Help Continue the Tarasidis Fund’s 50-Year Legacy
For 50 years, the Tarasidis Fund has supported Carilion employees in the New River Valley who experience unexpected financial hardship during the holiday season.
George and Bess Tarasidis started the fund with a simple belief: When someone in our Carilion family faces hardship, we support them. Their tradition continues through contributions from the Carilion community, the Tarasidis family, retirees, and other supporters.
The fund provides food assistance, essential items, and holiday gifts to employees and their families. In 2025, the Tarasidis Fund supported 80 families, including 110 children.
Families received grocery gift cards to help with holiday meals. Children received age-appropriate gifts donated through an Angel Tree or purchased with donated funds.
For the Tarasidis family, the fund’s impact extends beyond a single holiday season.
“Some families who once received help later return as donors or volunteers because they want another family to experience the same care. That means a great deal to me and to our family,” said Charlie Tarasidis, son of George and Bess Tarasidis and a long-time Carilion pharmacist.
Help Carry the Tradition Forward
As the Tarasidis Fund marks its 50th anniversary, supporters are considering how the fund can continue serving employees in the years ahead.
Along with providing immediate assistance, supporters envision opportunities that could help employees and their families build skills and greater financial stability over time.
Charlie Tarasidis, Charles Bissell, MD, Noel Bissell, MD, and Joe Downing, MD, invite employees to help continue the fund’s tradition of supporting Carilion employees and their families.
You can continue the tradition by donating through the Carilion Cares, I Care employee giving campaign, at an Oct. 23 pop-up event at CNRV, or using the Tarasidis Fund giving link.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Join us for 50th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, Oct. 23, 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. at CNRV in the cafeteria. Open to the public and Carilion employees.
The Tarasidis Fund supports Carilion Clinic employees in the New River Valley facing unexpected financial hardship, ensuring they can still enjoy the joy of the holiday season despite extenuating circumstances beyond their control.
The Tarasidis Fund is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
In 2025, the fund supported 80 families—including 110 children—by providing food, groceries, essential items, and thoughtful holiday gifts.
You can continue the tradition by donating through the Carilion Cares, I Care employee giving campaign, at the Oct. 23 pop-up event at CNRV, or using the Tarasidis Fund giving link.
