LONDON – The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Third Annual Gala in London recognizing the work of ELPIDA Youth and the Home Project with a special performance by Anna Vissi sold out and raised over 250,000 GBP (about $336,000) to fund THI’s philanthropic and economic development work in Greece. Over 380 international guests attended THI’s Gala at the Dorchester Hotel on May 16.

Event Co-chairs Nikos Stathopoulos, Constantine Logothetis, and Princess Tatiana thanked the crowd for their generous support. THI Board President, George Stamas introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Mr. Muhtar Kent, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Coca Cola Company and a founding member of THI. Mr. Kent spoke of Coca Colas’ commitment to the economic recovery of Greece and their proud involvement in THI’s Regeneration Program in Greece.

There were two honorees for the evening. The first was ELPIDA Youth, founded in 2015 by a group of young members of the ELPIDA organization. It raises awareness and supports the psychological wellbeing of children suffering from neoplastic diseases in Greece. Princess Tatiana, one of THI’s International Ambassadors, accepted the award on their behalf.

The second honoree was The HOME Project, a unifying initiative set up by the Libra Group in response to the global refugee crisis and to address the needs of refugee children who have arrived in Greece alone. The HOME Project exists to bring them to safe haven by providing security, dignity, education and safe living conditions. Ms. Sofia Kouvelaki, The Home Project’s Executive Director, accepted the award on their behalf.

International recording star, Anna Vissi and her band, gave a very special performance and entertained the sold out crowd until after midnight.

A silent auction with fantastic prizes including stay at luxury Greek hotels, like Hotel Grande Bretagne, The New Hotel, Kensho in Mykonos, and Aria Hotels along with jewelry from LALAoUNIS, Katramopoulos, and Diane Kordas and one of a kind items from Blaiz and MePe Greece raised over 34,000 GBP (about $46,000). Greek food start-up sensation Carpo provided gift bags for all those in attendance.

Since its founding in 2012, THI has distributed over $15 million to support direct crisis relief and our programs supporting entrepreneurship and economic development.

About The Hellenic Initiative

Our Mission: Investing in the future of Greece through direct philanthropy and economic revitalization.

We empower people to provide crisis relief, encourage entrepreneurs, and create jobs.
We are The Hellenic Initiative (THI) – a global movement of the Greek Diaspora.

Visit our website: http://www.TheHellenicInitiative.org/
http://onegreece.org
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Over 380 guests attended The Hellenic Initiative’s Gala in London. Photo by Alex Vrizas / Courtesy of The Hellenic Initiative

Anna Vissi performing at The Hellenic Initiative’s 3rd Annual Gala in London. (Photo by Alex Vrizas / Courtesy of The Hellenic Initiative)

Event co-chair Nikos Stathopoulos. Photo by Alex Vrizas / Courtesy of The Hellenic Initiative