The Hellenic Initiative to host Inaugural Banquet in NYC

By NEO Magazine on September 7, 2013

Former President Bill Clinton will be among the attendees

The Hellenic Initiative (THI) will host its first annual banquet on Thursday, October 3rd at 583 Park Avenue to honor three outstanding individuals for their many contributions to Greece and to raise funds to support families impacted by the ongoing economic crisis.

The focus of the banquet is “Investing in the Future of Greece,” and all funds raised will support non-profit organizations and social development programs aid in the relief, recovery and renewal efforts in the country. The Hellenic Initiative will also announce several new programs focused on near-term economic stimulus and longer-term strategic growth.

George Stephanopoulos will preside as master of ceremonies

George Stephanopoulos will preside as master of ceremonies and the event will be attended by former President Bill Clinton, representatives of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and prominent members of the Greek-American community. More than 40 individual and corporate sponsors have signed on to support the event, making this banquet among the most successful fundraising gatherings in the Greek American Community.

The event will celebrate the exceptional leadership of three Honorees, Andreas Dracopoulos, Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Muhtar Kent, Chairman & CEO of the Coca-Cola Company, and Andrew N. Liveris Chairman & CEO of the Dow Chemical Company, as well as the growth of The Hellenic Initiative as a global non-profit organization committed to shaping the future of Greece. In its first year, THI committed $1million to support crisis relief efforts, while laying the foundation for stronger future through the Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award, which aspires to shape the next generation of business leaders. Four 2013 winners are receiving start-up financing as well as intensive mentorship and support. At the banquet, THI will announce additional initiatives focused on entrepreneurship and economic development.

The event will feature a meal inspired by the First Lady of Greek Cuisine, Argiro Barbarigou, and Greek Designer Ramona Ghika has created the “Hellenic Leadership Award” to be bestowed to the three honorees.

“The banquet will be a celebration of our honorees and of the countless others shaping a stronger future for Greece, but it is also a call to action for our community, which has a strong commitment to the preservation of our shared heritage,” said THI Executive Committee Member and Banquet Co-chairman Dennis Mehiel. “We believe the work undertaken by the members of THI will catalyze even stronger bonds between the United States and Greece.”

The Hellenic Initiative (THI) is a global, nonprofit, secular institution whose vision is to mobilize the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic renewal for Greece and its people. Its programs pursue multiple strategies, but share a common focus on responsible investment – in strong nonprofit organizations responding to the crisis today and in leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses creating opportunity for tomorrow.

THI was founded in 2012 by prominent members of the Greek diaspora who were compelled to respond to the worsening economic crisis and inspired to help shape Greece’s long-term recovery. They were also inspired by similar diaspora organizations who mobilized global communities to support their homelands using the skills, capabilities and resources of those who left to support those still at home.

The inaugural banquet will begin with cocktails at 6pm. All inquiries on tickets should contact Studio3 atdanielle@studio3nyc.com.

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