STOCKTON, CA – The Stockton Daughters of Penelope (DOP) Sparta Chapter #18, which was originally established in 1934, hosted its first virtual Bingo night fundraiser on March 25 via Zoom. The evening began with player introductions and a special guest from Sons of Pericles Phoebus Chapter #207, Vasili Karapanos, who sang the Greek National Anthem in honor of the 200th year of Greek Independence.

There were 21 eager participants from California, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon who joined in the fun. Bingo caller Stephanie Leles efficiently called out the numbers and kept the players engaged. Six games were played including Border, Letter X, plus sign/Letter T, Traditional (five in a row – either horizontal, vertical or diagonal), Coverall/Blackout and Border including plus sign or T. Prizes included $50 gift cards to the following businesses: Greek-American Home Goods by SincerelySophoula on Etsy, Kallisti Natural, Target, Amazon, and Starbucks.

The lucky winners of the evening were Teri Blum, Chris Pappis, Eugenia Giouzelis, Stella Natsis, Stephanie de Melo, Angie Legakis, and Nikki Karapanos. The proceeds will benefit the DOP National Projects including The Penelope House, the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, and Limbitless Solutions.

The Chapter was honored to have AHEPA District 6 Secretary Chris Pappis, as well as District 21 Governor Linda Belba, District 21 Marshal Angie Legakis, and District 5 PDG Karen Marousis. Also participating was the Grand Advisor to the Maids of Athena Kathy Leles and District 21 PDG JoAnne Panagopoulos who both belong to Sparta Chapter #18.

The 2020-2021 officers of Sparta Chapter #18 are President Maria Karapanos, Vice President Mary Carroll, Corresponding and Recording Secretary Maria Franco, and Treasurer Stephanie Leles. The Chapter thanked the Bingo committee for their time and effort of putting this evening together.

“We also greatly appreciate everyone’s donations and support for these special causes,” the Chapter noted in a statement. “It was a fun evening seeing and enjoying each other’s company via Zoom. We are already planning another virtual Bingo night, so look for information through social media and word of mouth. May you all have a blessed Easter!”