A Celebration of Greek Culinary Traditions: An Evening with Sotiris Bafitis
Saturday, September 14 at 6 p.m.

Embark on a Greek Culinary Adventure
It was an extraordinary evening celebrating the rich gastronomic traditions of Greece, guided by Sotiris Bafitis. He lead guests through the diverse and authentic flavors of Greece's regions, each dish showcasing unique culinary practices passed down through generations.

The suggested attire was cocktail/festive (paired with somewhat practical shoes for the dock).

This event did sell out!

Sotiris Bafitis
Our culinary journey was guided by Sotiris Bafitis, a passionate advocate for Greek cuisine. Born in Washington DC and raised in Greece, Sotiris developed his love for Greek gastronomy while working in a traditional Kafeneio. His experiences in prestigious DC venues and travels through Greece's wine regions have deepened his commitment to authenticity.

As a respected Greek wine importer, Sotiris brought extensive knowledge of regional specialties and wine pairings to our event. He lead guests through an immersive exploration of Greek culinary traditions, showcasing the flavors and cultural significance behind each dish.

Special Musical Performance by Spyros Koliavasilis

Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis is a gifted vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Greece’s Attica region, specializing in traditional Greek music, Rebetiko, and Smyrneika. He skillfully blends traditional elements with contemporary sounds across various genres. Spyros plays 18 instruments, with particular expertise in the Oud, Kemane, hybrid Laouto-Guitar, and Mandocello.

He teaches these and other instruments at his Mediterranean Notes Music School in Maryland. His notable performances at prestigious venues, including the US Library of Congress, the Embassy of Greece, and the Washington Folk Festival, highlight his enduring impact on the global music scene.
SpyrosKoliavasilisMusic.com

Art Exhibit by Dušanka Komnenić
Artist Dušanka Komnenić will showcase art from her recent series of allegorical photographs entitled Withering Seas / Calm Waters. A percentage of sales will be donated to the boathouse rehabilitation fund. She has also donated a framed piece to the auction!

Wuthering Seas / Calm Waters Series

“Is it possible that all this is happening constantly” – I often wonder, while watching the news. Disturbing, life altering events are happening perpetually, someplace, with no pause. Then, I settle with a thought that that is life, even though I did not picture it as such.
Observing the photographs as a series, constant changes in the landscape are evident. Those changes symbolize a turmoil around and inside of us. Water and sky are the only elements to communicate the narrative. Greatness and omnipresence of the elements also emphasize humans’ size, comparatively. Yet, humans cause most of the turbulence.
Photographs depict cycles of “rough waters” and “tranquil seas.”  The sequence of circling is thus created. Photographs are allegories to our different states of mind as they illustrate the idiosyncrasies of human nature. To make it to the “calm waters” one has to embrace the fact that the only constant in life is change itself.

Artists statement by Dušanka Komnenić (pictured).

Menu
Experience the Essence of Greek Cuisine
Our menu celebrates authentic Greek cooking, showcasing slow-cooked, seasonally-inspired dishes that reflect traditional culinary creativity.

Savor "Lathera" dishes, vegetable-centric creations rich in olive oil, aligned with Orthodox fasting traditions. Enjoy freshly baked Greek breads paired with regional olive oils, alongside meticulously prepared meats and seafood using time-honored techniques. Discover artisanal cheeses from across Greece and delight in handcrafted phyllo and regional pastas filled with seasonal ingredients.

This evening offers more than a meal—it's an immersive journey into Greek culinary traditions. Guests will explore the cultural and historical significance of each dish while enjoying a communal dining experience that embodies the spirit of Greek hospitality.

Volunteers Needed
The Sunset Dinners, held every two years, rely on the support of dedicated volunteers. We need assistance with service during the dinner, set up and take down, and cleaning the club the weekend before the event. Your help will create a beautiful and festive atmosphere for our guests. If you would like to contribute, please email Liz Wissner at autumnchild@gmail.com.

Live Auction and Promotional Opportunities
We invite local businesses and individuals to donate items or services that will be auctioned off during the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your support for the Washington Canoe Club while gaining exposure to our community of guests.

Whether it's a unique experience, a gift certificate, or a handcrafted item, your contribution will help us raise funds for boathouse rehabilitation. If you’re interested in donating or learning more about promotional opportunities, please contact Liz Wissner at autumnchild@gmail.com.

Wanted: Auction Items
We're seeking auction contributions for the evening of the dinner:

• Weekend Getaways: Beach houses, lake houses, or vacation homes
• Outings and Experiences: Spa gift cards, brewery or distillery tours, sunset cruises, museum or sports tickets
• Food and Wine: Restaurant gift certificates, catering services, cooking classes, or food/wine gift baskets
• Talent Donations: Picnic lunches for paddlers, hosted dinners, paddling tours or classes with refreshments on the dock afterward.

Please email Liz Wissner at autumnchild@gmail.com if you’d like to contribute.

POTOMAC SPONSOR: $5,000

• Logo or name recognition on event website
• 2 VIP tickets to the dinner
• Recognition on all event communications, including invitation and signage
• Recognition on WCC social media
• Ad in our quarterly newsletter
• Parking at the event
• Paddling Adventure for 20
  • A half-day water sports-based voyagers program for a group of 20 people!
  • Learn the basic skills of Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP), Kayaking, and Canoeing from WCC seasoned athletes.
  • Perfect for both competitive and leisure paddling groups.
  • Choose your voyage! Paddle upstream to Fletchers Cove, or head downstream and paddle around Roosevelt Island or view the DC monuments and Kennedy Center from the Potomac River.
  • Relax post-paddle on our dock and enjoy the best view of the Potomac from one of DC’s hidden gems!

ANACOSTIA SPONSOR: $2,500

• Logo or name recognition on event website
• 2 VIP tickets to the dinner
• Recognition on all event communications, including invitation and signage
• Recognition on WCC social media
• Ad in our quarterly newsletter
• Corporate Team Building Paddle Adventure for 10
  • A half-day water sports-based voyagers program for a group of 10 people!
  • Learn the basic skills of Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP), Kayaking, and Canoeing from WCC seasoned athletes.
  • Perfect for both competitive and leisure paddling groups.
  • Choose your voyage! Paddle upstream to Fletchers Cove, or head downstream and paddle around Roosevelt Island or view the DC monuments and Kennedy Center from the Potomac River.
  • Relax post-paddle on our dock and enjoy the best view of the Potomac from one of DC’s hidden gems!

ROCK CREEK SPONSOR: $1,000

• Logo or name recognition on event website
• 2 VIP tickets to the dinner
• Quarter page ad in dinner program
• Logo/name in our quarterly newsletter

FRIENDS OF THE WCC SPONSOR: $500

• Logo or name recognition on event website
• 2 VIP tickets to the dinner

If you can't attend the dinner this year please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the boathouse rehabilitation fund.