Event Honors Dr. Albert Bourla, CEO and Chairman of Pfizer
New York, December 5, 2022 – The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) 10th anniversary New York Gala took place on December 3 and raised $2,248,000 to be deployed in Greece to support Greek economic/entrepreneurial development and humanitarian programs.
Since its founding, THI has become the largest Greek diaspora organization in the world, with supporters in over 45 countries. The New York Gala, THI’s largest annual event, hosted more than 800 dignitaries and guests at Cipriani Wall Street this year.
Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer and a native son of the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, was honored at the event and said, “In the years to come, science and technology will continue to lead the way, while countries that focus on innovation will see rapid, stable and, most importantly, inclusive and equitable growth in the future. Greece has an excellent opportunity to become one of these countries, and I strongly believe that the Greek diaspora can contribute to upgrading the innovative ecosystem of the country.”
Pfizer has invested significantly in an innovation hub in Thessaloniki as a way to create opportunities for young Greeks and help reverse the brain drain of young professionals leaving Greece.
“Dr. Bourla’s and Pfizer’s commitment to Greece and the Greek people have been a triumph of generosity,” said THI Board Chairman and Co-Founder Andrew N. Liveris. “Our work at the intersection of philanthropy and economic development is creating a framework of support for Greece that will go on for generations.”
“Our THI Board, our many generous supporters, and our dedicated staff are honored to be extending a helping hand to so many in Greece,” said THI Board President and Co-Founder George P. Stamas. In accepting a special honor for THI’s 10th anniversary, Mr. Stamas praised the commitment of his many long-serving fellow board members.
“The whole THI family: our Board, talented staff, donors, supporters, and each person who attended brought their energy and passion to the evening and made it a great success. We are so grateful. THI is launching into our second decade with tremendous momentum,” said THI Executive Director Tina Courpas.
Father Alexander Karloutsos opened the evening’s presentation with a moment of prayer.
James N. Gianopulos, Ret. Chairman and CEO, Paramount Pictures, served as emcee and Greek superstar Elli Kokkinou performed for an enthusiastic crowd. The Jimmy Vali Band provided entertainment.
Officials from Greece and the Greek American community attended, including the U.S. Ambassador in Athens, George Tsunis; the Greek Ambassador in Washington, Alexandra Papadopoulou; the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Marios Lysiotis; the Consul General of Greece in New York, Konstantinos Konstantinou; the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, Michalis Firillas; Prince Pavlos of Greece and Denmark and his wife Marie Chantal; U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis.
Nineteen THI Board members from the U.S., Greece, and Australia attended, including John Koudounis, Michael Psaros, and Dennis Mehiel.
A silent auction of world-class art, jewelry, and experiences donated by Greeks from around the world contributed more than $120,000 to the total funds raised.
On Friday, December 2, a sold-out pre-Gala celebration of the next generation of THI called THI New Leaders was held at Thalassa Restaurant in Tribeca. On Saturday morning, December 3, THI, in connection with Friends of St. Nicholas, hosted over 150 THI New Leaders and Board members for a private tour of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine.
About THI
Founded in 2012, THI is a global, nonprofit, secular institution mobilizing the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic recovery and renewal for the Greek people. THI’s has made a direct distribution of more than $20 million, 60% of which has been deployed into Greece’s economic development and 40% into programs focused on crisis relief. Visit: www.thehellenicinitiative.org.
Images are courtesy of Mindala Design / J. Angelillo