He specialized in prosecuting corporate and white collar fraud, having handled some of the SEC's most significant investigations including the case against American International Group for its phony accounting practices. George also served on the 2009 Bernard Madoff prosecution team responsible for bringing to justice the perpetrators of the largest financial fraud in American history.
The event was made possible by the George Demos for Congress Host Committee which includes members Keke Kyriakopoulos, Justin Bozonelis, Victoria Bousis, Stefanie Amanatides, Dr. George Carayannopoulos, Daphne Konstantinides, Despina Konstantinides, Mary Miles, Dr. Michael Plakogiannis, George Soterakis, Tony Steich, John Vidalakis and Nick Vouloumanos. In addition, Co-Hosts for the event based on their relative donations included Mr.& Mrs. Alexander Amanatides, Demetri and Eleni Bousis, Alexander Christon, Tina Livanos, Gregory Vassilakos and Dr. Mary Vouyiouklis. "When you consider that we have a host committee comprised of 13 individuals, and co-hosts and this nice turnout thanks to everyone here, it is great to see that people are truly excited to support one of our own", remarked close friend to George Demos and Host Committee member Justin Bozonelis in his introductory speech.
George has always been close to the Greek Orthodox Church having served as an altar boy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral. He received his BA degree in Political Science from Columbia University and went on to earn his law degree from Fordham University. "George is a member of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral, Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Southampton, of the Leadership 100 and was also recently appointed to serve on the Archdiocesan Council by Archbishop Demetrios himself. It is clear that his roots in the Greek Orthodox Church, community and heritage are very important to him, as they are to many in this room tonight, continued Bozonelis in his opening remarks.
The highlight of the evening centered on Demos addressing guests by describing his goals and intentions in running for public office. He assured his supporters that the election is winnable and that the time has come to infuse fresh ideas into Washington in response to the challenges currently facing New Yorkers. A staunch opponent of tax increases, he furthered that creative strategic change is necessary as opposed to government bailout packages and continued pork belly spending. Demos expressed his deep gratitude for the backing he has received from the Greek-American community as well as from his friends. The floor then opened up for an interactive Q&A where guests were able to discuss issues and offer suggestions. Questions posed related to the dynamics of the current race, issues facing Greece and Demos' previous casework while serving the SEC.
Guests enjoyed refreshments which were generously provided by Steve Makris of Fantis Foods and Thalassa Restaurant in TriBeCa. In handling acknowledgements at the event's conclusion, Committee Host Victoria Bousis also offered words of encouragement. "It truly makes me proud to support George, a person and candidate bearing a devout heart, truthful intention, and sound purpose, representative of all the accomplished Hellenes before him," she said.
The fundraiser resulted in a complete success where all financial goals were not only met but exceeded. "This is my first fundraiser, and a night I will never forget. I can't tell you how much this means to me," concluded Demos.
Information on George Demos' 2010 campaign can be found at www.georgedemos.com.
