Krassis Hall at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church was the scene of the 46th annual Daughters of Penelope Debutante Ball on Saturday evening. The scene was breathtaking as the curtains parted to reveal fourteen lovely young ladies, all dressed in diaphanous white gowns.
Maria Bourlas chaired the event, which began with a reception for the debs and their families. Lulu Contos chaired the hospitality committee. She was assisted in preparing the buffet by Frances Pantelides, Dena Fakilis, Sherry Moscariello, Anna Kieselat, Niki Kalantzis and Anita Rossi.
Peter Pantelides stopped by to ask if the group needed any help in tasting the delicious Greek desserts. Awaiting their call as escorts were Zachary John, Robert Memmer, Michael Marquardt, Wyatt Zelle and Michael Pirovolas. One mother, Mel John, reminded the escorts to get rid of their gum before going on stage.
Flora Anderson and John Anderson Jr. decorated the stage with floral accents, while Anita Rossi decorated Krassis Hall and each table with pink roses in tall lighted vases. Vicki Mittas asked her niece Alexis Mittas if her striking black gown was from the Kardashian Kollection, “because I know she likes them,” she said.
Melissa Pitinii brought her children Sophia and Niko to see their baby sitter Athina Lawson presented. Alexandra Zouncourides-Lull came from Boston along with her husband Jack and children Phillip and Anna to see Lawson, who is her niece, presented. She joined her sister Ida and Mark Sibert and their daughter Alexa, age 5, at the presentation.
Following their presentation, the debs danced with their presenters and escorts before performing the traditional Greek Kalamatiano Dance, then invited everyone to join in the dancing.
The event was a multigenerational affair. Harriet Marynos came to see her great-granddaughter Emily DiDonato presented; while Argery and Phil Giavasis came to see their granddaughter, Athena Giavasis make her debut.
Behind the scenes, the hospitality committee transformed the hall into a dessert buffet. Enjoying the buffet were Jack and Sophie Usner, Troy Dittemore, Bill and Debbie Stathakaros, Megan McDonald, Redhika Adusumilli, Elaine Bacopoulos, Penny Augoustinos and her daughter, Maria.
Following a dance with their presenters and escorts, the debs presented the traditional Greek Syrto Dance, and then invited everyone in the audience to join in the dancing.