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Building the Future: HANAC’s 53rd Anniversary Gala Honors Advocates for Affordable Housing and Community Care

By Athena Efter on January 3, 2026

by Athena Efter

HANAC (Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee) celebrated its 53^rd Anniversary Gala at the legendary Ziegfeld Ballroom with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception followed by dinner and dancing.

RuthAnne Visnauskas, Stacy Bliagos, Helene Caloir, Tammy Laspalakis Berentson, Monica Morales

PIX 11 News Investigative Reporter Monica Morales served as Master of Ceremonies. In her opening remarks, she thanked Executive Director Stacy Bliagos for inviting her—adding a warm “you had me at hello”—and connected HANAC’s mission of providing affordable housing with her own work advocating for families struggling to make ends meet. Morales also recognized Lisa Bova-Hiatt, CEO of NYCHA, praising both leaders as “true housing heroes.” She described HANAC as “a leading force for change and support among our vulnerable communities,” highlighting its new affordable housing initiative in White Plains and its programs for LGBTQIA+ seniors. She also thanked all sponsors and donors, including Hero Sponsor MEGA Contracting Group, LLC; Gold Sponsors Foxy Management, LTD, Monadnock Construction, Inc., Mount Sinai Health System, SLCE Architects, LLP, and Suffolk Construction; and Silver Sponsor Provident Bank, among others.

Stacy Bliagos, Dr. Cameron Hernandez, Nancy Papaioannou, Helene Caloir, Tammy Laspalakis Berentson

The invocation was delivered by Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos, who offered blessings and prayers on behalf of Archbishop Elpidophoros, wishing everyone “a very uplifting and enjoyable evening of fellowship.”

Morales then began the award ceremony by introducing HANAC’s “fearless” Executive Director Stacy Bliagos, praising her tireless leadership, advocacy, and dedication to spearheading affordable-housing efforts and meaningful partnerships.

Stacy Bliagos, Tammy Laspalakis Berentson

In her remarks, Stacy welcomed guests and emphasized that the evening was more than an annual celebration—it was “a gathering of something extraordinary: the strength of a community that has stood together for five decades.” She honored HANAC’s founder, George Douris, noting that “he saw a need 53 years ago and he acted,” believing deeply in the power of purpose and compassion. Over the years, she said, HANAC has become a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers—a place of hope, opportunity, and belonging. She highlighted not just HANAC’s past, but “the promise of a future” filled with impact, innovation, and inclusion.

Stacy Bliagos, Joe Whalen, Jeff Fox, Tammy Laspalakis Berentson, Helene Caloir

Stacy thanked donors for “investing in the promise of a stronger community,” the staff for their tireless commitment—“the heart and soul of HANAC”—and elected officials along with development, government, and community partners for ensuring equity and opportunity remain central in public life. She closed with inspiring words: “Together, we are not just building housing. We are building hope. We are supporting families, empowering seniors, guiding our youth, and strengthening the social fabric of the communities we serve.” She also expressed gratitude to Evangeline Douris, Co-Founder of HANAC, Tammy Berentson, Chairman and President, and the HANAC Board of Directors for their trust and support.

Micki Garcia, Stacy Bliagos, Malik Swinson

Stacy then presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Angeliki Betzios, recognizing the essential role volunteers play in achieving HANAC’s mission. She praised Angie’s warm spirit and lifelong dedication, calling her “a true community champion.” Angie, who has been with HANAC for over 45 years, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the directors and the community she serves.

Helene Caloir, HANAC Board Secretary, presented the HANAC Public Service Award to RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Helene reflected on her parents’ immigrant journey and their guidance to “never forget where you came from,” noting how she carries that message into her work with HANAC. She praised RuthAnne as one of New York’s finest public officials for her leadership in sustainable and affordable housing. RuthAnne spoke about growth, impact, and the ecosystem required to achieve them, emphasizing partnerships with organizations like HANAC that have revitalized neighborhoods for decades.

Ian Kantor, Lisa Bova-Hiatt, Stacy Bliagos, Dale Degenshein

Tammy Berentson, Interim Chairman and President, then offered an overview of HANAC’s work and key developments, ending with a call to action—to share HANAC’s story widely because “the more people who know our story, the more we can do together.” A moving short video followed, showcasing HANAC’s programs and the power of community spirit.

The evening continued with the presentation of the Person of the Year awards.

The first honoree, Dr. Cameron Hernandez, was introduced by Mount Sinai Queens Board Member Nancy Papaioannou, who praised him as a “super leader” whose work mirrors the Douris family’s legacy of supporting the most vulnerable. Dr. Hernandez, currently President and COO of Mount Sinai Queens and a Professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, is known for his work in the Hospitalization at Home Program and for being a dedicated house-call physician. He described receiving recognition from an organization as vital as HANAC as deeply humbling, stating that HANAC has long been a beacon for seniors, immigrants, and families. He spoke movingly about older adults gaining dignity, belonging, and resources through organizations like HANAC. He thanked Dr. David Rich for his mentorship and the Mount Sinai Queens team for their shared commitment to equity and care.

Stacy Bliagos, Amy Fox, Jeff Fox

The second Person of the Year, Joe Whalen, Vice President of Suffolk Construction, was introduced by Jeff Fox of Foxy Management, who praised Whalen’s wide-ranging talents, generous spirit, and unwavering presence. Fox highlighted Joe’s leadership in creating a business unit focused on affordable housing and celebrated his role as a trusted partner of HANAC. Joe delivered a heartfelt speech, beginning with a tribute to his father, longtime Executive Director of Green Chimneys, a child-service organization that shaped Joe’s own sense of social responsibility. His construction career has focused on schools, healthcare, and affordable housing—three pillars he described as places to learn, heal, and, in the case of housing, “feel safe and loved.” He called affordable housing the most rewarding work of all. He reflected on Suffolk’s work at HANAC’s Garden Towers in the Bronx and expressed excitement for the new Silver Beach Project in the Rockaways. He thanked Shelley and Jeff Fox for introducing him to the affordable-housing community and praised Stacy Bliagos for her leadership in shaping HANAC into a premier housing organization.

Stacy Bliagos, Lisa Bova-Hiatt, Monica Morales

The evening concluded with remarks from Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas, who first encountered HANAC as a Jackson Heights parent seeking after-school programs. She later came to appreciate the breadth of HANAC’s impact—from youth services to support for older adults—and expressed deep gratitude for all HANAC does for older adults and working families.

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