In March 1944, then Archbishop Athenagoras requested Philoptochos to purchase the beautiful 250-acre estate of Jacob Ruppert in Garrison, New York, which is located on the shores of the Hudson River, directly opposite of the U.S. Military Academy of West Point. With the purchase of this estate, the Philoptochos has the enormous task of completely renovating the property, which included several buildings, the main administration building, a residence for the Director, classrooms and dormitories, a reception hall and building a Chapel. Today, Philoptochos continues to be one of the main financial supporters of the Academy through four programs:

Vasilopita Fund

This event is conducted during the month of January across the United States by every Chapter in every Parish. It is the main source of funding for the operating expenses of the Academy.

Sisterhood Fund

This program provides for the on-going needs of the children of the Academy, such as clothing, furniture, equipment and essentials for the dormitories, kitchen, etc.

Zoe Cavalaris Education Fund

The Fund provides financial assistance to the graduates of the Academy to attend schools of higher education, as well as providing for tutors for the younger children in grade school and high school.

Academy of Saint Basil Graduation and Awards Fund

This commitment provides funding for the graduation celebrations as well as special awards for graduating students.

The mission of the Academy of Saint Basil Committee is:

To assist the Academy in providing a loving, Orthodox Christian residential home in which the children who seek the Academy's protection are transformed through faith, academics, mutual respect, trust, pride, positive values, teamwork and fulfilling, rewarding and lasting relationships;

To promote awareness of the Academy, with the cooperation and assistance of parish priests, Philoptochos Chapter Presidents and the Philoptochos Metropolis Boards, through the dissemination of educational pamphlets, and sponsoring visitations and retreats;

To promote support among Philoptochos Chapters for the Annual Vasilopita Drive, the Zoe Cavalaris Fund and the Sisterhood of Saint Basil, and to secure and identify other funding resources.

For further inquiries on any of these Funds which support Saint Basil's Academy, please contact Helen Lavorata, National Philoptochos Director, at 212-744-4390 or PhilosNY@aol.com.