The Athanasia G. Harris Memorial Scholarship 2025

June 2, 2025

The Athanasia G. Harris Memorial Scholarship 2025 awards $1,000 annually to a graduating high school senior who is a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, California. The Harry G. Harris Foundation continues to support this scholarship and its presentation.

To qualify, recipients must be enrolled in a university program in Business, Health Sciences or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Mr. Habte Martone, a graduate of Stanford Online High School, a prestigious college preparatory institution affiliated with Stanford University, was honored as this year’s recipient. Throughout his secondary education, Habte dedicated countless hours to volunteering for both local and international charities, including his active participation in the Build a House Project in Mexico in 2023.

The scholarship was awarded to Habte during a special ceremony following the Divine Liturgy at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. On fall 2025, he will begin his university studies at the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology, a private research university in Henrietta, New York, where he has declared a major in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science.

Dr. Harry G. Harris had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable young man this morning, and Dr. Harris was deeply impressed by his courtesy, demeanor, and unwavering drive to excel in his forthcoming studies. His commitment to academic excellence and emerging technical disciplines, so vital to America’s continued progress, fills Dr. Harris with optimism. Dr. Harris knew his mother would be proud of Mr. Habte's achievements and potential for future success. 

Moments like these remind us of the profound connections we forge throughout our lives and the lasting impact we can have on others. Miss Athanasia G. Harris was a passionate advocate for education, and we are grateful that her endowment continues to recognize and celebrate academic excellence each year.

Poverello House - "Feast Day of Saint George" 2025

April 24, 2025

Today marks the Feast Day of Saint George, the Great Martyr, one of the most beloved saints in the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church. 

To honor the legacy of George Harry Harris, the father of Dr. Harris, our founder, and his many philanthropic contributions, The Harry G. Harris Foundation once again commemorated this special day with a gift to Poverello House through its Meals for a Day program.

A delicious lunch was prepared by a talented culinary team led by Chef John in the newly opened Papa Mike’s Café. Most important, several hundred men, women and children, who are currently in need and residing in the local community, enjoyed excellent meals which provided nourishment and fostered a sense of communal solidarity.

We extend sincerest thanks to Zachary Darrah, CEO of Poverello House, for his warm welcome, strong leadership and ongoing commitment to making today’s program a success. An appreciation also goes to his dedicated team, especially Nathaniel Schenck, who provided a preview of several innovative outreach efforts that are making a difference every day.

Special thanks as well to Walt Robinson of California Home Care and Lenity Hospice for offering additional support that assisted to ensure the program’s success.

Over the years, we have been especially fortunate to meet people from all walks of life and to better understand their needs. These experiences continue to inspire the Foundation’s work. Most important, we remain committed to continuing this meaningful annual tradition.

Poverello House - Athanasia G. Harris' Saint's Day 2025

January 17, 2025

The Harry G. Harris Foundation continues to participate in the "Meals for a Day" program at Poverello House during the last several years. Today’s event held special significance as it was dedicated to honoring Athanasia, the mother of our founder, on the feast day of St. Athanasios, her patron saint in the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Zachary D. Darrah, Chief Executive Officer of Poverello House, for graciously hosting a luncheon at Papa Mike’s Café, which also marks its first year of operation. Zach has been an invaluable partner throughout his tenure, actively collaborating with the Foundation to fulfill its mission of community service.

During the visit, we had the privilege of meeting Ms. Mary McGarvin, Co-Founder of Poverello House, and receiving her kind words of appreciation for the Foundation’s annual contributions. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Nathaniel Schenck, Grants and Community Partnership Coordinator, for his ongoing assistance and joining today’s meeting.

Our extended luncheon provided an opportunity for a candid and productive discussion about community needs. We explored the critical role of local nonprofit organizations in addressing challenges like hunger and homelessness and emphasized the importance of collaboration with governmental entities and the private sector to create sustainable solutions. These periodic visits to Poverello House underscore the tangible impact of the Foundation’s contributions and reaffirm the urgency of its mission.

Papa Mike’s Café, a cornerstone of Poverello House, serves nearly 1,000 meals daily to individuals and families seeking nourishment, shelter and a sense of connection. The Café exemplifies the spirit of solidarity and community that Poverello House embodies.

We would also like to acknowledge Pete Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer of California Home Care, for his valuable contributions to the Foundation and his role in today’s program. Our thanks  to his colleague, Walt Robinson, as well.

The Harry G. Harris Foundation is most grateful to the entire team at Papa Mike’s Café for their excellent cuisine and to the staff of Poverello House for their warm hospitality, which made the events truly memorable.

Today’s gathering serves as a testament to Athanasia’s enduring legacy of kindness and generosity. The Foundation remains resolute in its commitment to honoring this tradition and continuing its efforts to inspire and serve the community.

Poverello House - George Harry Harris' Saint's Day 2024

May 11, 2024

Today, on the occasion of George Harry Harris's Saint's Day, The Harry G. Harris Foundation participated once again in the "Meals for a Day" program at Poverello House. Pete joined us in the Poverello House visit to commemorate George Harry Harris's legacy through philanthropic endeavors. This initiative aims to provide meals for those in need, aligning with the Foundation's commitment to serving the community.

Nate, a representative from Poverello House, graciously hosted a lunch for us at the new Papa Mike's Cafe. The excellent meal not only provided nourishment but also facilitated meaningful interactions, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

An extensive tour of Poverello House facilities by Nate allowed Haoxing to gain insights into the organization's operations, services and impact on the community. It provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the importance of the Foundation's support in addressing issues of hunger and homelessness.

The Harry G. Harris Foundation expresses gratitude to Nate and the entire team at Poverello House for their warm hospitality and for facilitating a memorable experience. Special thanks to Haoxing for representing the Foundation during the visit and for actively engaging in the tour, demonstrating a commitment to the Foundation's mission.

This event serves as a testament to George Harry Harris's enduring legacy of compassion and generosity.

Poverello House - Athanasia G. Harris' Saint's Day 2024

January 19, 2024

Today, The Harry G. Harris Foundation honors Athanasia, the mother of our founder, on St. Athanasios, her patron saint of the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church. Each year, the Foundation provides a gift to Poverello House on this occasion and participates in the Meals for a Day program. A delicious lunch was prepared by a talented culinary team in the newly opened Papa Mike’s Café. It was enjoyed by several hundred men, women and children who are in need at this time and residing in our community.

Our sincerest thanks to Zachary Darrah, CEO of Poverello House, for his ongoing leadership and commitment to ensuring today’s successful program. Many thanks to Zach’s dedicated team members as well. Special thanks to Nathaniel Schenck, who provided an extensive tour of new facilities for clients of Poverello House along with a preview of programs including innovative outreach endeavors. Pete Hernandez, a local entrepreneur and owner of several health care enterprises, joined the festivities. In addition, he participated in discussions to contribute to Poverello House and its future programs.

Athanasia, in her own inimitable style, was always open to focus on an overlooked need and to assist those in our community and elsewhere. I have been extremely fortunate to enjoy countless opportunities in meeting people from all walks of life as well as being able to understand and provide for their needs. Most important, the Foundation will continue this tradition.