Alexi Giannoulias, State Treasurer of Illinois and candidate for the United States Senate in 2010, was the special guest during a private fundraiser held on his behalf in Manhattan. Hosted by friends Tina Livanos and Keke Kyriakopoulos the event took place at the Greene Street residence of Stavros and Christine Tsibiridis. A group of nearly 100 young adults attended with donations in support of the 33 year-old Treasurer from the State of Illinois.
In 2006, Giannoulias became the first Democrat elected to hold the Illinois State Treasurer's seat in twelve years and was publicly endorsed in that campaign by his mentor, President Barack Obama. He has since formed an exploratory committee to assess his candidacy for U.S. Senate in 2010 and the fundraiser served to increase awareness of this campaign among young-professionals within the New York community.
A crowd comprised primarily of Greek-Americans gathered within the private SoHo loft to enjoy mezedes and wine provided by Thalassa restaurant in TriBeCa and, most importantly, the chance to hear the guest address the attendees. "As impressed as you are with what you read about Alexi Giannoulias, I can promise that you will be even more impressed with what you hear when you listen him speak", said host Justin Bozonelis in his introductory speech. "We want you to leave with the same feeling and enthusiasm which we have, knowing that someone who grew up with the same culture and experiences shared by many in this room has become such an emerging leader not only in our community, but at the national level" continued Bozonelis.
Host Tina Livanos spent previous Summers with her close friend Giannoulias in Greece and studied with him in Spetses. She was able to add an personal anecdote, recalling a moment when Alexi responded that “he wanted to become President" when asked about his aspirations at a young age.
Guests were shown a short campaign video which portrayed Giannoulias through clips of various speeches and his accomplishments as a public servant. The highlight of the evening then came when Giannoulias addressed the guests with a thoughtful speech referencing the importance of family, heritage and his dynamic path to becoming an elected official. He expressed deep gratitude for the support he continues to gain from the Greek-American community and his goals heading into the 2010 Senatorial race.
Giannoulias offered optimistic words about one's ability to overcome obstacles, citing his own journey toward capturing the Treasure's seat at a young age and without significant political connections. Parallels were drawn to his mentor, President Barack Obama, and his overcoming public doubt to historically win the Presidency.
Giannoulias stressed his goals relating to social and educational improvements, particularly focusing on economic initiatives given his currently held position. Host Keke Kyriakopoulos, a former political consultant, followed the speech by opening the floor up for an interactive Q&A in which a handful of guests were able to discuss issues. Topics ranged from healthcare reform to his opinion on previous Presidents and issues facing the Hellenic community such as the U.S.'s recognition of the name "Macedonia" for FYROM.
Giannoulias remained at the loft for the remainder of the night and mingled with the various guests. The event offered a unique chance for professionals around Giannoulias' own age to get to know an increasingly recognized individual who has become such a rising star within the political arena. The fundraiser turned out to be success with all financial goals met though a warm audience of contributors who readily welcomed the out-of-state leader. Although an Illinois State official, guests offered strong encouragement and support given a common regard for Giannoulias as a peer. The hosts pointed to a significant level of follow-up inquiries after the event from people who want to get more involved with his campaign efforts.
