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December 3rd, 2021 
Awake Goy 
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) will host its Annual Gala in New York aiming to raise funds for pandemic crisis relief and economic recovery in Greece on Saturday, December 4.
The 9th Annual Gala will be held in person, after last year’s virtual-only event, but the festivities will also be available to stream live online. Titled “Moving Forward Together,” it will highlight stories of Greek resilience in the face of adversity.
Since its founding, THI has raised USD $17 million for grants supporting NGOs and economic development projects in Greece.
At its annual London Gala on September 30, THI raised more than $270,000 for charities that benefit and protect children in Greece. At the renowned Dorchester Hotel, 300 Diaspora Hellenes and Philhellenes raised funds for ELEPAP, one of the oldest charitable organizations in Greece, and the ELIZA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
“Greeks have always come together to aid those in less fortunate situations,” THI Board President and Gibson Dunn Partner George P. Stamas said. “This was true of immigrants who left the homeland at the beginning of the last century and continues today. The spirit of philotimo (φιλότιμο) — interpreted as helping others and pride in community — is alive and well. We’re proud to be the catalyst that helps the diaspora continue this proud tradition.”
Hellenic Initiative to honor philhellene Alex Gorsky
THI, the leading group uniting the Greek diaspora and philhellenes internationally, will honor Johnson & Johnson Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Alex Gorsky during the event.
From 1983 to 1984, Gorsky was stationed in Drama, Greece as part of his military service and he learned to speak Greek at the Defense Language Institute.
A philhellene, he was instrumental in developing a relationship between Johnson & Johnson and THI. Johnson & Johnson has been an essential hiring partner for THI’s successful ReGeneration program since the program’s inception.
Launched in 2014 to train, mentor, and place highly qualified millennials in internships at top Greek and multinational companies, the program has created more than 1,600 youth job placements, unlocking more than €11.5 million in salaries. Recognized as the top internship program in Greece, more than 80 percent of participants secure a contract extension or are hired.
Auction items for Greek causes
The event will be emceed by one of Greece’s most popular recording artists, Sakis Rouvas.
At the same time, THI is offering an array of auction items that focus on giving to those in need. Charitable auction items include those that support programs for hunger relief, health and social welfare support, and vocational training.
As in prior years, Greek artists, food and wine purveyors, luxury destinations, and fashion and jewelry designers from around the world have come together to donate items. A bidding website is under development and will be available online soon.
The Hellenic Initiative is a global nonprofit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in the future of Greece through programs focused on crisis relief, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
THI was founded in 2012 by Greeks of the diaspora and philhellenes to provide direct philanthropy and aid to Greece and the Greek people.
For more information on the event please follow this link.
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