Honoring Those Who Preserved the Heritage - #4

From Working to Preserve Our Heritage: The Incredible Legacy of Greek-American Community Services:

The theme selected for the 1990 dinner was “Greek American Leadership in the 90s.” It was held on September 28, at the Thirteen Colonies Banquets in River Grove and the expense was generously discounted by owners Bill and Mary Kakavas. 

The dinner co-chairs were Michael Lascaris and Congressman Frank Annunzio. Sandy Papadopoulos was the coordinator. Dr. Michael Bakalis was the master of ceremonies and introduced the honorees as Elaine and I presented the awards.

The honorees were: James Kirie an elected member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and Leyden Township Democratic committeeman (government); Frank Kuchuris, owner of East Balt Commissaries and Mary Ann Baking Company. His companies supplied the majority of buns to McDonald’s restaurants in the United States and parts of Europe including France (business); Very Rev. Nikitas Lulias who at the time was chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chicago. He eventually was elevated to Metropolitan and would oversee the Greek Orthodox Church in Asia (religion) and Kay Valone, founder, and director of the Phos Missions and a religion columnist for the Greek Press newspaper (media).

Invitation to the Fourth Annual GACS Heritage Awards celebrating “Greek-American Leadership in the 90s.” 1990. Elaine Thomopoulos collection.

Greek-American Leadership in the 90s,” Heritage Award honorees. Thirteen Colonies Banquets. September 28, 1990. Pictured: Top: (L-R): Frank Kuchuris, Very Rev. Nikitas Lulias, Katherine Valone, Hon. James Kirie. Bottom: (L-R): John Rassogianis, Dr. Michael Bakalis, Frank Kuchuris, Evangeline Mistaras, Very Rev. Nikitas Lulias, John Psiharis, Katherine Valone, Hon. James Kirie, Dr. Theodosis Kioutas, and Dr. Elaine Thomopoulos. John Psiharis collection.