannou Dallago, PHOTO: VINCENT TULLO

by Laura Neroulias*

Love was in the air for over 150 Cypriot and Greek American young professionals and friends who attended the Annual Cyprus Sweethearts Night at Central Next Door in Astoria, New York.

Hosted by the Cypriot Young Professionals (CYP) of the CYPRUS-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the night celebrated and supported the amazing and continuous work of the Cyprus Children’s Fund, Inc.

Raising over $6,000 through ticket sales, generous donations and sponsorships, the night’s impactful event confirmed the support of 30+ children for a year. With a simple message to bring awareness and attention in assisting with the mission of the Fund and its dedicated program, the night’s efforts were led by the Cyprus Sweethearts Committee – Stathis Theodorpoulos, Laura Neroulias, Demetrios Comodromos, Christina Shailas, Petroula Lambrou, Eleni Eracleous and Maria Fillas – seven young professionals of Cypriot descent whose vision and compassion to serve the community was noticeably present.

2014 Cyprus Sweethearts Committee – Christina Shailas, Eleni Eracleous, Stathis Theodoropoulos, Laura Neroulias, Demetrios Comodromos, Petroula Lambou, Maria Fillas, PHOTO: VINCENT TULLO

A non-profit organization established following the devastating 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus to alleviate the plight of hundreds of displaced children. The Cyprus Children’s Fund has continued to support children who are in need, including providing security to orphans, help the ill, the abandoned and the underprivileged.

Through generous donations, one-on-one basis sponsorships as well as awarding scholarship opportunities that provide financial aid to students who are in need and of high academic standard, moral and financial help has strengthened the lives of so many children and helped them break out of their despair for nearly 40 years.

For many families, the disintegration following the 1974 Turkish invasion still continues and many are still caught in the grip of poverty, despair and helplessness.

“I am very proud of what we did together as a Cyprus Sweethearts Committee,” says Stathis Theodoropoulos, Chairman of the Cyprus Sweethearts Committee. “We had a tremendous group of individuals that built an event around the idea that as young professionals, we can get together and support our community in a very special way; the Cyprus Sweetheart Night re-affirms that and that type of effort really makes a difference and shows how strong of community we really are.”

National Chairman and President of the Cyprus Children’s Fund Mr. Savas Tsivicos and CYP President Laura Neroulias, PHOTO: VINCENT TULLO

National Chairman and President of the Cyprus Children’s Fund, Mr. Savas Tsivicos, spoke and presented a short video as to the Fund’s efforts and its continuous positive effects it has had since its inception and it’s future plans. “We are proud to have the annual Cyprus Sweethearts night supported by the Cypriot Young Professionals as a cherished tradition for the Organization and the members of the Greek and Cypriot American Communities,” says Tsivicos. “CYP’s act of compassion for the Cyprus Children’s Fund has allowed continued awareness to be garnered furthermore, resulting in improving the collective lives of so many children. It is amazing to see the younger generation come together to continue to provide relief against misfortune. It creates hope for those who are in need and wish that other young professional organizations follow the good example of CYP!”

The night followed with a speech from Ambassador Vasilios Philippou, Consul General of Cyprus in New York noting, “I would like to congratulate the Young Professionals for such a fine job in organizing the Cyprus Sweethearts event for the benefit of The Cyprus Children’s Fund . It is a wonderful cause which helps so many children fulfill their potential & realize better futures. May you continue this excellent effort.”

Petroula Lambrou and friends, PHOTO: VINCENT TULLO

Since its inauguration in June 2013, the Cypriot Young Professionals have brought the community together both professionally and personally while also bringing important Cypriot and Greek causes to the forefront of the younger generation.

“Since moving to New York City from Detroit, I have been welcomed in to the Cypriot Young Professionals with open arms by such an intelligent and hard-working group of young people who recognize the importance of supporting all members of the Greek-Cypriot community,” says Maria Psilis, attorney. “CYP puts this philosophy in to action and the Cyprus Sweethearts Night is a perfect example of this: supporting a wonderful Cypriot organization, while of course making sure everyone still has a little fun.”

PHOTO: VINCENT TULLO

As the Young Professionals of the CYPRUS-U.S. Chamber of Commerce (a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Cyprus and the United States and foster business opportunities and closer ties amongst its members and the greater business community in the United States), CYP will continue to carry on with its mission while at the same time supporting worthwhile causes such as the Cyprus Children’s Fund.

The Chamber’s Executive Director, Despina Axiotakis, notes: “On behalf of the CYPRUS-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, I congratulate the Cyprus Young Professionals for making the Annual Cyprus Sweethearts Night such a worthwhile, successful and memorable experience. Their fine work and excellent planning resulted in an unforgettable and fun night. Again, we are extremely proud of all of the Young Professionals.”

Jovanna Tannousis and Friends, PHOTO: VINCENT TULLO

The organization would like to thank Central Next Door for providing the venue space and catering, Patty Pops for the wonderful desserts and Power Station for the non-stop live Greek music in which everyone enjoyed. The Young Professionals would also like to thank all of those who generously sponsored and donated, including Christos Fifth Avenue, Zenon Taverna, Melrose Ballroom, TV Cosmos, Maria Fragkoudaki, Method Design, Avenue Café, Aliada, Evers Pharmacy, Schwinghammer Lighting and many more whose love and support made the Annual Cyprus Sweethearts Night a great success.

A Special Note Regarding the Cypriot Young Professionals (CYP) of the CYPRUS-U.S. Chamber of Commerce from President, Laura Neroulias:

“The Cypriot Young Professionals organization has been thriving for the past 10 months since it’s inauguration in June 2013 and when we look back at what we have done since day one, it really has been tremendous. We have fantastic members that have helped us build our foundation for success. From impactful initiatives such as our networking events highlighting the successes of specific Young Professionals and round-table discussions, to meeting the President of the Republic of Cyprus and bringing important causes to the forefront of our generation, such as the Cyprus Children’s Fund, we have been given the opportunity to grow together and give back both professionally and personally.

CYP is an amazing organization in which I am proud to be a part of. I hope each of you all takes the time to learn, join and contribute in 2014. We look forward to an exciting year!”

Othonas Arygrou wins Maria Fragoudaki painting (posing with Maria Fragoudaki), PHOTO: VINCENT TULLO

For more information about the Cypriot Young Professionals, please find us on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CYPCUCC

For more information about the Cyprus Children’s Fund, please visit: http://www.cyprus-childrensfund.org/

*) Laura Neroulias is President of the Cypriot Young Professionals (CYP) of the CYPRUS-US Chamber of Commerce.