LONDON, ENGLAND –
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) hosted its 9th Annual London Gala on October 9 at The Dorchester, one of London’s premier venues, raising a record $512,000 to support THI’s economic development and humanitarian aid programs in Greece and Cyprus. The once again sold-out gala, which has become the “it” event for Hellenes and Philhellenes in London, featured Greece’s number one recording artist of his generation, Konstantinos Argiros.
The much-anticipated gala was once again hosted by THI Board Member Nikos Stathopoulos, THI London Board Member Constantine Logothetis, THI Board Member and long-time Executive Director Peter Poulos and THI International Ambassador Princess Tatiana Blatnik. The two worthy THI grantees honored this year were Make-A-Wish Greece and Wise Greece.
The room full of honored guests included, from the THI leadership: Board Member George Anderson, THI Australia Board Member Peter Abraam, THI’s new Executive Director Mike Manatos, THI UK’s first Managing Director Vasiliki Koutoupi, a number of members of the THI Lord Byron Circle who gathered on the eve of the gala at the Savoy Hotel, and members of the THI New Leaders program, who gathered the night after the gala at Brera Lounge. Greek and US Government officials in attendance included: Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and Ambassador to the UK Ioannis Tsaousis, and the United States’ newly-appointed Ambassador to Greece Kimberley Guilfoyle and Ambassador to Cyprus and Ukraine Julie Davis.
Make – A- Wish Greece grants wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses, bringing hope, strength and joy to over 4,000 children in Greece since its founding in 1996. Board President Eleni Konstantinidi and Board Member Konstantine Antonopoulos received the award from Princess Tatiana.
Wise Greece is an award-winning non-profit that promotes the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and the products of small Greek producers. Profits from their sale buy essential food supplies that are distributed to children, homeless families and elderly people living below the poverty line. Founder Melina Taprantzi received the award from Peter Poulos.
THI is the only global non-profit that unites Hellenes and Philhellenes around the world around philanthropy, by investing in the future of Greece and Cyprus. Since its founding in 2012, THI has donated over $24 million in direct aid through over 360 grants to worthy organizations in Greece, for an estimated contribution of over $500 million to the GDP of Greece.
“This night was filled with hope, generosity, and Greek ‘philotimo’ that again demonstrated that THI has created a powerful network of support, embodying our shared commitment to Greece, and strengthening our mission of real impact and unity”, stated Stathopoulos.
Logothetis, on his part, added: “It is deeply gratifying that THI’s reach across the world and the generations continues to grow. Our Gala brought together friends, supporters and visionaries who share one mission: to give back to Greece and create a brighter future”.
THI thanked its generous sponsors including their in-kind sponsors Aegean Airlines, the official air carrier sponsor, and Carpo, who provided all 400 guests with favors.
