October 16, 2007
Metropolitan Gerasimos with LPGA golfer Nicole Dalkas Castrale
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco recently held its first Golf Tournament the weekend of September 21 - 23, 2007 in Palm Desert, California. Hosted by the parish of St. George in Palm Desert, the weekend included a Friday night pairing party, the tournament on Saturday morning, an awards banquet on Saturday night, and concluded with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Brunch on Sunday. The tournament was held at the scenic and award-winning Desert Willow Golf Club in Palm Desert.
The tournament featured special guest, Nicole Dalkas Castrale, a resident of Palm Desert and member of St. George, who is on the LPGA tour. Castrale is ranked in the top 25 women's golfers in the world. Most recently she competed on the US team in Solheim Cup, and recorded her first career LPGA victory in June 2007 at the Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika.
The Metropolis of San Francisco Golf Tournament was dedicated to the memory of +Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory. During the weekend events, Castrale stated, "It was nearly five years ago, during one of my first LPGA events in Sacramento, that Metropolitan Anthony walked with me through all 18 holes of play. That meant so much to me, to have him at my side, showing such encouragement and love. He was very special to me and my family, and to know that this tournament is dedicated to his memory makes this weekend all the more meaningful for me."
Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, at the Friday evening pairing party remarked, "As many of you may know, I'm not a golfer, so you may wonder, why did I encourage this type of collaborative fundraising event? There are a few simple answers to this question: first, I hope to learn to play golf someday; second, because golf is a very popular sport, especially here in the West; and third, because I wanted to see an event to honor the legacy of Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory, who was an avid golfer, and your beloved spiritual father for 25 years. He especially loved this community of Palm Desert. He enjoyed having a home here, watching this small community thrive and grow, and worshipping with you in your Church. How fitting it is that tonight we come together to enjoy fellowship in anticipation of tomorrow morning's tournament, in honor of Metropolitan Anthony. I know that he is with us in spirit, and I pray that this weekend's event will inspire many other events which bring the faithful of our Metropolis together."
Sponsors and golfers from throughout the Metropolis supported this event to make it a success. Proceeds benefited the ministries of the Metropolis of San Francisco, the Desert Cancer Foundation, and the community of St. George. Special thanks parish priest Fr. Theodore Pantels, Tournament Chair George Argyros, Parish Council President Nick Kaperonis, and Philoptochos President Maria Kaltsounis for their leadership in planning the festivities throughout the entire weekend.
One of two winning foursomes at the Tournament: (L-R) Chris Elwood, Rev. Ted Pantels (St. George - Palm Desert), Metropolitan Gerasimos, Christian Kontaxis, Michael Kontaxis, Jenni Pulos. Jenni Pulos and her husband, Chris Elwood, star in the Bravo! series "Flippin' Out".
Second winning foursome: (L-R) Nick Sandru, Rev. Theodore Pantels (St. George - Palm Desert), Metropolitan Gerasimos, Jim Peterson, Tom Peterson.
4th Thursday after Pascha
