The Dodecanese Beekeepers’ Association of Rhodes organized a highly successful summer party celebrating joy and generosity last Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the enchanting setting of the Bello Blue Estate. The purpose of the event was to raise funds to support the scholarships the Association awards to its scholarship students.
The event was opened by the President of the Dodecanese Bee, Ms. Mary Moschi, and attended by members of the Board of Directors, Vice President Ms. Isabella Tsavari, and Secretary Ms. Eleftheria Karava-Papandreou. Members and friends of “Melissa,” as well as members of other associations that supported the cause, responded to the call for the charity event. Due to the economic hardships of our times, there are many applications from scholarship candidates awaiting the much-desired approval. Thus, the Rhodian community has once again lent its support, recognizing the need to participate in the effort that has been underway in Rhodes since 1986, when the Rhodes Committee was founded and began its work.
The Dodecanese Bee draws its strength from the support of active citizens who believe in the social mission it fulfills. With its help, more than 500 children have pursued their studies in recent years, most of whom have gone on to become leaders in the communities of our islands after graduation. Financial assistance amounts to €1,800 per academic year for the entire duration of their studies, in accordance with the curriculum of the school they attend. During the 2025–2026 academic year, despite the difficult times we are facing, the Dodecanese Bee has awarded 61 scholarships to young people from all the islands.
The generous offer of the magnificent Bello Blue Estate venue by the M. Diakomichalis family, under the care of Mrs. Klodia Diakomichalis, contributed greatly to the event’s success. Sponsors and supporters included LAMAR Fish Farms, KAMIROS FISH, FILIPPOS CATERING, the Municipality of Rhodes, and the local media, which provided coverage and the necessary publicity for the event.
The story of the founding of the Dodecanese Bee by Antigone Zouroudi, who was later dubbed the “Mother of the Dodecanese,” her work, her efforts during difficult times before the Integration, and the developments following the long-awaited Union with Greece, was recounted in a uniquely vivid manner by Ms. Anna Charitou.
The raffle was enriched by local shop owners, who willingly donated items they believed would support the cause of the Dodecanese Bee, as well as by the members of the Rhodes Committee. Of particular note was the significant engraving by Ms. Efstratia Machairidi, featuring the Butterflies of Rhodes. Member Mary Hatzinikolaou-Theodoridou, who resides outside Rhodes, offered a significant financial contribution in memory of her father.
Generous gifts were provided with warm support by the following businesses: Lacoste Boutique, Crescendo Faux Bijoux, Kosmos Center (indoor & outdoor furniture), Athina Jewelry, Mila by Louizidis (jewelry store), Coconut Kids baby & children’s clothing, Story’B Boutique, Rhodes Honey by Areti Mesanagrenou, George Karageorgiou home decor store, Secret lingerie, “Kadro” Store, Biokinisi Gym, Joya Beauty House, Antonella Creations, Pierina Hair Salon, Lina Fostieri Women’s Clothing Store, L. Christodoulidou–Panagaki Bookstore, Sea Dreams Nautical Shop, Casa il Borgo Italian Cuisine, La Vie En Rose facial care products, Beauty Home home linens, Vicko store (Georgios Seferis), G. Kesissoglou crystal and glassware. Pharmacies: Rosa Gialousi, Mary Fotaki, Vasilis Fotakis, G. Pavlidis, Mata Sari, Konstantina Fanouraki (Mandraki), P. Stavroulis, K. Katsanis, Ch. Stavropoulos-E. Pappou.
The event was accompanied by dance music from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, which created a lively atmosphere, along with excellent food featuring authentic traditional flavors, and a setting with a unique view of the blue sea and the greenery of nature, which offered participants peace, tranquility, and joyful, friendly conversations.
The Dodecanese Bee Association boasts a distinguished history dating back to 1931 and is an integral part of the Dodecanese’s turbulent past. It is founded on the values of humanism, solidarity, and steadfast, enduring dedication to a single purpose: supporting financially disadvantaged students from the Dodecanese, and the promotion of the traditions and heritage of all the islands.
