The tournament raises funds for scholarships for Lenape Regional High School district students.
This summer will mark 25 years of golfing for a good cause with the 25th Annual Kiki Open Scholarship Tournament on July 18.
Dedicated members of the community hold the tournament each year to fund high school scholarships in the name of former Lenape Regional High School District Superintendent Kereazis Kiki Konstantinos, who served as superintendent from 1963 through 1993.
Under his tenure, Konstantinos saw the district grow from one school to three, and throughout his 30 years at the helm, more than 40,000 students received their high school education under his watchful eye.
With Konstantinos’ retirement in 1993, a group of locals decided to honor his three decades of service by creating The Konstantinos Scholarship Foundation, which has since provided 262 scholarships valued at $457,000 to graduating seniors in the district.
What began as three scholarships at the district’s three schools in 1993 has grown to 16 scholarships at the district’s four schools, with each scholarship in recent years awarded at $2,000.
Steve Zeuli, chair of the Konstantinos Foundation, spoke at the recent meeting of the Lenape Regional High School District Board of Education to praise the students the district has produced over the years and to invite the public to what is the Konstantinos Foundation’s single fundraising event of the year.
“I believe that this district is the way it is in large part because of the culture and structure of one single guy — longtime superintendent K. Kiki Konstantinos,” Zeuli said. “I believe it was his insight and his foresight that led to the product that we have here now.”
Although Konstantinos passed away at age 74 in 2002, Zeuli said his impact is still felt by the reputation the district has when its students leave to excel in colleges across the country.
“I don’t think that we fully realize the reputation that the district has not just regionally, but throughout the state and even throughout the country,” Zeuli said.
This year, participants in the tournament can sign up for a full day of activities for $210, which covers the golf tournament, lunch, a reception and an awards dinner.
Those interested in supporting the foundation who aren’t golf fans can also pay $95 to attend the event for cocktails and dinner.
“If you know people who are golfers or have an interest in the district who just want to come out and have a great day, let me know,” Zeuli said.
Sponsorship opportunities for the tournament are also available, ranging from $125 to $5,500.
“If you know anybody who you think might be a great sponsor for our event and they just need a little nudge or maybe more information, don’t hesitate to let me know,” Zeuli said.
For more information about registration or donations for the 25th Annual Kiki Open Scholarship Tournament, contact Zeuli at (856) 768–1985 or visit www.kikiopen.org.
Officials ask those interested in participating in the tournament to register by July 5.
