Press Release
Hellenic Hearts, a Philadelphia-based international nonprofit, will host its annual Gala next spring on Sunday, May 31, at 4:30 PM at Ellis Preserve in Newtown Square. This year, the organization will honor Georgia Athanasopoulos with the Philotimo Award, recognizing her distinguished career in diplomacy, service, and cross-cultural cooperation.
Georgia Athanasopoulos has dedicated her life to public service, building a distinguished diplomatic career spanning more than two decades. In 1996, she was appointed Consul General in Philadelphia, where she oversaw multiple U.S. states and played a pivotal role in strengthening cooperation in education, health, business, and trade between Panama and the Delaware Valley.
A proud and active member of the Greek Orthodox community, she was instrumental in establishing St. Nicholas Church in Havana, Cuba. Her philanthropic work has left a lasting mark, most notably through raising substantial funds for the Children’s Hospital of Panama, enabling the purchase of critical medical equipment that continues to save lives. She has also been a steadfast advocate for women in business, using her platform to create opportunities and open doors for others.
She served as the Dean of the Consular Corps of Philadelphia, the oldest association of foreign consuls in the United States, where she brought together delegations from around the world to strengthen international business relationships and foster global collaboration. Her leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication have earned her numerous recognitions throughout her accomplished career.
Hellenic Hearts offers educational support, emergency financial assistance, and community programs throughout the Philadelphia area and beyond. The Philotimo Award, now in its fifth year, celebrates individuals who embody the organization’s vision of making a lasting difference. Previous recipients include Mike Manatos (2022), Drake Behrakis (2023), John S. Koudounis (2024), and Michael Bapis (2025).There are several ways to participate and support the evening, including the sponsorship levels below:
- Event Sponsor: $10,000 – includes dinner for ten, gift, and recognition
- Platinum: $5,000 – includes dinner for eight, gift, and recognition
- Gold: $2,500 – includes dinner for five, gift, and recognition
- Silver: $1,250 – includes dinner for two and recognition
- Bronze: $700 – includes dinner for one, based on availability
For reservations or questions, the Event Coordinator, Kelli Aivazoglou, can be reached at Kellivoz@aol.com or 610 368 6049. Formal invitations and ticketing details will be shared soon.
More information is available at www.HellenicHearts.org
The Gala is a key fundraiser for these efforts. This year’s proceeds will benefit eight initiatives and partner organizations: the Filodoxia Scholar Program, Emergency Financial Aid, Hellenic College Holy Cross, the National Hellenic Society, the Ecumenical Bartholomew Foundation, St. Basil Orphanage, St. Innocent Orphanage, and the Oxi Day Foundation.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.