Through the pages of The Pappas Post you’ve traveled with me for years.

Together we’ve wandered the villages of Crete, explored forgotten corners of Greece, rediscovered pieces of history, celebrated remarkable people, argued about politics, mourned losses, shared recipes, laughed at the absurdities of modern life, and reflected on what it means to belong to a culture that stretches across oceans and generations.

Most readers know me as the publisher of The Pappas Post.

But many don’t know that, running parallel to this work, there is another world that has occupied much of my life for the past twenty years.

What began as a small idea has grown into a movement called the Greek America Foundation that has awarded scholarships, supported vulnerable communities, sent young people to volunteer throughout Greece, built partnerships with nonprofits, and created opportunities for thousands of people to put values like philotimo, philanthropy, and service into action.

For years, these two worlds have existed side by side.

One tells stories.
The other tries to write them.

This summer, those worlds are coming together.

On the island of Chios, the Greek America Foundation will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Greek America Corps, our volunteer program that has brought hundreds of young people from North America to Greece not simply to visit, but to serve. Over the past decade, these volunteers have worked alongside local organizations supporting refugees, vulnerable children, senior citizens, families facing hardship, and communities in need throughout Greece. They have cleaned beaches, served meals, listened to stories, built friendships, and discovered a Greece that exists far beyond the postcard version.

To mark this milestone, we’re hosting Community Days on Chios from July 31 through August 1, bringing together volunteers, alumni, supporters, donors, local partners, and friends from around the world.

And I’d like to invite you.
Not because you’re a donor.
Not because you’ve volunteered.
Not because you’ve ever attended a Greek America Foundation event.
But because you’ve been part of my journey.

If you’ve ever read a story on The Pappas Post and felt a deeper connection to Greece…

If you’ve ever wondered how heritage can become action…

If you’ve ever wanted to meet people who believe that being Greek isn’t simply something we celebrate but something we practice…

Then come spend a few days with us.

Come meet the young people who have chosen service over summer vacations.

Come meet the organizations quietly doing extraordinary work on the ground.

Come experience an island that sits at the crossroads of history, migration, resilience, and humanity.

Come see what happens when identity becomes responsibility.

There won’t be a ballroom gala. There won’t be formal speeches and tuxedos.

There will be conversations, shared meals, meaningful service, new friendships, and the opportunity to experience a community that has been built around a simple belief: that our heritage carries with it an obligation to care for others.

For me personally, Chios will also be a chance to reflect on ten years of Greek America Corps and the hundreds of young people who have taught me that the future of our community is brighter than most people realize.

If you’ve followed my work through The Pappas Post, consider this an invitation to cross over for a few days and experience the other side of what I do.

I’d love to welcome you there.

Community Days will take place July 31–August 1, 2026, with arrival suggested on July 30. Families are welcome. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

I hope you’ll join us. Click here for details.