Sasha Vujacic Helps Raise Funds for Orange County Parish

Article provided by: Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos Serbian Orthodox Church

Sasha Vujacic, of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, attended the Pan-Orthodox Friendship Night, hosted by Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos Serbian Orthodox Church in Orange County on November 7, 2009.

His willingness to generously share his time, sign autographs, take photos and donate auction items, including a basketball signed by all members of the team and a pair of his tennis shoes, significantly contributed to the enjoyment of all those present and to the success of the event held at St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim. An additional attraction for which the Serbian parish is most grateful was Maria Sharapova’s donation of an autographed tennis racket which was a highly sought-after auction item.

Established originally by the parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Orange County as a way to thank the Greek community for its centuries-old love and support, this Friendship Night has been expanded to include all Orthodox Christians and friends.

Now a tradition in Orange County, the evening offers both an opportunity for inter-Orthodox fellowship and fundraising for the Serbian parish which is striving to buy property and build a religious and cultural center.

Adults and children numbering nearly 300, some coming from as far away as Fresno to see their favorite Laker, enjoyed traditional Serbian and Greek style barbecue dinner and pastries prepared by the dedicated and hardworking ladies and men of the Serbian parish.

To add to the festivities, Serbian and Greek bands played lively music as many of those present participated in the traditional circle dances of both cultures. Adults and children alike lined up to be personally greeted by the Lakers star who spent two hours warmly welcoming each individual.

Before the evening’s events concluded, with yet another gesture of love and dedication, Sasha thanked everyone for coming and invited them to return next year when he will again be present.