Always in the spirit of giving, last month the AHEPA women’s chapter Daughters of Penelope raised $4,500 for abused women and children across the state.

The funds were raised through an afternoon tea organised by members of the group, where a cheque was made out to the Women’s Trust of Victoria.

With more than 140 women attending on the day, the event exceeded all expectations, according to AHEPA member and host Sofie Mercoulia.

“We weren’t expecting to raise $4,500. It was a great amount to raise in one afternoon,” Ms Mercoulia told Neos Kosmos.

Guests were treated to a high tea and a fashion parade for Australian label Anthea Crawford, modelled by members of Daughters of Penelope and members’ daughters.

Each person attending also had the pleasure of walking away with something to remember the day by, a gift bag filled with goodies by sponsor Aesop.

“I just wanted to thank all the members and all the people that attended because everybody came and gave their money. It was so nice of them,” she said.

The Daughters of Penelope will be holding another fundraiser next month, with all proceeds being donated to the GOCMV’s recently opened Greek Centre for Contemporary Cultural.

The fundraising dinner dance will take place on Saturday 7 February at Merrimu Receptions in Murrumbeena.

Cost of entry is $85.00 per person and includes pre-dinner drinks in the foyer and a three course meal with drinks.

For further information and to enquire about tickets, contact Loren Evans on 0400142263 or (03) 98486435 or via email rce022@hotmail.com