Archdiocese Gala Raises $1.6 Million for Youth Camps
The fourth annual Name Day Gala honored former Archbishop Demetrios and boosted a scholarship fund for summer camps.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy
More than 650 people attended the fourth annual Name Day Gala of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, held November 2 at Pier Sixty in New York City. The event honored former Archbishop Demetrios and raised funds for the Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Fund.
Why it matters
The fund supports camping programs for children and young people within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a New York City-based religious institution. Its growth is aimed at making camp participation accessible to more families.
Approximately $1.6 million has been raised since the inaugural gala, and about $1.3 million in net proceeds has gone to camping programs. The source does not specify a timeline for reaching the $1 million fund goal.
The players
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
Leader of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, whose Name Day Gala raised funds for the youth camp scholarship program.
Demetrios of America
Former Archbishop of America, honored at the gala for his life and ministry.
The details
The gala, attended by more than 650 people at Pier Sixty, distributed funds as scholarships for summer camps operated by the Metropolises and Ionian Village. Of the net proceeds, $406,000 went to Metropolis camps and $340,000 supported Ionian Village participation, while $550,000 was invested under the Archdiocesan Council's Investment Committee to form a permanent endowment.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Fourth annual Name Day Gala held at Pier Sixty in New York City.
Past three years: Nearly 1,000 children and young people benefited from camp scholarships.
Philanthropy Track
The gala extends the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, which has now raised about $1.6 million since its inaugural gala. The $550,000 invested toward a permanent endowment moves the fund from annual fundraising toward long-term financial stability.
Families seeking summer camp scholarships through the Archdiocese's program may see expanded access as the fund approaches its $1 million goal. The permanent endowment is designed to sustain scholarship support beyond individual galas.
The takeaway
Sustained endowment investing, rather than one-time gala proceeds, is the mechanism the Archdiocese is using to make its youth camp scholarships reliable over time.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy coverage to see how nonprofit and faith-based fundraising programs are shaping community support in New York City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Herald.
