Pennsauken, NJ – One by one they came to the podium and spoke about Jerry Karapalides, District 5 AHEPAN of the Year. Last night at “The Pub”, the AHEPA community of Districts 4 and 5, came out to celebrate Karapalides, a 56-year member of Camden chapter #69.
Through out the evening, family and friends spoke about Karapalides as a dedicated member and his more than half-century of effort. Upon hearing, the news a few weeks ago about becoming the recipient of the award, Karapalides asked, “why me?”
“For his lifelong dedication to AHEPA, that’s why he is being awarded the AHEPAN of the year award. Because of the years of service and dedication to the brotherhood”, said son, Harry Karapalides as he spoke to the crowd.
District 5 also recognized The Pub restaurant of Pennsauken, NJ. The Pub was recently recognized for Best Steak House of the Year, in America, by the Steve Harvey show on national TV. The Pub has been preparing and serving delicious meals to the people of the Cherry Hill, Vorhees and Pennsauken area for more than fifty-five years.
Several other announcements then followed. Ted Fonikos, Supreme governor region 3 of the AHEPA, spoke about AHEPA’s recent philanthropic efforts. Four containers had just been sent to Greece with donated medical supplies from American hospitals, gathered from all around the country. AHEPA districts put up a total of $15,000 covering the expenses of the containers.
Applause followed by an announcement by Dimitris Rozanitis of Camden chapter 69. A joint convention of Districts 4 and 5 will be hosted this June 7 and 8 at the International House in University City (Philadelphia) this spring.
Karapalides then was presented with a plaque by his chapter and followed by thanking everyone who had attended. He spoke about his love of AHEPA and that he was grateful for having been involved all these years. He concluded by saying, “in my 56 years I have held every position at this chapter except one, captain of the guard. The only reason I never got to be the captain of the guard, was because my good friend Louie Horiatis had a monopoly on that one”. Laughter and a standing ovation followed.