Over $300,000 was raised as 410 guests supported Greece during a devastating year.
The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) 7th Annual London Gala, held at The Dorchester on Thursday, October 5th, demonstrated the Greek Diaspora’s solidarity with the people of Greece in the aftermath of this summer’s devastating floods and wildfires, raising more than $300,000 – a record. The funds raised will support direct crisis relief and economic development for Greece and Cyprus, including continuing backing for young entrepreneurs and startups.
THI Board Member Nikos Stathopoulos, THI London Board Member Constantine M. Logothetis and THI International Ambassador Princess Tatiana co-chaired the sold-out Gala. The event was attended by 410 guests and honoured the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, whose mission is to support a diverse range of charitable activities, primarily in places where the founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has lived and worked – the UK, Greece, Cyprus, and Monaco. Also honoured was the Hellenic Marine Environmental Protection Association (HELMEPA), whose mission is to increase commitment in Greece’s maritime community to preventing pollution, protecting the marine environment, and safety at sea.
THI Board President George P. Stamas, fellow Board Member Event Co-Chair, and THI Board member Nikos Stathopoulos welcomed the guests. Peter Barton, Trustee, UK Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, was presented the first Honoree Award by HRH Princess Tatiana, Event Co-Chair and THI Board Member.
The second Honoree Award was presented by renowned actor, author, filmmaker and THI International Ambassador Nia Vardalos to Semiramis Paliou, Director and CEO, Diana Shipping Inc., Chairperson, HELMEPA, and Chairperson, INTERMEPA.
Greek singing star Antonis Remos thrilled the guests during his special performance, which began at 10 p.m. and continued late into the evening.
Nikos Stathopoulos, THI Board Member and Gala Co-chair remarked- "On behalf of the Board of Directors of THI, I would like to thank all those involved in this year's Gala, making it the most successful ever. THI continues to raise the bar with its fundraising events in London, New York, Athens and worldwide. And I am deeply committed to its mission to help the people of Greece."
Constantine M. Logothetis, THI London Board Member and Gala Co-chair stated, “Each time we invite Hellenes and Philhellenes to our London Gala to support THI’s efforts, we are amazed at the turnout and deeply appreciative of everyone's support. It is an honour to be part of this effort to help the homeland by giving back in significant ways."
Founded in 2012, THI is a global non-profit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece today through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. Since its founding, THI has invested more than $20.5 million in Greece and is the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world
