Broomall, PA – Five Greek Orthodox churches participated in a dodgeball team contest and dance fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation this past Saturday. Hosted by the St. Luke GOYA (Broomall), some 100 kids from around the Delaware Valley showed up for a day filled with fun activities and a sense of awareness.

Nine GOYA teams were created to compete in a series of dodgeball games. At the snack bar inside the church, donations made by parents kids and friends were all part of the fundraising efforts. JDRF promotional materials were also handed out and on display, helping bring awareness to the kids. Later that evening, a door entrance fee and food sold at the kids’ dance were collected and added to the overall donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

Following a prayer from Rev. Father Chris Kontos of St. Luke, the games kicked off. But not before the kids circled up and got an introductory education to Juvenile Diabetes and the Research organization. Artemis “Tami” Tsingiropoulos of St. Luke and one of the event coordinators, talked about the history of diabetes and JDRF. Then she introduced her son; Aris Tsingiropoulos, a member of the St. Luke GOYA who suffers from type 1 diabetes and has lived all his life. On her Facebook page she describes her son as “ This guy, my warrior is fighting type 1 diabetes and taking it head on”. Aris described his day to day life and constant attention to what he eats and how he monitors his blood sugar. The GOYA kids were fixed on his words and gave him a cheer when he finished.

The rest of the afternoon, GOYA advisors, Deme Peters, Lisa Palmieri, and Agnoula Marcantonis, played dual roles. As referees of the dodge ball contests, they also promoted and spread the word about JDRF. They even wore white T-shirts with the organization name on them.

For the next two hours, the kids’ teams played each other every ten minutes. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church in Upper Darby emerged as the champions and were awarded a team trophy created by Deme Peters. A group shot of all the kids who participated followed before everyone headed off for the big social dance.

On October 26th, 2014, in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum, (Eakins Oval, West River Drive, Philadelphia, PA) the JDRF-ONE WALK will take place. Team: Aristotle the Great, will be led by Aris Tsingiropoulos of St. Luke. His family and friends will participate as a team to help bring awareness and raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes. They invite you all to come out and participate. Or if you like, make a donation, here: Team Aristotle the Great.