The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) raised more than $1 million this past weekend at its 2025 Gala, in support of its mission to share Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story.
Funds raised at the event are crucial for maintaining the museum’s extensive collection of over 20,000 artifacts and oral histories.
NHM Chairman John P. Calamos, Sr. and this year’s Gala Co-Chairs, NHM Vice-Chairman Jim Logothetis and Marianthe Logothetis, were joined by more than 630 guests at the festive event on Saturday, September 27 at the Hilton Chicago.
Among the attendees were civic and cultural leaders from across the country. Distinguished guests at the NHM Gala included Consul General of Greece in Chicago Emmanuel Koubarakis and Consul Georgia Tasiopoulou, 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Public Administrator of Cook County Hon. Louis Apostol, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Clinée Hedspeth, and Fr. Sotirios P. Malamis from Ascension of our Lord Greek Orthodox Church.
NHM Chairman John P. Calamos, Sr., Gala Co-Chair and NHM Vice-Chairman Jim Logothetis, and NHM Executive Director Marianne Kountoures spoke about the Museum’s role as a vibrant public place where people gather to learn, be inspired and discover what unites us. NHM brings Greek history to life, making connections across generations and highlighting the common ground we all share.
This year, the Museum engaged thousands of students of all ages, hosted online programs connecting people across the nation and around the world, spearheaded a major collaboration with other cultural institutions, and launched an NHM Associates group to encourage the next generation of leaders and philanthropists.
National Hellenic Museum’s Gala offers exciting entertainment
The NHM Gala was emceed by television and radio personality Jane Monzures Clauss. Gala attendees enjoyed a spectacular dinner and live auction led by auctioneer David A. Goodman, followed by live music and Greek dancing with Mylos Entertainment and a special performance from renowned Greek artist Giorgos Tsalikis, one of Greece’s most popular and charismatic performers.
The 2025 NHM Gala was made possible by the generous support of donors at every level. Lead NHM Gala sponsors included: Diamond Sponsors Calamos Investments, John P. Calamos, Sr. and John S. Koudounis, The Halikias Family and Republic Bank, and The Parthenis Family and Grecian Delight; Gold Sponsors John and Mae Calamos via The John P. Calamos Foundation, The John S. Koudounis Family, and Metropoulos Family Foundation; and Silver Sponsors Michael and Robin Psaros and Family, and the Cathy and George Sakellaris Family Foundation.
The performance from Giorgos Tsalikis was generously sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Karras, and John and Martha Cannis.
The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) is a nonprofit public history museum located in Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood, with a mission to share Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story in relevant and meaningful ways.
NHM brings the Greek American experience to life through engaging exhibitions, dynamic programs, and spirited community events that celebrate both legacy and possibility. The Museum’s collection of over 10,000 artifacts and oral histories tells a powerful story—one that shares the personal journeys of immigrants shaping life in America.
Originally founded in 1983 and located in Greektown since 2011, NHM provides lifelong learning for the community and sparks inquiry and discussion about the broader issues in our lives and society.
The successful event was helmed by NHM Chairman John P. Calamos, Sr., and Gala Co-Chairs Jim and Marianthe Logothetis, alongside a dedicated committee and many volunteers. The mission and work of the Museum resonated deeply with attendees throughout the night.
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