National Hellenic Society Annual NY Fundraiser a Resounding Success!

by Elena Kefalogianni

NY Heritage Greece, a transformative educational and cultural immersion program, has been made possible for over 700+ students through the generous support of the National Hellenic Society and others via its Heritage Greece Initiative. Last year 100+ Greek American college students participated in the Program.

The organizing fundraiser committee: John Frankis, Nick Katopodis, Dimitri Belesis, Paul Tsoumpariotis, John Venetis, Steven Spucces, Nick Pashalis; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

With the help of the Heritage Greece Initiative Committee led by Doctor John Frankis, the NHS hosted its second poker fundraiser at the Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club in Manhasset, NY. This event provides an opportunity for Hellenes to come together and celebrate our collective commitment to preserving and passing on the rich Hellenic heritage to the next generation. “We want to thank our record number of participants this year that supported Heritage Greece at the Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club,” said Dr. Frankis.

The New York Committee; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Thanks to the overwhelming support and attendance by NHS members and friends, the NHS is excited to announce an expansion of the program, increasing the number of Heritage Greece student participants by an additional 40 students, bringing the total to 125+ for the upcoming summer!

Thanasi Mamais, Peter Mamais, Joe Litchhult; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Furthermore, the NHS is proud to have introduced a new host institution, The American College of Thessaloniki/Anatolia College, to the Heritage Greece family.

John Petras, George Themelis, Dennis Matarangas, Chris Triantafillou; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Heritage Greece has already profoundly impacted the lives of over 700 alumni, who describe it as a truly transformative experience. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and ensure that this program continues to shine as a beacon of Hellenic culture, education, and personal growth for generations to come. “Much gratitude goes out to the dedicated team behind the National Hellenic Society Heritage Greece Initiative for orchestrating a highly successful poker tournament in support of this transformative program benefiting Greek American college students. Our heartfelt thanks extend not only to Dr. John Frankis and his team but to all the remarkable players involved—your contributions are truly making a meaningful impact,” said Drake Behrakis, NHS President.

The New York fundraiser committee with the ladies; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Steve Valiotis, Chris Triantafillou, Grand Prize winner Argyris Argitakos, Ted Stamas; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Mr. Tsakonas and son, John Petras, Dennis Matarangas, Greg Giannakopoulos; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Steven Gerazounis, Christopher, Thanasi Mamais, Angelo Katopodis, Chris Kokkinos, Stelio Katopodis; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Kay Livanos with daughter, Gus Karayiannis, Ted Livanos, Maria Karayiannis; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

John Frankis, Paul Tsoumpariotis, Takis Katsoulis, Nick Miller, Thomas Tsamis; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Steve Valiotis, George Marangos and Argyris Argitakos with friends; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Spiros Paliuras, Demetri Dellis, Greg Giannakopoulos; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Nick Katopodis, Dimitri Belesis; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Maria Zoitas, Maria Giannakopoulos; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Niko Katopodis, Nancy Papaioannou; PHOTO: ETA PRESS

Ladies attending for the first time; PHOTO: ETA PRESS