Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Due to unforeseen logistical challenges related to the impact of construction on our church property, it has been made evident that we are unable to hold the the 2013 Hamptons Greek Festival at our Church. Our festival committee members and parish council have thoroughly investigated alternate sites, and all other possibilities have been exhausted.  The clergy and parish council have reached the conclusion that it is no longer feasible to hold our festival.  As we are all aware, the festival is absolutely critical to our church’s ministries, as nearly 50% of our operating budget comes from the festival and its raffle.  Our current situation presents us, as a church family, with a tremendous challenge, and with a superb opportunity.  We need to come together as a church in order to discuss alternate methods of fund raising for our parish.  Ideas to which the clergy, Parish Council, and Philopthochos are already committed include:

• We will hold a Blue Dream Event on July 20th, with a  30/70% split between Wounded Warrior and the Church Operating Budget
• We will hold a Greek Night at the Church on August 31, with our annual raffle drawing
• We will all resolve to triple our efforts to sell raffle tickets, reaching out to family, friends, and colleagues. This is a critical item in order to meet our annual budget needs
• We will consider an additional Greek Night in September
• We will explore fund raising opportunities for our feast day, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 15
• We will sell pastry and frozen foods throughout the summer
• We will continue to work on our stewardship campaign, encouraging new Stewards and increased stewardship

We are aware of the fact that the Festival has been the major fundraiser by which our church meets its annual operating budget and continues its ministries, but we are confident that if we, the clergy, council members, and each and every member of our church commit ourselves to creatively and enthusiastically supporting the items listed above, that we will meet the needs of our congregation, and continue to serve the faithful and broader community of Long Island’s East End.

All members of our church family are invited and requested to attend a parish wide meeting, which will be held on June 2, 2013 directly after Divine Liturgy in order to discuss our alternative fund raising strategies. Please come to the meeting with your ideas, ready to work together for the continued and vibrant ministries and programs of our Church.