Feast Day of Saint George 2026 – Annual Community Luncheon at Poverello House

April 23, 2026

On the Feast Day of Saint George -- the Great Martyr, one of the most revered saints in the Greek Orthodox tradition, The Harry G. Harris Foundation proudly continued its annual commitment to community service by supporting Poverello House through its “Meals for a Day” program.

This initiative honors the legacy of George Harry Harris and his longstanding dedication to philanthropy. This year, nearly one thousand members of the Fresno community, including men, women and children, were served freshly prepared meals at Papa Mike’s Café. The luncheon, led by Executive Chef Ashley and her culinary team, provided not only nourishment but also a strong sense of dignity and communal connection, reflecting the spirit of Poverello House’s mission -- “dignity is the main course.”

The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Zachary Darrah, Chief Executive Officer of Poverello House, for his continued leadership and commitment to serving those in need. We also recognize the dedicated efforts of the entire Poverello team, including Nathaniel Schenck, whose work on innovative outreach initiatives continues to make a meaningful impact in the community. Special thanks are also extended to Tou Cheng Ly for his valued support in ensuring the success of this year’s program.

Through ongoing engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds, the Foundation remains committed to understanding and addressing the needs of the community. This annual tradition stands as a reflection of that mission and as a tribute to the enduring values of service, compassion and generosity.

The Harry G. Harris Foundation is honored to continue its support of Poverello House and looks forward to sustaining this meaningful partnership in the years ahead.

Poverello House - Athanasia G. Harris' Saint's Day 2026

January 15, 2026

The Harry G. Harris Foundation continues to participate in the “Meals for a Day” program at Poverello House. Today’s event was dedicated to honoring the mother of our founder, Athanasia G. Harris, on the feast day of St. Athanasios, her patron saint in the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church.

Once again, the Foundation extends its immense gratitude to Zachary D. Darrah, Chief Executive Officer of Poverello House, for graciously hosting an excellent luncheon at Papa Mike’s Café. Zach has been an invaluable partner throughout his tenure, actively collaborating with the Foundation to fulfill its mission of community service.

During the visit, Dr. Harris had the occasion of meeting Nathaniel Schenck, Grants and Community Partnership Coordinator. The Foundation expresses its sincere thanks for his ongoing assistance and for joining today’s event.

The luncheon meeting offered a valuable opportunity for candid, productive dialogue about current community needs. The discussion addressed the vital role local nonprofit organizations play in tackling challenges such as hunger and homelessness and highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector and community partners to achieve sustainable solutions. These periodic visits to Poverello House highlight the tangible impact of the Foundation’s support and reaffirm both the urgency and significance of its mission.

Papa Mike’s Café, a cornerstone of Poverello House, serves nearly 1,400 meals daily to individuals and families seeking nourishment, shelter and a sense of connection. The Café exemplifies the spirit of solidarity and community of Poverello House. The Foundation also wishes to acknowledge Pete Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer of Sol Hospice and Senior Lifecare, along with marketing team members Christian and Marcos, for their valuable contributions to the Foundation and for participating in today’s program.

The Harry G. Harris Foundation is especially grateful to the staff of Poverello House for their warm hospitality and to the Papa Mike’s Café team members for their excellent cuisine. All made the event truly memorable.

Today’s gathering serves as a testament to Athanasia G. Harris’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.