The National Hellenic Society (NHMS) held its eagerly awaited Heritage Weekend and Classic October 6-9 at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in California.

According to NHS, the Society “is an association of Greek American leaders, visionaries, and philanthropists who perpetuate and celebrate our rich heritage” and the Heritage Weekend is its blue ribbon event, combining informative presentations by impressive leaders in multiple fields with social events that are both great fun and fine vehicles for building life-long friendships among philanthropists and Greek-American community leaders.

According to its website “the NHS was established to create a lasting network of Greek Americans to preserve our heritage through the sponsorship and initiation of programs that support Hellenic culture, benefit our members and their families, and honor our ancestors. NHS members represent accomplished men and women in the Greek American community, and membership is solely by invitation. As is our tradition, fellowship and enrichment are a prominent part of this society.”

The gala event is also an opportunity to honor prominent Hellenes from all over the world. This year the honorees included Emmy & Golden Globe Winning Best Actor Michael Chiklis, as well as renowned archeologists Professor John Camp and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Fisher.

The entertainment was headlined by top recording Artist Giorgos Tsalikis.

Among the initiatives NHS is most proud is its Heritage Greece program. This year the American College of Thessaloniki and the American College of Greece joined as host schools for more than one hundred Heritage Greece students from the United States and Canada. The program has now sent more than 600 hundred students on journeys to Greece that helps them get in touch and grow their Hellenic  heritage, culture, and roots.

Another highlight of the great weekend gathering is the George Korkos & Telly Savalas Classic Tournament enjoyed by avid golfers and spectators alike.