Celebrating 20 Years of Dolly Day – A Legacy of Service, Community, and Generosity

This August, more than 130 golfers gathered at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course for a milestone moment—the 20th Annual Dolly Day – Lazarou Open. The sun was shining, the laughter was contagious, and thanks to the generosity of participants, sponsors, and volunteers, $20,000 was raised to support United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) and essential community initiatives it powers, especially in Montgomery County.

Honoring a Local Legend

For two decades, the Lazarou family has hosted this event to honor Aristotle “Dolly” Lazarou (1925–2005) and his brother Costa Lazarou (1927-2014), both U.S. Navy veterans who embodied service and generosity.

Dolly’s story is woven into the fabric of Amsterdam’s history. A proud graduate and standout athlete, he served in the Navy during WWII from 1943–1946, played professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, and was a fixture at the Amsterdam Muni golf course—holding the course record for years. Off the course, Dolly made a lasting impact as Amsterdam’s first “Big” in Big Brothers Big Sisters, maintaining a lifelong bond with his “Little,” Tom Lalla.

When Dolly passed in 2005, the Lazarou family transformed their grief into action, launching this tournament to benefit local youth. Over the years, they’ve raised nearly $200,000 for community organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Charities Food Bank, Amsterdam Little Giants, RAMS, The Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, and United Way.

A Day of Golf, Giving, and Gratitude

This year’s tournament once again brought together friends old and new for a day of camaraderie and competition. While the swings and putts were important, the real victory was in what the event makes possible—funding programs that give all people the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

“What the Lazarou family has built here isn’t just a golf tournament,” said UWGCR President and CEO Peter Gannon, “it’s a 20-year tradition of hope. Every swing, every laugh, every handshake today fuels programs that change lives. That’s the kind of legacy Dolly would be proud of.”

Since 2015, the Lazarou family has also awarded 50 scholarships to graduating seniors in memory of Costa Lazarou, further extending their impact on the lives of local youth.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

To those who have been part of Dolly Day from the start, and to those who joined for the first time this year—thank you. Every dollar raised helps keep Dolly’s spirit of generosity alive and strengthens the foundation of our community.

For nearly a century, United Way of the Greater Capital Region has been there whenever the community needs us—mobilizing partners, advancing opportunities for youth, improving financial security, and building a future where every person can reach their full potential.

Here’s to the next 20 years of golf, giving, and honoring the remarkable lives of Dolly and Costa Lazarou.