By Aphrodite Kotrotsios, Co-Publisher
Special to the Hellenic News of America
St. George’s Golf Classic was another remarkable success. Hellenes and Phil-Hellenes of the community gathered in support of the philanthropic campaign that benefits St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Media, PA. A highlight in the community, the St. George Golf Classic has raised over $350,000 to benefit the church in the last ten years. The Golf classic takes place every other year, but it is an event that everyone looks forward to. It has brought the St. George community together under the unifying goal of giving back to the church and the surrounding community. Organized primarily by John Aivazoglou, Esq., the Golf Classic has grown in popularity each year due to his tremendous efforts. This year’s Co-chairs, Kostas Pippis, Nick Yiantsos along with John Aivazolgou expressed their gratitude to all those who attended and supported this wonderful outing.
The funds raised by this gathering primarily benefit St. George Greek Orthodox Church as well as other philanthropic causes. The St. George Golf Classic donates two scholarships to AHEPA to award to college freshman based on merit and financial need. Over $20,000 has been awarded to date to students. Additionally, the St. George Golf Classic donates to the Forty-four for Life Foundation, founded by Bob Kimble. This life changing foundation’s mission is to reduce the occurrence of death and disability due to life threatening cardiovascular diseases and sudden cardiac arrest by ensuring public training in CPR, public awareness, implementation of public defibrillation programs and much more.
This year’s Most Valuable Player Award was bestowed upon long time member of St. George, Dionysis Gianneas. The Co-chairs presented Mr. Gianneas with a beautiful frame containing a photograph of the members of the church including Mr. Gianneas and his family when it initially opened its doors in 1979. Tom Papadopoulos and Angelo Bekas were also honored that evening for their contributions to the beautification project of St. George Greek Orthodox Church that was initiated in 2013.
