Everyone needs a helping hand once in a while, no matter if it’s through an encouraging word or deed, or a donation that helps kids play the sports they love.

Keystone Pub and Grill owner Savvas Kiprislis understands businesses have a role in helping shape the communities they serve. One way is to support the local high school and its various athletic programs. He has done that over the years as a successful restaurateur, and is willing to lend a hand wherever it leads. That extends from the playing fields for equipment needs to raising money for breast cancer awareness.

“We like to help out in Whitehall wherever it’s needed,” said Kiprislis.

Kiprislis, a Whitehall graduate, has been especially supportive of the Whitehall track and field team.

His generosity didn’t go unnoticed by former booster club president Joe Abraham.

“He donates for everything,” said Abraham, who served as the track booster club president for two years.

Abraham said that Kiprislis would often host fundraisers, whether it’s for the football team or a family that’s been displaced by a fire.

“He just does things for everybody and he never asks anything in return,” said Abraham.

Abraham, who served alongside Michelle Schneck as booster club president, said that they were looking for a way to recognize Kiprislis’ commitment to Whitehall sports. And once he saw the plaques handed out at their end of the year banquet that were made by track coach Tyler Miller, he thought that would be an appropriate way to say thank you.

“I just thought it was a nice thing,” said Abraham. “Let him display it in here for everyone to see.”

They honored Kiprislis with a plaque which they presented to him recently.

Presenting the plaque was James Sebesta, head coach for the Whitehall track and field team. The Whitehall track and field team has been a big beneficiary of Keystone’s generosity.

“They ran three fundraisers for us this year, and it’s not just for us, they do it for the whole Whitehall community,” said Sebesta.

He said that they’ve become part of the Whitehall family and that their charity goes beyond the white lines.

“You have to respect that,” said Sebesta.

Sebesta said that he thought it was nice idea, and a way to say thanks for their support the last three years.

“He’s a Whitehall guy, and whatever Whitehall asks, he’s always there for us,” said Sebesta.

Kiprislis, who was a basketball player for the Zephyrs, said that they decided to open a sports bar in Whitehall because they saw an opportunity for growth in a market that didn’t have a family-owned sports bar.

Kiprislis, along with his sister Katerina Hronis, and his brother-in-law Kostas Hronis, now operate the Whitehall and Bethlehem locations, the original Keystone Pub opening in Bethlehem Township in 2000. Kiprislis sees his involvement as a way to stay connected to his alma mater and help out whenever and wherever it’s needed.

As for the recognition, he was appreciative of the warm gesture.

“That was really nice,” said Kiprislis.

“You want to recognize people who take care of people like that,” said Sebesta.