The Gala was emceed by NBC 5 news anchor, Allison Rosati, and co-chaired by Dean and Katie Papadakis of Kaplan, Papadakis, and Gournis PC, in Chicago. The Museum has recently undergone a rebranding effort, acquiring a new name, logo, and mission; connecting generations through Greek history, culture, and art.

The National Hellenic Museum, which is currently located in a 10,000 foot space on the fourth floor at 801 W. Adams Street, has been fundraising to build a new, state-of-the-art multi-level museum on the corner of Halsted and Van Buren Streets in Greektown. The Museum was able to make light of the long-in-the-works project with a skit performed by Second City that lampooned the arduous process. It was announced at the Gala that Centaur Company CEO Spiro Tsaparas and President Peter Alexopoulos recently won the bid to proceed.

The evening honored two men who have contributed significantly to the museum’s development. Andrew A. Athens, founder of Metron Steel, and the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), an organization that was instrumental in helping acquire the property for the Museum, and Frank S. Kamberos, founder of the Treasure Island chain of grocery stores, and Museum board member who established the digital, interactive Frank S. Kamberos Oral History Center at the Museum.

The excitement level rose palpably when National Hellenic Museum board president, Aris Halikias, introduced a video that took viewers on a virtual, three-dimensional tour which revealed in stunning detail the new museum’s design and interior. The project architect is Demetrios Stavrianos, of RTLK and Associates, who was on hand that evening to celebrate the formal unveiling of the new museum.

Attendees included executives John and Mae Calamos (Calamos Investments); Peter and Ethel Parthenis (Grecian Delight); Peter and Paula Fasseas (Metropolitan Bank Group and PAWS); Aris and Lisa Halikias (Republic Bank); and John and Niki Marks (Mark IV Realty).

The Gala raised over $250,000 in operating funds. Last October, excavation commenced for the construction of the new building at 333 S. Halsted Street.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm. Suggested general admission is $5 for adults and seniors. Children 12 years of age and under and members are admitted free. Information about exhibitions, programs and special events is available on the museum website at www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org.