The Foundation was also honored to receive a generous $2,500 donation from First Central Savings Bank, presented by Anna-Marie Sardarian Vallone and Maria Betzios, reaffirming the bank’s longstanding commitment to supporting local charitable organizations and the mission of the Save a Young Life Foundation.
The Save a Young Life Foundation (SYLF) proudly celebrated its 20th Annual Achilles & Mary Mavromatis Memorial Golf Classic on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Clearview Golf Course in Bayside. Held in honor of Achilles “Archie” and Mary Mavromatis, the annual outing welcomed more than 100 golfers, community leaders, local businesses, and supporters for a day of fellowship and fundraising to benefit children and families facing serious medical challenges.
Foundation President Lena Varis Tagliavia welcomed guests and thanked the many sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and supporters whose continued generosity has allowed the Foundation to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in need. Under her leadership, the Foundation remains committed to providing financial and emotional support to pediatric patients, their families, and charitable programs dedicated to improving children’s health and well-being.
The 20th Annual Golf Classic was chaired by Nick Pavlou, with Vasoula Pavlou serving as Co-Chair. Together with the Golf Committee—Salvatore Tagliavia, Mark Tsiames, Nick Tavantzis, and Chris Tavantzis—they coordinated another outstanding and successful event, welcoming more than 100 golfers and numerous community supporters.
The Save a Young Life Foundation (SYLF) proudly celebrated its 20th Annual Achilles & Mary Mavromatis Memorial Golf Classic on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Clearview Golf Course in Bayside welcoming more than 100 golfers, community leaders, local businesses, and supporters for a day of fellowship and fundraising to benefit children and families facing serious medical challenges.
Each year, the Save a Young Life Foundation recognizes individuals and organizations whose commitment, generosity, and service have made a lasting impact on the Foundation and the community it serves. This year’s Marcelo C. Viteri Award was presented to the Society of Kastorians “Omonoia,” with the award accepted by its President, Konstantinos Patsios. The Save a Young Life Foundation Merit Award was presented to Dillon Damiano De Pinto, President of Kiwanis Astoria/Long Island City, in recognition of his continued dedication to community service and charitable outreach, and to Spiro Levis, one of the original founders of the Save a Young Life Foundation, whose vision and unwavering commitment have helped guide the organization since its inception.
The Save a Young Life Foundation Merit Award was presented to Dillon Damiano De Pinto, President of Kiwanis Astoria/Long Island City, in recognition of his continued dedication to community service and charitable outreach.
A memorable moment of the afternoon was a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America” performed by Lauren Schevchek, whose inspiring perseverance continues to touch the community. Lauren, an accomplished singer and advocate, has become a symbol of resilience following a spinal cord injury. The Save a Young Life Foundation has proudly continued to support her charitable efforts, and her moving performance was met with a standing ovation from those in attendance.
The Foundation was also honored to receive a generous $2,500 donation from First Central Savings Bank, presented by Anna-Marie Sardarian Vallone and Maria Betzios, reaffirming the bank’s longstanding commitment to supporting local charitable organizations and the mission of the Save a Young Life Foundation.
The Foundation gratefully acknowledged its many corporate sponsors whose generosity helped make the event possible, including First Central Savings Bank, Mount Sinai Queens Hospital, Wells Fargo, Barrett Roofs, Fox Mountain Brokerage and Consulting, JEMCO Electrical Contractors, Pristine Property Solutions, Gold N Honey Loukoumades, AV Salvation, and many other businesses and community partners that continue to support the Foundation’s mission year after year.
This year’s Marcelo C. Viteri Award was presented to the Society of Kastorians “Omonoia,” with the award accepted by its President, Konstantinos Patsios.
Behind the scenes, the success of the outing reflected the dedication of the Save a Young Life Foundation’s Board Members, Eleni Tsamblakos, Penny Gallis, Demi Varis, and Rita Papadogiannis, who were instrumental in coordinating the day’s activities and organized the raffles, awards, and golf program. The event was professionally photographed by Nicole Gangi, who captured the many memorable moments throughout the day.
As the Foundation celebrates two decades of its signature golf outing, the 20th Annual Achilles & Mary Mavromatis Memorial Golf Classic once again demonstrated the power of community, generosity, and volunteerism. Through the continued support of its sponsors, donors, golfers, volunteers, and community partners, the Save a Young Life Foundation remains committed to bringing hope, assistance, and brighter futures to children and families in need. The Foundation looks forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come while honoring the legacy of Achilles and Mary Mavromatis through service to others.



