NEW YORK – The Hellenic Initiative (THI), the leading group uniting the Greek diaspora and philhellenes internationally, is once again hosting its Annual Gala in person on December 4 after last year’s virtual-only event. Funds raised will provide continued pandemic crisis relief and help foster Greek economic recovery opportunities after months of fiscal challenges.

“Greeks have always come together to aid those in less fortunate situations,” THI Board President and Gibson Dunn Partner George P. Stamas said. “This was true of immigrants who left the homeland at the beginning of the last century and continues today. The spirit of philotimo (φιλότιμο) — interpreted as helping others and pride in community — is alive and well. We’re proud to be the catalyst that helps the diaspora continue this proud tradition.”

The 9th Annual Gala will be held in person and available to stream live online on Saturday, December 4, at Cipriani, 55 Wall Street, between William and Hanover Streets in Manhattan. Titled “Moving Forward Together,” the event will highlight stories of Greek resilience in the face of adversity. Since its founding, THI has raised USD $17 million for grants supporting NGOs and economic development projects in Greece.

Johnson & Johnson Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Alex Gorsky will be honored during the event. Gorsky is one of just seven leaders who have served in the dual role since the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1944.

From 1983 to 1984, Gorsky was stationed in Drama, Greece as part of his military service and learned to speak Greek at the Defense Language Institute. A philhellene, Gorsky was instrumental in developing a relationship between Johnson & Johnson and THI. Johnson & Johnson has been an essential hiring partner for THI’s successful ReGeneration program since the program’s inception. Launched in 2014 to train, mentor, and place highly qualified millennials in internships at top Greek and multinational companies, the program has created 1600+ youth job placements, unlocking more than €11.5 million in salaries. Recognized as the top internship program in Greece, more than 80 percent of participants secure a contract extension or hire.

The event will be hosted by one of Greece’s most popular recording artists Sakis Rouvas. Additional special guests are expected to attend.

The Gala begins at 7 PM with cocktails and the silent auction, followed by the dinner and award presentation at 8 PM, and entertainment and dancing at 10 PM.

Tickets/tables are available online:

https://www.eventora.com/en/Events/2021-this-new-york-gala

In-person tickets:

Individual $750

New Leader $300 (21-40 years old)

Virtual tickets:

Individual $300

New Leader $100 (21-40 years old)

Table prices start at $15,000

THI is offering both luxury and charitable auction items that 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 $6 million in direct crisis relief and $10.7 million in economic and entrepreneurial development. Last year’s virtual Gala raised more than $1.6 million.

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