The 71^st annual Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce Gala took place on Friday, March 24^th 2023, at the Rainbow Room. The historical Rainbow Room on the 65^th floor of Rockefeller Center, was filled with prominent members of the shipping industry and Greek American community. The master of ceremonies, John Stratakis, welcomed the guests, followed by the Hellenic Chamber’s President, Athas Ioannou, who welcomed the guests and spoke about the success of the Chamber’s work and this year’s honoree. The presentation of the 71^st Person of the Year Award Honoree was presented by Nicolas. Bornozis and Christopher Maitland.

By Melina Chalkias

Greeks & Greek Americans from all over the Tri State Area of New York, along with international guests gathered at the Chiotes Hall of the Archiocesan Cathedral in New York City, to celebrate Christophoros Papakaliatis – actor, creator, director, and writer of “Maestro in Blue,” the first ever Greek scripted television series to make an exclusive worldwide distribution deal with streaming platform Netflix.

New Greek TV article: Arts & Culture Greece

Moments by Mina Balali
Abstract & Impressionist Exhibition - Rhodes, Greece
January 19, 2023. 11am-3pm

 Rhodes is one of the most visited islands of Greece, and one of the most cosmopolitan vacation destinations. Rhodes offers a significant vast history with the Castle of the Order of St.John’s Knights, one of the most well-preserved UNESCO castles in Europe, which promises romantic strolls on the medieval cobblestone streets of the old town that is surrounded by quaint shops, art exhibits, cafés and restaurants.

The Hellenic Initiative welcomed over 800 guests at their 10^th Annual sold-out Gala, which took place at the iconic venue of Cipriani Wall Street on December 3^rd, 2022. The evening drew dignitaries, prominent Greek Americans, and Philhellenes to support the not-for-profit organization offering donations to Greece through various initiatives. The President, George Stamas, and Chairman, Andrew Liveris, spoke to the guests about the Greeks helping Greece, and The Hellenic Initiative’s past decade of service and milestones reached by the philanthropic organization with the slogan “Olli Mazi”. They also featured the Plant a Tree in Greece” campaign to help restore and reforest the areas ravaged by the wildfires in 2021.

The Hellenic Initiative honored Dr. Albert Bourla, CEO and Chairman of Pfizer, for overseeing the development of the world’s first COVID-19 vaccines. Master of Ceremonies 20^th Century Fox’s CEO Jim Gianopoulos, spoke about the resilience of Greece and the Greeks. The famous Greek singer, Ellie Kokkinou, performed her top hits and had all guests dancing all night. THI raised over 2.5 million and will deploy the funds to Greek humanitarian programs to promote and support Greek economic and entrepreneurial development.

The Hellenic Initiative’s Venture Fair initiative is in its third year and gives the opportunity for Greeks startups to pitch their proof of concept to a variety of international investors that the organization draws in to promote investing in Greece. The organization also supports regenerate Greece and Odyssey, job seekers.

For more:

www.thehellenicinitiative.org