Fifteen years after Greece’s economic crisis mobilized the global Greek diaspora, The Hellenic Initiative marked a major moment of collective impact.
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) raised $2.7 million during a series of events held from December 5–8, marking one of the most successful fundraising weekends in the organization’s history.
The funds will support THI’s ongoing work in Greece. That work began during the country’s 2010 economic crisis and has since grown into a long-term effort focused on humanitarian relief, workforce development, environmental recovery, and entrepreneurship. What started as an act of solidarity during a moment of national hardship has evolved into a sustained investment in Greece’s future.
The weekend brought together members of the Greek diaspora, business leaders, government officials, and Philhellenes from across the United States and abroad. Their presence reflected the continuing role of the diaspora in shaping Greece’s recovery and renewal.
At the center of the weekend was THI’s 13th Annual New York Gala, held at Cipriani Wall Street and attended by more than 865 guests. Speakers included THI Co-Founder and President George P. Stamas, Co-Founder and Chairman Andrew N. Liveris, and Gala Co-Chairs John Koudounis and Michael Psaros. The evening opened with an invocation by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
A major focus of the weekend was ReGeneration, the employment and training initiative co-founded by THI and Coca-Cola in 2014 to address Greece’s brain drain. Since its launch, the program has supported more than 5,000 young professionals, placing graduates at over 2,000 companies across Greece and helping create viable paths for young people to build their careers at home.
The weekend also included THI’s first Annual Corporate Dinner, held at the Union League Club, which honored Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey. Proceeds from the dinner benefited ReGeneration and underscored the importance of long-term partnerships between the diaspora and the private sector in strengthening Greece’s workforce.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came with the presentation of the 2025 THI Lifetime Achievement Award to John Payiavlas, founder of AVI Foodsystems. Introduced by his grandchildren, Payiavlas spoke about his life as the son of immigrants and reflected on the values of family, responsibility, and service. His remarks echoed a theme that ran throughout the weekend: diaspora success carries with it an obligation to give back.
The gala was attended by senior Greek government officials, including representatives from the Ministries of Labor, Development, Tourism, Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs, along with diplomats from Greece’s missions in the United States. U.S. officials and leaders of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America were also present.
Additional events during the weekend included a Lord Byron Circle reception overlooking Rockefeller Center and a sold-out New Leaders Cocktail Party, which brought together younger professionals involved in THI’s work.
Reflecting on the milestone, THI leadership emphasized that the funds raised will translate into tangible outcomes across Greece, from families supported and communities rebuilt to jobs created and opportunities sustained.
Founded in 2012, The Hellenic Initiative is a global nonprofit organization mobilizing the Greek diaspora and Philhellene community to support sustainable growth and renewal in Greece through transparent and targeted programs.