The Hellenic Initiative (THI), a non-profit organization founded in 2012, amid Greece’s financial crisis, “to support sustainable economic recovery” in Greece, raised $1.6 million in its first-ever Virtual Gala which took place Thursday last week.
“Funds raised will provide pandemic relief and help Greek businesses and entrepreneurs who took a huge hit when travel restrictions devastated Greece’s all-important travel industry,” THI announced.
stream our event. Moreover, speakers and entertainers didn’t need to be on hand in New York City or London to participate.”
The virtual event was co-hosted, from Athens, by singer Sakis Rouvas and, from New York City, by ABC News chief anchor & political correspondent George Stephanopoulos.
“Covid 19 has stolen much from Greece, but it cannot take our pride, our heritage, our strength as a community, or our compassion. We ask all Greeks who are able, please show your love for Greece, help your fellow citizens in need with your generosity. We can keep our country healthy and together, we will make it strong again,” Stephanopoulos said.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a message to the event.
For the last eight years, THI has been at the forefront of helping Hellenes in need and investing in a new Greece and in fantastic job creation programs, like ReGeneration and the Venture Impact Award. This gala is, of course, the largest fundraising event in the global Greek diaspora. But it also helps to build partnership and knowledge, sharing between two communities, separated by geography, but united by identity and history. That help has been invaluable — and unprecedented,” he said.
“This pandemic is going to be with us for a while, (but) We will get through this and we will come of it stronger than ever before,” said THI Board Chairman Andrew N. Liveris, adding that Greeks “know that we do thrive and survive and make things happen in times of need.”
Other people sending messages included actresses Rita Wilson and Nia Vardalos, philanthropist Marianna V. Vardinoyannis and singer Nana Mouskouri and Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who blessed the event for benefiting those in need and expressed hope for a brighter future.
Peter Diamandis, founder and Chairman of Xprize Foundation, talked about one of the beneficiaries, Enaleia, Greece’s only professional fishing school.
“Fishing has become so much more than simply casting a net. Today it is about protecting the marine ecosystems and keeping healthy fish populations alive. With a donation of 25,000 euros, Enaleia can expand its outreach and clean up a port that’s been littered with old netting. They will recycle the old netting turning it into clothing and breathe life back into the port, all while making young Greeks in
