Spotlight On...

 

Gus Chafoulias

Corporate Member

 

 

Today Gus Chafoulias is known in Rochester as a powerful and successful businessman, but 50 years ago he was known for different reasons. When he was growing up, Rochester’s population was about 18,000, with only 8 or 9 Greek families in town. “Greeks were a minority. We stood out.”

 

His experience shaped the way he sees today’s immigrants to Rochester. “When people first come here, they may need people to prop them up and to help them out. I think I can do that.”

 

One way Gus has worked to help newcomers is by serving on the Board of Building Equality Together, which later became the Diversity Council. In the early 1990s, Gus was invited to join by his friend Lance Davenport, because “We’ve got to learn to live with each other.”

 

Gus was an active participant on the Board, helping with the essential of work of fundraising in the community. Since leaving the Board, Gus has continued to support the Diversity Council through his individual membership and the corporate support of Chafoulias Companies.

 

Gus gives generously because he knows the vision of the Diversity Council is an almost impossible task. “I think the Diversity Council should be committed to eliminating discrimination…..completely. People should learn to live together. If this world is ever going to find peace, people must realize that we are all very much the same. Maybe that’s a big order-But we can set the example. If parents show respect, their kids will do the same, or maybe better.”