On May 11, 2013, the 22nd annual Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund (HTSF) GALA was held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, awarding 36 scholarships to raise the total over its 22 years to more than $2 million.
The event commenced with a video telecast that featured such previous honorees as Ernie Anastos, Bob Costas, Mike Emanuel, Alexis Christoforous, Nick Gregory and a special cameo from Nia Vardalos from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Special guests included Constantine Maroulis and Frank Dicopoulos. HTSF President Nick Katsoris and author of the Loukoumi book series, made the opening remarks.
This year, George Sakellaris, the Chairman and CEO of Ameresco, Inc., was honored with the prestigious Leadership Humanitarian Award that was presented by John Catsimatidis, the CEO of the Red Apple Group and publisher of the Hellenic Times.
Sakellaris remarked, “I am very blessed and thankful. We welcome all of our honored guests and scholarship recipients tonight. It’s an honor and a privilege to receive this award on behalf of the Hellenic Time Scholarship Fund.” “Thank you to the next mayor of New York,” he added referring to John Catsimatidis.
Katsoris introduced Margo Catsimatidis, the vice chair of the HTSF, as well as co-publisher of the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund (HTSF) and president of MCV Advertising, as a “woman whose amazing spirit is something to be emulated by all.” Margo presented the scholarships to this year’s recipients. Anjelika Vayas was awarded the top Hellenic Times scholarship in the amount of $20,000.
The event also featured musical performances from JT Taylor, formerly of Kool and The Gang, a group that is best-known for their smash hit “Celebration,” as well as ALPHA Orchestra which included Katerina Tropazi and Thanos Tsiovas.
According to Joanna Kotrotsios, a 2013 HTSF honoree, she remarked, “This award feels amazing. I am so excited to be here and congratulations to all of the other honorees as well.”
For more information on the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund, visit their official website.
- Photo Credit: Jillian Nelson
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