NEW YORK – The 8th Annual Loukoumi Make A Difference Awards were presented on June 17 at Mulino’s at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY, and was also available via live streaming. The inspiring event honored Los Angeles Chargers owner and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos with the Inspiration Award.

In his acceptance speech, Spanos spoke about his father’s influence on his life and giving back to the community: “As my dad was becoming more and more successful, it was, you know, I’m becoming successful because of what the community support I get is and so I never want to forget the community. I think he was inspired to help because he knew what it was like to have nothing.”

Video of Spanos’ acceptance speech is available on YouTube:

This year’s honorees also included Lucy Caltabiano, Caitlyn Michiels, Jacob Naclerio, Arsh Pal, Rashid Said, Lara Wills, Blue Origin/Club For The Future, Eastchester Middle School, Holy Trinity GOYA, St. Anthony School in Nanuet, NY, Saint Charles School in Staten Island, NY, photographer Jillian Nelson, and  Conor Dwyer who received the inaugural Courage Award.

Constantine Katsoris presented the inaugural Loukoumi baseball field renovation grant to the Power Cross Ministry of North Carolina.

The 2022 Loukoumi Dream Day winner Yannis Xerakias, who wants to be a medical inventor, was also announced at the event.

Loukoumi Foundation President Nick Katsoris congratulated all the honorees and thanked all the supporters and sponsors of the event. Loukoumi’s Good Deed Sponsors were: Dean Spanos and The Los Angeles Chargers, First American Title Insurance Company/Jeff Mitzner, and Michael and Robin Psaros.

Loukoumi’s Gift Sponsors were George’s Angels – Jeannie Ranglas.

The Friend of Loukoumi Sponsors were: Holy Trinity Philoptochos, Jerry and Bessi Drenis, Laura and Patrick O’Connor, and The Palazzo Family/Anne Hutchinson School PTA.

Auction Donors: American Ballet Theatre, First Nationwide Title/Steve Napolitano, Chef Maria Loi/Loi Estiatorio, Greenberg Traurig, New York Giants, New York Jets, New York Islanders, Junkyard Dog Productions and the Company of Come from Away the Musical, Points of Light/Walt Disney World, Arsh Pal, ECOS, Ford Lincoln of Queens/Mike Naclerio, Bradford Portrait Studios, Lake Isle Country Club, Kumo Sushi Lounge Scarsdale, Loukoumi Books, Elena Kampouris, and the Estate of Eileen Finkel.

Katsoris shared special thanks to the wine donors Fantis Foods, Columbia Florist for the centerpieces, and Fleetwood Pastry Shop for Loukoumi’s birthday cake.

Video of the event is available on YouTube:

More information about the Loukoumi Foundation is available online: https://www.loukoumifoundation.org/.