Eric Roberts 
“The Hellenic Initiative’s 7th Annual London Gala at The Dorchester on October 5: A Remarkable Display of Solidarity and Fundraising for Greece and Cyprus”
The 7th Annual London Gala hosted by The Hellenic Initiative (THI), held at The Dorchester on October 5, showcased the unwavering support of the Greek Diaspora for Greece in the wake of devastating floods and wildfires this summer. This remarkable event set a record by raising over $300,000.
The funds raised during this sold-out Gala will be dedicated to providing direct crisis relief and fostering economic development in Greece and Cyprus, with a particular focus on backing young entrepreneurs and startups.
The Gala was jointly chaired by Nikos Stathopoulos, THI Board Member; Constantine M. Logothetis, THI London Board Member; and Princess Tatiana, THI International Ambassador.
Honorees at the event included the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, which is committed to supporting a wide array of charitable initiatives, particularly in regions where its founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has resided and worked—namely, the UK, Greece, Cyprus, and Monaco. The Hellenic Marine Environmental Protection Association (HELMEPA) was also honored for its mission to enhance the maritime community’s dedication to pollution prevention, marine environment protection, and safety at sea in Greece.
George P. Stamas, THI Board President, and Nikos Stathopoulos, Board Member and Event Co-Chair, welcomed the 410 guests in attendance. The first Honoree Award was presented to Peter Barton, Trustee of the UK Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, by Princess Tatiana, Event Co-Chair and THI Board Member. The second Honoree Award was bestowed upon Semiramis Paliou, Director and CEO of Diana Shipping Inc., Chairperson of HELMEPA, and Chairperson of INTERMEPA, by Nia Vardalos, renowned actor, author, filmmaker, and THI International Ambassador.
The evening was enriched by a special performance by Greek singing sensation Antonis Remos, which captivated the audience and continued late into the night.
Nikos Stathopoulos, THI Board Member and Gala Co-chair, expressed his gratitude, saying, “On behalf of the Board of Directors of THI, I would like to thank all those involved in this year’s Gala, making it the most successful ever. THI continues to raise the bar with its fundraising events in London, New York, Athens, and around the world. And I am deeply committed to its mission to help the people of Greece.”
Constantine M. Logothetis, THI London Board Member and Gala Co-chair, added, “Each time we invite Hellenes and Philhellenes to our London Gala to support THI’s efforts, we are amazed at the turnout and deeply appreciative of everyone’s support. It is an honor to be part of this effort to help the homeland by giving back in significant ways.”
Founded in 2012, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) is a global non-profit organization that unites Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes in investing in contemporary Greece through initiatives focused on economic development and crisis relief.
Since its inception, THI has channeled over $20.5 million into Greece and stands as the largest Greek Diaspora organization worldwide.
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