James Orphanides (Partner Centurion Holdings LLC and Chairman Emeritus of First American Title Insurance Co. of NY) and George Eads, starring at CBS drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, were the recipients of the HTSF’s 2010 Humanitarian Award. A small book containing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America was at every table, a gift by Mr. Orphanides.

Five previous HTSF Honorees were also present: Ernie Anastos, Anchor of FOX 5 News, Alexis Christoforou, CBS News Anchor, the Hon. Nick Tsoucalas, Judge of the US Court of International Trade, Nick Gregory, FOX 5 Meteorologist,, and actor Frank Dicopoulos. Four screen presenters featured previous HTSF Honorees, Cat Cora, the FOOD Network’s Iron Chef, Melina Kanakaredes, actor, CSI: NewYork, Gilles Marini, actor, Brothers and Sisters, and rock star Constantine Maroulis.

Among the distinguished guests were Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Aghi Balta, Consul General of Greece in New York and Koula Sophianou, Consul General of Cyprus in New York. The event’s hosts were John and Margo Catsimatides, founders of HTSF, with their children Andrea and John. The American and Greek National Anthems were sung by Nicolette Scott, 2010 scholarship recipient, and Eleni Rodopoulos Kaufman, 2000 scholarship recipient.

For the first time this year, the HTSF awarded scholarships to students attending various Greek American schools. A total of 30 scholarships were offered to students from all over the United States.

According to Nick Katsoris, Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund President and Gala Chairman, the Fund has awarded more than 700 scholarships, totaling over $1.8 million dollars since it began twenty years ago. The Gala is also the only fundraiser event for the Scholarship Fund. Money raised from tickets, raffles, journal, and donations goes to the scholarships of next year’s event, scheduled for May 14, 2011.