QUEENS, NY – When President Edwin Rivera of AHEPA Shrine Chapter 500 in Greenlawn, NY learned that a fellow Ahepan was diagnosed with cancer, the entire chapter sprang into action and organized a Poker fundraiser to support those who are battling this terrible disease. For this event to be successful, it required several chapters to work together over several weeks. The event took place on October 1, at the Pan Icarian Brotherhood in Elmhurst, Queens. The committee was honored to have AHEPA Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas and Past Supreme President George Horiates in attendance to support the cause. The chapter thanked Lt. Governor Chris Pappis who worked closely and tirelessly with Chapter 500 to ensure the event was successful. There were also several participants throughout Districts 5 and 6 and members from the brotherhood who joined. The chapter would like to acknowledge the following key individuals and chapters for their support: Shrine 500 – Vice President Nick Monogioudis, Secretary John Mandalios and Treasurer Steve Ramerini for organizing the event, relentless outreach and ensuring that we deliver an extremely successful fundraiser.

District Lodge – District 6 Governor Dean Moskos and Lt. Governor Chris Pappis for their tremendous support and personal donations. They both were on the planning committee and attended all of the meetings.

New Rochelle 405 – Brother John Copulos worked alongside Brother Nick Monogioudis of Shrine Chapter 500 on the outreach committee.

The statement issued by the Chapter noted: “Without the help of Brother John, the event wouldn’t have been successful. Thanks to Brother Harry Fotiadis for his generous donation. Gus Cherevas Estia-Pindus 326 – Brother George Kakivelis did an outstanding job sourcing the dealers and staffing. The event was very successful due to his experience. He was on the planning committee since the summer helping every step of the way. He also worked alongside Steve Ramerini of Shrine Chapter 500 during registration.

“Special thanks to Spiro Levis for being a volunteer dealer at the event [and] Parthenon 495 – Brother Peter Ragoussis for providing the poker chips, sharing his poker knowledge, donations, and helping with food and beverages. He also attended the meetings over the summer and made phone calls recruiting people to attend.”

Also thanked were:

“Port Jefferson 319 – President Nick Calogredes, George Kallas, and Alexi Poulianos for donating and helping Chapter 500 with the event. We thank George for preparing the meeting agendas. Pan Icarian Brotherhood – Stanley Kayafas for allowing us to host the event at their club. Also, for donating the utilities, kitchen and poker tables. Delphi 25 – Brother Argyris Argitakos and his chapter for offering a generous check donation. Constantine Cassis 170 – President Anastasi Stampolis and his chapter for their support and donation. Hermes 186 – Brothers Peter Argyropoulos and George Zouvelos for their donation and participation. Babylon 416 – Brother Silvio Capoccia for his participation and donation. Brooklyn 41 – Brother Anthony Rosvoglou participated and donated as well as President John Liodakis.

Gold Coast 456 – Brothers Chris Pappas and Gus Constantine on behalf of the chapter for their support and donation.

Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe. AHEPA’s mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.

For more information, please visit www.ahepa.org.