The Hellenic Initiative Raises $2.3 Million; Focuses on Greek Startups

The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) Second Annual Banquet on Thursday night, in New York, raised $2.293 million, making it one of the most successful fundraising initiatives ever within the Greek-American community.

Focused on the theme, “Investing in the Future of Greece,” the banquet was attended by several Greek government representatives the Greek Ambassador to the United States, Christos Panagopoulos, as well as prominent members of the Greek-American community, including master of ceremonies Arianna Huffington, Ambassador John Negroponte, and several newly appointed Board members.

During the event prominent Greek-Americans George D. Behrakis, John Pappajohn, and Peter G. Peterson were honored. The three distinguished Greek-Americans have excelled in their professional fields and have proved to be pillars of Philanthropy and Hellenism.

THI also reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of a culture of entrepreneurship in Greece with a $500k contribution and $500k match from THI to expand upon its current entrepreneurial programs and support for Greek startups. This program will strengthen THI’s efforts to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses ideas.

Watch our video from the event and interviews below:

Since its founding in 2012 by Andrew N. Liveris, Muhtar Kent, George David, George M. Logothetis, and George Stamas, The Hellenic Initiative has seen significant growth both in scale and in the support offered by the Greek diaspora and by individual and corporate sponsors. In the past year, the organization has supported Greek startups with its second annual Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award, contributed over $1.6 million to programs focused on Crisis Relief, created 50 paid internships through ReGeneration, and developed a visionary and aggressive set of programs focused on ensuring a strong future for Greece.