The Hellenic Initiative’s ATHINA23 Concludes with Grand Gala in Athens

The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) ATHINA23 celebration concluded with a reception at the Zappeion in honor of Vardis Vardinoyannis, one of the country’s most renowned veteran entrepreneurs and revered philanthropists, on June 6.

Earlier THI’s 7th Annual Venture Fair, one of the largest startup events for young entrepreneurs in Greece, announced that Clio Muse Tours wins the $25.000 award.

The company was founded in 2014 to promote the world’s cultural heritage by using modern technology tools. It has created over 450 self-guided tours in over 35 countries in collaboration with tour guides, museums and organizations.

Vardinoyannis, Chairman of the Board of Motor Oil, was honored for his lifetime contributions to business and philanthropy.

This is the second THI Anniversary Gala Celebration aiming to honor distinguished individuals for their generous contributions to the country’s development, through their professional accomplishments and positive impact on the Greek society.

THI Chairman, Andrew N. Liveris, stated “It’s with great pride and admiration that we gather to celebrate the remarkable work of The Hellenic Initiative in Greece and pay tribute to a true beacon of leadership in business and philanthropy Mr. Vardis J. Vardinoyannis.

“This evening, we come together to reflect on the collective power of individuals and organizations united in the pursuit of a stronger and more prosperous Greece. THI is here reaffirming the Greek Diaspora’s commitment to building a brighter future for generations to come.“

The event welcomed dignitaries and THI Board Members committed to mobilizing the Greek Diaspora and Philhellene communities across the world to promote the country’s image and invest in its future.

THI Executive Committee Member & ATHINA23 Chair, John S. Koudounis, who presented Mr. Vardinoyannis with the award, stated:

“It is an honor for me to have been chosen as the Chair of ATHINA23. Tonight was a wonderful event, our most successful Athens event to date, helping support all the great work that The Hellenic Initiative does.

“Our honouree this evening, Mr. Vardis Vardinoyannis, and his family, have supported and contributed to so many Hellenic causes over the last 50 years, including many of THI’s own grantees. Tonight’s impact would not be possible without the tremendous support of all our amazing sponsors that will help give back to our main focus of crisis relief, entrepreneurship, and economic development.“

Attending the event were THI Co-Founder and Board President, George P. Stamas, ΤΗΙ Board Member & ATHINA23 Co-Chair, George J. Anderson, THI Board Member & THI VentureFair Chair, Nikos Stathopoulos, THI International Ambassador & Zappeion Event Co-Chair, Tatiana Blatnik, THI Greece Country Head & THI VentureFair Co-Chair, Michael Printzos, and THI International Ambassador & Zappeion Event Co-Chair, Peter Poulos, among others.

The Hellenic Initiative the largest Greek Diaspora organization

Building on 11 years of impact, THI has become the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world and has received support from thousands of Greeks, Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes.

In the process of fulfilling its mission of investing in, empowering, and encouraging a better future for Greece, THI has made direct investments of over $20 million to entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits and social enterprises in Greece.

On the social welfare front, THI has distributed over 2 million meals to individuals and families in need and has provided critical healthcare support to thousands of Greeks.

With a strong focus on Greece’s economic development, THI has helped create over 4,000 jobs reversing the flow of young professionals out of the country and has supported over 200 startups in  gaining access to capital networks and expertise.

Last month THI announced it has donated $50,000 to the non-profit foundation Desmos in Greece to strengthen the country’s defenses against chronic and devastating wildfires.

The grant was made to seven volunteer firefighting groups on the island of Evia, by providing them with essential fire fighting gear, equipment, and pumping units. Evia was severely affected by the wildfires of 2021.