Home Community The Hellenic Initiative’s 10th Anniversary NY Gala Honors Dr. Albert Bourla and Raises...

The Hellenic Initiative’s 10th Anniversary NY Gala Honors Dr. Albert Bourla and Raises More Than $2M

The 2022 THI, The Hellenic Initiative at Cipriani Wall Street, NYC Honoring Albert Burla of Pheizer with over 850 in attendance. Photos: © GANP/Dimitrios Panagos

NEW YORK, NY – The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) 10th anniversary New York Gala -THI’s largest annual event- took place on December 3 at the Cipriani Wall Street bringing together more than 800 dignitaries and guests who helped raise  $2,248,000 to be deployed in Greece to support Greek economic/entrepreneurial development and humanitarian programs.

Dr. Albert Bourla,Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, and a native son of Thessaloniki, was this year’s honoree especially for his and Pfizer’s commitment to Greece and the Greek people. Accepting the award, Dr. Bourla said “In the years to come, science and technology will continue to lead the way, while countries that focus on innovation will see rapid, stable and, most importantly, inclusive and equitable growth in the future. Greece has an excellent opportunity to become one of these countries and I strongly believe that the Greek diaspora can contribute to upgrade the innovative ecosystem of the country.”

Pfizer has invested significantly in an innovation hub in Thessaloniki as a way to create opportunities for young Greeks and help reverse the brain drain of young professionals leaving Greece.

THI Board Chairman Andrew N. Liveris. Photos: © GANP/Dimitrios Panagos

“Dr. Bourla’s and Pfizer’s commitment to Greece and the Greek people have been a triumph of generosity,” said THI Board Chairman and Co-Founder Andrew N. Liveris. “Our work at the intersection of philanthropy and economic development is creating a framework of support for Greece that will go on for generations.”

“Our THI Board, our many generous supporters, and our dedicated staff are honored to be extending a helping hand to so many in Greece,” said THI Board President and Co-Founder George P. Stamas. In accepting a special honor for THI’s 10-year anniversary, Mr. Stamas praised the commitment of his many long serving fellow board members.

George Stamas and Dennis Mehiel. Photos: © GANP/Dimitrios Panagos

“The whole THI family: our Board, talented staff, donors, supporters and each person who attended brought their energy and passion to the evening and made it a great success. We are so grateful. THI is launching into our second decade with tremendous momentum,” said THI Executive Director Tina Courpas.  

James N. Gianopulos, former chairman and CEO of Paramount, served as Master of Ceremonies and offered the welcoming remarks, introducing Fr. Alexander Karloutsos who gave the invocation.

Greek superstar Elli Kokkinou performed for an enthusiastic crowd. The Jimmy Vali Band provided entertainment.

James Gianopulos
Elli Kokkinou performs for the more that 800 attendees. Photos: © GANP/Dimitrios Panagos

Officials from Greece and the Greek American community attended, including U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis, U.S. Ambassador in Athens, George Tsunis; the Greek Ambassador in Washington, Alexandra Papadopoulou; the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Marios Lysiotis; the Consul General of Greece in New York, Dinos Konstantinou; the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, Michalis Firillas.  

Nineteen THI Board members from the U.S., Greece and Australia attended including John Koudounis, Michael Psaros, and Dennis Mehiel.

A silent auction of world-class art, jewelry and experiences donated by Greeks from around the world contributed more than $120,000 the total funds raised.

Peter (1L) and Maria (3R) Vlitas, James (1R) and Michelle (2R) Tampakis, Georgia Kontzamanis (3L) and a friend

On Friday December 2, a sold-out pre-Gala celebration of the next generation of THI called THI New Leaders was held at Thalassa Restaurant in Tribeca. On Saturday morning December 3, THI in connection with Friends of St. Nicholas, hosted over 150 THI New Leaders and Board members for a private tour of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine at Ground Zero.

ABOUT THI

Founded in 2012, THI is a global, nonprofit, secular institution mobilizing the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic recovery and renewal for the Greek people. THI’s has made direct distribution of more than $20 million, 60% of which has been deployed into Greece’s economic development, and 40% into programs focused on crisis relief.

For more information visit:  http://www.TheHellenicInitiative.org/

John, Margo and Yianni Catsimatidis .
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