Mary Chicos Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Francisco Garden Club

By Giuliana Harris

Congratulations are in order for Mary Chicos, as she recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Francisco Garden Club in San Francisco, CA. Upon learning of Chicos’ recent honor, it became clear very quickly how dedicated she is to not only the San Francisco Community, but the Greek-American Community at large as well. I spoke with her further and was intrigued as she shared with me the various tasks that she has been a part of throughout the years. Lifetime Achievement Awards, wherever they may be from, highlight individuals that have made great impacts in various strides.

First and foremost, while speaking with Chicos, it must be noted how kind, bubbly, and humble she is. She truly is a community member who serves quietly, but effectively. Please join me in congratulating Mary Chicos and enjoy reading about her community works.

San Francisco Garden Club – San Francisco, CA

Chicos has been a member of the San Francisco Garden Club for 37 years and has held various roles throughout the years. She was a docent at the Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA and has actively been a board member, Vice President, and President of the organization. While Chicos was in office, the Garden Club partnered with the Coalition for Cleaner City. A main task with this partnership was to sweep Powell Street in San Francisco once a month for a whole year. Chicos described, “That project brought awareness to the store owners to keep their sidewalk clean.” Of special note, Chicos participated in the Christmas Fundraiser at the Palace Hotel where there were 500 attendees, 70 being ladies from the Greek-American community.

Mary Chicos as President of the
San Francisco Garden Club in 1993,
pictured at the Olympic Club (Photo
Courtesy of Mary Chicos).

Daughters of Penelope

With the Daughters of Penelope, Chicos’ involvement has been quite extensive. She is a chapter member of Eos #1 and has filled the roles of President twice, as well as the other offices of the chapter. Chicos was also District Governor for the organization. When she was appointed the National Chairman, she raised the funds to bring something very special to the de Young Museum in San Francisco, CA: the neoclassical masterpiece by Franklin Simmons, the life-size Penelope, made of Carrara Marble, built in 1886. Chicos shared, “Penelope is on permanent collection at the Museum, Gallery 23. It is truly the pride of the organization!” Furthermore, Chicos was awarded Penelope of the Year in 2002, a true honor for all of her dedication.

Exemplary Community Member

Chicos’ commitment to the community has been impactful. Between being a charter member of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Women’s Board, chairing the 100th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco, CA, or participating as a member of both the National Association of Parliamentarians and Toastmasters International, she has contributed good works all over. What inspires her volunteer work though, is the support and love of her family. Chicos’ husband Sam Chicos and daughters Anthie Mitropoulos, Demetria Chicos, and Tina Vrionis have all been there every step of the way. Axia, Mary!

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Email the author: Giuliana

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