THI’s Annual NY Gala Excites Diaspora and Supports Greece

NEW YORK – The much-anticipated 12th annual New York Gala of the Hellenic Initiative (THI), the Hellenic world’s largest fundraising event, will be held Dec. 7 at Cipriani Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. This year’s honorees are Dean and Marianne Metropoulos, recognizing their achievements in finance, cultural affairs, and philanthropy. The Gala’s Co-Chairs are John Koudounis, Mike Psaros, Corinne Mentzelopoulos, and their fellow THI Board members, Andrew N.  Liveris (THI Chair), and George P. Stamas (THI Board President).

THI: A Front Seat at the Renaissance of Greece

Founded in 2012, THI is a global non-profit bringing together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. Since its founding, THI has raised more than $37 million and the Gala is its main fundraising event.

Liveris, past CEO and Board Chairman of Dow Chemical, summed up the aspirations of the founders and its vision for the future: “THI is continuing to grow in its presence and impact. Formed to harness the talents and skills of the Greek diaspora around the world to help Greece in its time of need over ten years ago, it has matured as THE organization that aligns the traditions, the values, and the emotional connectivity of the Hellenic ecosystem around the world with very active philanthropic programs in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK – with embryonic groups in other countries.”

Liveris spotlighted the people he is proud to call both friends and collaborators. “George [Stamas] and the leadership of THI show unrelenting determination, focus, and resolve to keep Greece at the center of a modern Europe and indeed the Globe, and the full involvement of the next generation is a feature of the success of THI.“

Stamas, a fellow THI founder and well known for many years in international legal and financial circles, also expressed pride in THI’s emphasis on attracting and promoting the next generation: “the power of the New Leaders”  – THI’s international group of like-minded professionals 21-45 years old – “coming together across the world is limitless.”

He is most honored to be among his fellow THI founders and current leadership, extraordinarily committed individuals such as this year’s Gala chairs, and also Dean Dakolias, Dennis and Karen Mehiel, Nikos Koumettis, George Marcus, Nick Alexos, Sir Stelios, John Georges, Maria Allwin, Jim Neary, Ted Leonsis, Peter Barris, Drake Behrakis, John Catsimatidis, Peri Navab, Peter Poulos, and Michael Printzos, just to name a few board members with current committee roles, and of course the unwavering inspiration and support of the one and only Father Alex Karloutsos.”

Stamas continues: “the key to THI’s success is based on the trust given to us by the Diaspora as a result of the selfless collaboration and determination among our stakeholders – our board, our amazing staff, our New Leaders, and Lord Byron Circle members, throughout the world always looking for ways to lend a helping hand to the Greek people with whom we share an unbreakable DNA bond in the continued renaissance of the country.”

Ready for the Gala

THI’s busy Autumn entails Gala preparation as well as its annual fundraising initiative, known as the 1821 Society. Its most important membership category is the Lord Byron Circle, named for Greek revolutionary hero who inspires Hellene and Philhellenes alike. “THI is welcoming new faces to “our family” every day” Stamas said.

The Gala was established because the founders realized that in addition to fundraising it is crucial to bring everyone together to generate inspiration and excitement. Stamas emphasized that “each year we are able to honor people in our community who are role models – who embody what ‘dare to dream’ means. Look at Dean Metropoulos – born in Greece, came to America in his youth, daring to dream the American dream, and making his way” thanks to that DNA that provides “the urge to improve, the urge to excel and do it in a meaningful way, and all along giving back… He and Marianne, dear friends of mine who I greatly admire, are extraordinary role models. And like with any successful Greek couples, Dean may be the ‘head’ of their household, but Marianne is the ‘neck’ which of course controls the head!”.

Peter Poulos, past Executive Director and current Board member says “having the opportunity to honor Dean and Marianne Metropoulos makes the evening even more special, as they have agreed to share the majority of their wealth through the Global Giving Pledge. They are the people our community needs to celebrate, and we know that their philanthropy encourages others to do the same.”As for the Gala, Stamas declared: “the New York Gala, like our other Galas and events throughout the world, is a wonderful celebration and affair of the heart. It really reinforces what THI is all about. It is a great party, and we Greeks love to party, tickets always sell out fast!”

Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, THI Honorary Advisor, reflects the thoughts of many:  “THI, George and Andrew, and the amazing Board have been able to reimagine the Great Idea – the ‘Μεγάλη Ιδέα’ of the past, in order to envision a new promising future for all Hellenes, whether in the Diaspora or Motherland, wherein we work in harmony to create an Initiative for a better world for generations to come. Is there a better way to honor the legacy and lives our parents and grandparents? I think not.”