The Hellenic Initiative’s London Gala Raises Funds for Greece

A sold-out crowd of more than 400 international guests attended the Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) Fourth Annual Gala, which was held last week at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

More than 250,000 GBP ($315,000) were raised to fund THI’s philanthropic work in Greece.

Event Co-chairs Nikos Stathopoulos, Constantine Logothetis and Princess Tatiana all thanked the attendees for their generous support. THI Executive Director Peter Poulos also recognized the work of THI’s Young Professional Group, “The New Leaders.”

THI Board President George Stamas introduced THI board members in attendance, including Marianna Vardinoyannis and Bill Doucas.

The gala honored the group “Kivotos tou Kosmou,” established in 1998 by Father Antonios Papanikolaou, which provides special care and protection to vulnerable mothers and children in Greece. Father Antonios accepted the award on behalf of the entire group.

Another honoree was the group “HOPEgenesis,” a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 in the field of medicine which addresses the issue of low birth rates in Greece. Its mission is to provide comprehensive medical care and treatment for women who become pregnant until the day they give birth.

HOPEgenesis has contributed a great deal to the revival and the increase of Greece’s population. Dr. Stephanos Chandakas, the founder of HOPEgenesis, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

International recording star Antonis Remos and his band gave a very special performance and entertained the sold-out crowd until well after midnight.

A silent auction with fantastic prizes including stays at luxury Greek hotels, such as the Mykonian Collection and Belvedere Mykonos, jewelry from Vourakis, Kessaris, Serkos and Katramopoulos, and one-of-a-kind items from Mary Katrantzou, Vardas, Navarino Icons and MePe Greece raised over 40,000 GBP.

Greek food start-up sensation “Carpo” provided gift bags for all those in attendance.

Since its founding in 2012, The Hellenic Initiative has distributed over $15 million USD to support direct crisis relief and programs supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in Greece.