West Chester, PA – Yesterday’s Golf Outing for St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church turned out to be a large success. The second annual event set a new record by raising $148,000, beating the old record by $13,000. Hosted by Colonial Marble and Granite at Penn Oaks Country Club, the event brought together local businesses, corporate sponsors and the Greek community from around the Delaware Valley.
Some 130 golfers participated in the day-long affair on the course and in the clubhouse. A Souvlaki stand that also featured St. Demetrios’ famed pita and Kontosouvli added the Greek flavor, while several high priced automobiles decorated the course. Following a day-long round of golf, a golf ball dropping from a helicopter highlighted the outdoor portion of the event. A $10,000 trip to Mykonos was the prize. Guests then participated in a silent auction, that was followed by dinner and awards for various golf achievements of the day.
St. Demetrios church members and parishioners took part in managing the day’s affairs. Newly appointed Father Gilbert of St. Demetrios, was also in attendance. He came out to thank and support his parishioners’ efforts. The historic Upper Darby based church is celebrating it’s 75th anniversary this year and many of those that participated, had long ties to the church that go back to its origins. Their families first settled in the neighborhood around St. Demetrios from Greece as immigrants, including the Papadopoulos family-owners of Colonial Marble and Granite.
“Everyone in this room is special to us. I learned how to dance, read, write and speak Greek at St. Demetrios,” said 1st generation Greek-American Nikos Papadopoulos of Colonial Marble and Granite. “I’m a St. D’s girl all the way. I was raised in this community from the age of 12, and I can’t do enough for my church”, added Pamela Papadopoulos.
The funds raised from this fundraiser symbolizes the love and loyalty people feel for this church that has ties to Philadelphia’s first Greek Orthodox Church -Evangelismos. First settled and founded in 1906, St. Demetrios was a branch of that church that was created for Greeks moving west. Mike Economou, one of the parishioners who was present yesterday, said it best: “We strive to continue to build a foundation, a place where Greeks came to be part of the American dream and support our traditions as Hellenes. St. Demetrios is our home now and for the generations”.