NEW YORK – Greek American actress, singer, songwriter, and producer Rita Wilson will be featured in The Hellenic Initiative's (THI) upcoming virtual Fundraising Gala on November 12. THI, on October 26, released a sneak preview video of Wilson ahead of the 8th annual event which is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 6-7 PM Eastern/11 PM-12 AM GMT.  

Funds raised will provide crisis relief and help Greek businesses/entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic. Titled Radiate: The Hellenic Initiative Virtual Gala, the event is a call-to-action that will illuminate a Greece of innovation, strength, and resiliency by telling the business success stories of THI’s many grantees. 

This celebrity-filled event will include special performances and messages from: 

Rita Wilson who will perform with Christos Mastoras, lead singer of Melisses, the popular Greek rock band. Also performing, Monika, one of Greece’s most acclaimed indie artists, and the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra, featuring young Greek musicians.  

Remarks and messages will be presented by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America; Nia Vardalos, actress, screenwriter, director, and producer; George Stephanopoulos, ABC News anchor and political commentator; Peter Diamandis, founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation; and Diane Kochilas, cookbook author, celebrity chef, and cooking school owner. 

New York Tickets: Individual $250, New Leaders $100 (21-40 years old). For U.S. sponsorship: https://www.eventora.com/en/Events/THI-Virtual-Gala. 

London Tickets: Individual £200, New Leaders £50 (21-40 years old). For U.K. sponsorship: https://www.eventora.com/en/Events/this-virtual-event-london.  

During the online event, THI will host a silent auction. THI has organized both luxury and charitable auction items that, particularly this year, focus on giving to those in need. Charitable auction items include programs for hunger relief, health and social welfare support, and vocational training. As in prior years, Greek artists, food and wine purveyors, luxury destinations, and fashion and jewelry designers from around the world have come together to donate items. A bidding website is under development and will be available soon. 

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 programs address crisis relief through strong nonprofit organizations and build entrepreneurial skills in a new generation of business leaders. Since 2012, THI has committed or distributed $5.7 million in direct crisis relief and $10.1 million in economic and entrepreneurial development. Last year's Gala raised more than $2.2 million, making it the most successful fundraising event in the Greek diaspora globally. 

More information is available online: https://www.thehellenicinitiative.org.