Greek America Foundation Launches Hellenic Legacy Fund;
Aiming to Empower Young People with their Heritage
Much has been written about who is attending the Gabby Awards. It is true that this will be the single largest gathering of Greek American talent and success–ever in a single place. In addition to the celebrities and VIPs, people from 25 states–HALF OF THE UNITED STATES–have purchased tickets to attend the event on June 19th.
But why are so many people–such important people–traveling from far and near to support this project and attend the Gabby Awards?
The Greek America Foundation is the host of the Gabby Awards. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Gregory Pappas with a simple–yet profound mission to "promote, preserve and perpetuate the Greek culture, history and heritage" and in the process, to bring together like-minded people to support this cause and share their heritage.
In addition to publishing Greek America Magazine–the nation's most widely circulated periodical for Greek Americans–the Greek America Foundation has undertaken some impressive projects that have impacted thousands of people from coast to coast.
A nationwide book tour by best-selling author Giles Milton brought the story of the burning of Smyrna to thousands of people and most recently an exhibition entitled "Defenders of Democracy: The U.S. Response to Greece's Role in World War II" has traveled the nation telling the amazing story of Greece's role in the war and the response of the American people.
The Gabby Awards–the foundation's latest endeavor–are meant to celebrate Greek America's Best and Brightest Stars at an awards event where winners will be honored, based upon the popular vote of the people.
Proceeds from the Gabby Awards will benefit the newest project of the Greek America Foundation–the Hellenic Legacy Fund, an endowment that will award scholarships to university students for study abroad opportunities in Greece.
Although still in development by a team of academics and experts, the Hellenic Legacy Fund will offer students a transformative experience in the country of their ancestors and an opportunity to connect with their heritage during the critical young adult years of 18-26.
The program will be unique in Greek America and will serve as a method of empowerment for young adults to obtain a better understanding of their heritage by experiencing it first hand.Hellenic Legacy participants will also provide a continuous stream of renewal to the Greek American community and its institutions as returning students will have a better understanding of the remarkable legacy of Greek heritage and why so many people work tirelessly to promote Hellenism.
The inspiration for the Hellenic Legacy program comes from a similar program called Birthright Israel that sends over 20,000 Jewish young adults to Israel annually. This program has been called one of the most important projects of the Jewish community because it empowers Jewish youth with their heritage by allowing them to learn about it first hand by visiting Israel.
Through this event, and with the financial support of direct contributions, we will seek to build a financial base (an endowment fund) whose annual dividends will be used to fund the scholarships to qualifying Greek Americans.
Can't attend the Gabby Awards but believe in our mission? Please consider making a direct contribution to the Greek America Foundation's HELLENIC LEGACY FUND.
Click here to donate through Paypal. Your contribution is tax deductible.
Honorary Co-Chairs of the Gabby Awards are actress Melina Kanakaredes and menswear designer John Varvatos. The show will be emceed by Emmy Award winning television journalist Anna Davlantes.
Already confirmed to attend are Academy Award winning actress Olympia Dukakis, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, actors Nia Vardalos and Alexis Georgoulis, celebrity chefs Cat Cora and Michael Psilakis, Fox Films Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos, HBO President Kary Antholis, Marfin Investment Group CEO Dennis Malamatinas, Father and sons political legends Andrew, Mike and Tom Manatos and many more.
Eight awards will be handed out that evening in business, performing arts, athletics, promotion of Hellenism, politics, arts & culture, education and philanthropy at an awards show at the Reskin Theater.
Voting is taking place now at http://www.gabbyawards.com
goto:http:/www.gabbyawards.com by the general public. The one-of-a-kind statuette that will be given to the winners has been designed by legendary Greek jewelry designer Konstantino.
The winners will be announced at a black tie gala awards show in Chicago on June 19th, followed by a festive after party which will include music, unlimited food and open bar and will take place at the Chicago Hilton Hotel and Towers, featuring Glykeria and Kostas Karafotis.
Purchase your tickets today online at www.gabbyawards.com or by phone at 312-733-4633.
