On Saturday, Jan 12th, the Hellenic Society of Constantinople will hold its annual Gala at the Wilshire Country Club. This will be the 46th consecutive year for the organization’s main event which will honor singer-songwriter Vasiliki Karagiorgos, known mononymously as VASSY.
Every year the society honors a person of Greek descent at their annual dinner – gala. Past honorees included names of the entertainment industry such as Clint Eastwood, Jim Gianopulos, Costas Mandylor, Billy Zane and Nia Vardalos.
“We are very happy to honor Vassy this year, not only because of her extraordinary achievements in the arts but because of her Greek heritage that descends from Constantinople, commented the president of HSC,” Mike Begakis.
Vassy was born in Australia to Greek immigrant parents. She moved to Hollywood, CA in 2008 and she quickly established a name in the American music scene. Vassy’s music has been placed on television series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Ugly Betty, as well as in campaigns for brands such as NIKE, Google, and most recently Victoria’s Secret. Her song “Desire” is on the soundtrack to the feature film The Cabin in the Woods.
“I am very honored with their decision to present me with an Award, but most importantly I am honored because this organization has its roots in Constantinople where my grandmother comes from,” said Vassy.
The Hellenic Society of Constantinople was founded by a group of Greek Americans who came to the US from Constantinople (moden day Istanbul) looking for a better future. The Founders of the organization were Yani Begakis, Kleo Lee, Steven Chakiris, Gregory Kokkinos, Mike Tsakoumakis, Panos Chrisostomides and Christine Amato. The mission of the society is to maintain and perpetuate the traditions of the Hellenes of Constantinople.
The primary fund raiser is the Annual Vasilopita Dinner Dance with the traditional gold coin. Kleo Lee and Marika Begakis used to provide and bake the vasilopitas for the events. Mary Morrison continues the tradition by baking all the vasilopitas for the event. Vassilopita is a Greek cake made once a year, for New Year’s Eve (or for subsequent New Year’s celebrations). It includes a coin that brings luck to the person who gets it.
During the event the organization will also honor Harry Pappas, a philantropist and long-time supporter of the Hellenic Society of Constantinople.
The cost of the ticket is one hundred and twenty five dollars, and checks may be made payable to The Hellenic Society of Constantinople. The goal of the Gala is to raise funds for charity organizations of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Where: Wilshire Country Club (301 N. Rossmore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004).
Date & Time: Jan 12th 2013 – 5.30pm
RSVP: For reservations or more information feel free to call,
Mary Morrison (818)500-0904, Jeanete Benetatos (323)660-5707
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