On September 27, AHEPA Thermopylae Chapter 445 hosted its annual Cigar Night & DJ fundraiser at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, PA. The evening brought together AHEPA leaders from across the country to support the chapter’s scholarship program, which provides educational grants to students in the Greek American community and beyond.
Kaitson’s First Visit and Key Messages
Making his first trip to Upper Darby, Supreme President Eugene Chris Kaitson came from Texas to emphasize the importance of local connections. He told the gathering that “the only way you grow a grassroots organization is to actually get to the grass and the roots.”
Kaitson shared how AHEPA shaped his own life. Born in Greece and adopted at age two, his American parents needed an AHEPA friend to sign a financial guarantee for the adoption. “I owe AHEPA in a big way,” he said.
He urged members to invite at least one new person to join, pointing out that many potential members simply have never been asked. Kaitson also noted that AHEPA scholarships can reach $25,000 each, but too few students are applying.
During the evening, he announced a $100,000 national AHEPA contribution to seminarian scholarships, and said the organization intends to continue that support each year to strengthen ties with the Greek Orthodox Church.
Support From National and Regional Leaders
Supreme Vice President Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, a New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Commissioner, said the event demonstrated AHEPA’s unity and commitment to education and philanthropy.
Chapter president Dr. Dimosthenis Giamouridis explained that the fundraiser keeps the local scholarship program active. The chapter awards five to thirteen scholarships each year, typically between $500 and $1,500, based on essays and research submitted by students from both Greek and non-Greek backgrounds.
Representing the women’s auxiliary, Georgia Chletcos, District 4 Governor of the Daughters of Penelope, called the evening an honor and noted that Philadelphia will host the 2026 AHEPA National Convention, which will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Past Chapter President Stefanos Evangelopoulos, a 17-year member, stressed the importance of helping families manage college costs and said it was fitting that Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation, would host the anniversary convention.
Regional Unity and Continuing Mission
District 4 Governor Tim Vlassopoulos presided over the gathering, which included members from Districts 4 and 5 representing South Jersey and the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Their presence highlighted the strength AHEPA gains when chapters work together to support education.
Kaitson closed the evening by connecting AHEPA’s work to the broader American immigrant experience. The United States, he said, has always helped people facing challenges, and AHEPA follows the same model by helping anyone in need.
The Cigar Night & DJ fundraiser raised scholarship funds and reflected the educational and fellowship goals that have been central to AHEPA since its founding in 1922.
Chapter 445 – A Century of Scholarships and Service
Founded in 1970, AHEPA Thermopylae Chapter 445 has built a strong tradition of supporting education and Greek American heritage. Over the decades, the chapter has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships, typically five to thirteen each year, ranging from $500 to $1,500.
Several of these scholarships are named in memory of longtime members, including George Zanthopoulos, Louis Morkides, Chris Masters, C. Dean Polites, Theophilos Constantinidis, Dr. Chris Patterson, Danny Kathopoulis, Anna & Vasilis Karavasilis, Gregory Vlassopoulos, James & Thelma Tanos, and Despina Lewis.
Beyond scholarships, Chapter 445 is known for hosting the Annual Pan-Hellenic Track & Field Meet, a signature community event that draws youth and families from across the region. Together with its ongoing scholarship work, these efforts reflect the chapter’s commitment to education, philanthropy, and Greek cultural life, the core ideals of AHEPA since its founding in 1922.
Scholarship applications for the AHEPA Thermopylae Chapter 445 open in March and close September 15. Details are available at www.ahepa-445.org, www.ahepa.org, and www.daughtersofpenelope.org.