Loukoumi Kids Club Newsletter. September 2021: Volume 1, Issue 3

Participate in our Project of the Month

Never Forget! Letters to 9-11 Families

9-11 Never Forget Letters with The Loukoumi Foundation and Come From Away

On the 20th anniversary of 9-11, The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation and the award-winning musical "Come From Away" would like you to join us in writing a NEVER FORGET letter to a family who lost a loved one on 9-11. In this video, 9-11 survivor and 9-11 Tribute Museum tour guide Jeannette Gutierrez expresses the importance of never forgetting, followed by two children from the Come From Away family reading their letters and explaining how to complete this very special good deed. Thank you to everyone at Come From Away for this very special collaboration, which started with the Loukoumi Foundation's book, "Inspiring Stories That Make A Difference by 75 Kids Who Changed Their Worlds." Video produced by Jacob Naclerio

Exclusive Interview with

Philanthropist Elena Kampouris

by Jacob Naclerio

This past month, I had the privilege of talking with internationally acclaimed actress and avid supporter of the Loukoumi Foundation, Elena Kampouris (My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Jupiter's Legacy). Throughout our interview, we discussed the ways she uses her platform to spread awareness for causes that are important to her.

From the very beginning of the interview, Elena’s enthusiasm about the causes she supports was evident including her profound support for the deaf community.

What Inspires Kids Today?

By Arietta Xylas

When we are struggling or in need of support, the guidance of those around us can be extremely beneficial and a great source of inspiration. Gianni Dellis often finds his strength from those in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Painting With A Purpose

By Arsh Pal

Since I was little, my mom always encouraged me to be creative, explore different skills like writing, drawing, coloring, karate, theater, gymnastic etc. I used to work with watercolor and was getting better at it. My mom and my aunt (they both are very creative) gave me canvases and acrylic paint on my 8th birthday and encouraged me to paint.

A Student's Non-Profit Uniting Against Breast Cancer

by Ava Tsapatsaris

Access to breast cancer screening should not be a privilege; it is a right that must be accessible to all women. I am very passionate about this and by the end of ninth grade, I eagerly applied and was selected for Advance Science Research, a three-year course in which I have been investigating disparities in breast cancer treatment faced by medically underserved women in New York. In 10th grade during quarantine, I formed Uniting Against Breast Cancer (UABC), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, that serves as a virtual patient navigation service which organizes the various free or low-cost breast cancer screening opportunities.

The UN's Freerice program: Exclusive Interview with Project Manager Livia Hengel

By Siena Versaci

Freerice is a website and mobile application that allows players to donate rice to families in need by playing a fun multiple-choice quiz game. The program is run by the United Nations and focuses on helping people across the world in poverty to get help with food and necessities.

Favorite Meals for Nursing Home Residents

By Ruby Kate Chitsey

I fulfill small wishes for nursing home seniors across America through my nonprofit, Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents. This summer we brought hundreds of take-out meals to nursing homes seniors.

St. Jude Corner

Restaurants Supporting St. Jude

By Ava Tsapatsaris

I am happy to report that our Loukoumi Foundation Project at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital received a $10,000 donation last month (Thank you ORPHANIDES and ASSOCIATES) and we are now almost half way to our fundraising goal for the Loukoumi Foundation Treatment Room at St. Jude, which opened in October 2019.

As Make a Difference with Loukoumi Day is rapidly approaching, I suggested that we team up with restaurants in cities that we have a presence in and ask them from October 18-24 to make a donation from proceeds.

Matteo's First Pitch for Xavier

By: Matteo Lambert

In a local news article, I heard a boy named Xavier learned he had cancer when he was taken to the hospital for COVID-19. A couple of days after hearing this story, the Washington Nationals baseball team invited me to throw out the First Pitch to highlight how I support kids with cancer. I then reflected on hearing about Xavier and it all came together. I would throw the pitch in honor of Xavier.

LKC Chapter Spotlight: Athens Greece

The inaugural meeting of the Loukoumi Kids Club (Athens Greece Chapter) was held last month with Club President Athina Vyrgioti and Athens Loukoumi Good Deed Ambassador Chef Miltos Karoubas! Looking forward to making a difference with you and the children of Greece!

Good Deed Photo of the Month

Collecting Supplies for Afghan Refugees in Dallas, TX

Great job by our Dallas Texas Loukoumi Kids Club Chapter last week as Ava Jafari and Beckett Potter joined forces to drop off supplies at a donation drive for Afghan refugee resettlement.

Inspiring Stories: Lionel Li

If you would like to be in our next edition of "Inspiring Stories" send us your essay, 300 words or less about how you are trying to change the world, to loukoumifoundation@gmail.com

When I was fifteen years old, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Burkitt’s Lymphoma. I underwent chemotherapy and a transplant (this experience included a relapse). It was one of the longest and most difficult years of my life. I experienced hardships that I wouldn’t wish on anybody, but I developed a passion that I wouldn’t give up for anything in the world: giving back.

Loukoumi Kids on Teen Kids News

VINCENT VERSACI

The nationally syndicated television series "Teen Kids News" has featured the kids of The Loukoumi Foundation in an "Inspiring Stories" series. In this segment, learn about how Vincent Versaci has helped the environment by collecting cans.