American Women’s Organization of Greece Celebrates 70th Anniversary

By Margarita Vartholomeou

The 70th Anniversary of the the American Women’s Organization of Greece (AWOG) was celebrated recently at the residence of the United States Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Payatt.

From Left, Stacey Harris Papaioannou, Ioanna Kalivaki, Pelagia Karra, Georgia Kallis, Katerina Sirouni, Angela Karavas, Bessie Sioutas-Vassilopoulou, Vicky Klimi and Bernadine Tzouros

The organization was founded in 1948 and it’s a non-for-profit volunteer women’s group that is actively supporting charities in Greece. The AWOG is also working together with the Greek community in fundraising and organising educational, cultural and social events.

US Ambassador in Athens Geoffrey R. Pyatt with wife Mary, the event’s hosts

Addressing the event, Ambassador Payatt pointed out that AWOG is one of the oldest women’s organizations in Greece that has helped newcomers adjust to life in their own homes in Greece through cultural and educational events mostly. He continued by saying that the most respectful tradition of AWOG is of giving back to the connunity. The work of the organization with groups such as Pikpa and Caritas has shown that essential help has been provided to the Greek families in need.

The gala committee. From left, Ioanna Kalivaki, Georgia Marketos, Bessie Sioutas-Vassilopoulou, Jane Bizos and Mary Latsey-Amvrazi

The participation of AWOG in programs like the Susan G.Komen Race for the Cure USA is a reflection of the American tradition of service and giving back.

Besides the two governments working together and doing great things, the American Ambassador also stressed the importance of the people to people ties that are the foundation of the bilateral relationship with Greece.

Bessie Sioutas-Vassilopoulou, Mary Pyatt, Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt and NEO’s Margarita Vartholomeou

Mrs Mary Payatt is the Honorary President of the AWOG.

AWOG President Bessie Sioutas-Vasilopoulou thanked the ambassador for the hospitality and his nice works and also thanked her board and members for their hard work and dedication.