By Marie Kratsios
Medusa Chapter 345 of the Daughters of Penelope held a fun virtual Bingo night on November 16 celebrating its sisterhood while at the same time raising funds for some worthy causes. Fun hats were the theme of the evening and we all shared some giggles as we adorned some silly headwear. Our Bingo caller was our very talented sister, Barbara Thermos, who was helped by her committee consisting of Sisters Emily Kavourias, Georgia Constantine, and Zoe Psaltis. We were joined that night by none other than AHEPA District 6 Secretary Chris Pappis, who has been making his rounds supporting DOP Virtual Bingo nights in the US and Canada. Chris was also the lucky winner of our 50/50 raffle that evening. The proceeds will go to support our mission to help Ronald McDonald House NYC – Greek Division, St. Basil’s Academy, and other charities that we support.
The Medusa Chapter of the Daughters of Penelope was reactivated approximately 41 years ago when a group of women wanted to start a Long Island chapter that was closer to where they lived, at the suggestion of their husbands who were members of the newly reactivated Gold Coast AHEPA chapter. When they applied to the National office to start a new chapter, they were told they would be reactivating the Medusa chapter, and the chapter has been going strong ever since.
As members of the Daughters of Penelope, the Medusa Chapter works hard to promote the ideals of founding member Alexandra Apostolides to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence. The Medusa sisters have always been a very close group and value the sense of sisterhood they have formed. They love raising money to help those less fortunate. While meetings are an important part of their chapter, they also enjoy planning events beyond their meetings. They love to get together for Meet & Greets at a local pub or restaurant, Midnight Bowling, dinners, lectures, participating in walkathons for Ronald McDonald House, and now since the COVID virus prevents them from getting together, they enjoy getting together virtually. Their famous Christmas Dinner is an event they look forward to all year where they play their annual Christmas party game which always results in lots of laughs, and plenty of wonderful presents for each other. The main event each year is their annual fundraiser with themes like A Day at the Races (at Belmont Park),
Shaken Not Stirred, 40 and Fabulous (celebrating our 40th Anniversary), and many more. Their fundraising efforts are directed to raising funds for Ronald McDonald House NYC – Greek Division (and they are listed as Benefactors in the Ronald McDonald House NY annual report), St. Basil’s Academy, Penelope Place – a shelter for abused women), and many local charities.
2020 has been a challenging year as it has been for every chapter within the organization but we are undaunted and continue to find ways to have virtual events and mini fundraisers to raise money for those in need. We’d love to have you join us. Please call Georgia Constantine at (516) 817-6766 or Marie Kratsios at (631) 875-2844 for more information.
Thank you to all the players that made it possible!!
Photo: Marie Kratsios
