Our children aren’t just repeating the word philotimo. They aren’t just writing about it or sharing it on Instagram. They’re living it.

On November 18, 2026, children and their families will gather at Carnegie Diner & Cafe in New York City to prepare, pack and personally deliver meals to New Yorkers in need.

$20 sponsors one meal. Our goal is $2,000 for 100 meals.

View the 2025 Project Philotimo photo album

A father’s example, carried forward

Project Philotimo began in 2022 with a son’s wish to honor his father. Andreas Koutsoudakis brought the idea to the Greek America Foundation in memory of his late father, Andreas, a beloved Tribeca restaurateur whose generosity and care for people in need left a lasting example.

Andreas wanted the next generation to experience that generosity for themselves. Roda Perperidis joined the inaugural effort with her children. Together with Kyriakos Perperidis and their families, they helped turn a personal tribute into a tradition of parents and children serving together.

That is the heart of Project Philotimo: a family’s example becoming something another generation can live.

Kindness in action

Philotimo is a Greek value expressed through generosity, responsibility and care for others. Children discover what it means when they give their time, work together and help someone beyond their own circle.

Last November, young volunteers at Carnegie Diner prepared more than 100 Thanksgiving dinners for the Hoboken Shelter. They portioned food, packed meals and saw how many small acts of care could become a shared effort.

Carnegie Diner & Cafe: our valued partner

Carnegie Diner & Cafe helps bring this experience to life. We are grateful to Stathis Antonakopoulos and the Carnegie Diner team for welcoming our children and families, sharing their hospitality and guiding our young volunteers as they prepare and pack meals.

Living philotimo on November 18

This year, children ages 12 and under will work alongside their parents or appointed guardians and the Carnegie Diner team. Meal preparation runs from 4 to 6 p.m.; at 6 p.m., families will depart to deliver the meals they have prepared.

The experience continues beyond the kitchen. Delivering the meals connects the children’s work with the communities it supports and helps them understand the importance of following through, offering kindness and treating every person with dignity.

One community, one shared effort

Before the service day, children and their families will invite friends and relatives to sponsor meals. Gen G, the Foundation’s leadership, philanthropy and service program for teenagers ages 13–18, will help share this same fundraiser. Younger children, teenagers and our wider community can each play a part.

Help our children sponsor 100 meals

Your gift supports the preparation, packaging and delivery of meals for New Yorkers in need through the Greek America Foundation’s Project Philotimo.

$20 sponsors one meal

$100 sponsors five meals

$200 sponsors ten meals

Sponsor a meal, share this fundraiser and help our children turn generosity into action.

A father’s example. A community’s care. Our children, living philotimo.