http://www.greekamerica.org/ Latest Greek America Foundation Announcements en http://www.greekamerica.org/ http://www.greekamerica.org/ Latest Greek America Foundation Announcements TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Fri, 10 May 2013 17:38:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/never-before-seen-photos-from-the-set-of-elia-kazans-america-america-on-exhibit-at-greek-film-f/ The Greek America Foundation is pleased to announce a rare series of photographs by award-winning... Fri, 10 May 2013 17:38:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/lets-save-greek-hollywood-history/ The Greek America Foundation has turned to crowdfunding to help cover the expenses of digitizing a... Tue, 07 May 2013 14:03:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/project-hope-for-greece-is-mixing-it-up-in-new-york/ The Greek America Foundation is proud to announce a special Project Hope for Greece fundraising... Purchase here.]]> Thu, 02 May 2013 12:07:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/bravos-dukes-of-melrose-star-christos-garkinos-to-raise-funds-for-project-hope-for-greece/ The Greek America Foundation is proud to enlist the help of Bravo’s Dukes of Melrose star, Christos... Dukes of Melrose star, Christos Garkinos, to raise much needed funds for Project Hope for Greece. The campaign was established to support a wide range of charities and other important institutions in Greece that are responding to the economic crisis in substantive and systematic ways, and working to solve problems facing the people of Greece. Garkinos has been named the foundation’s new Ambassador of Hope and will help inspire philanthropy amongst fellow Greek North Americans through grassroots efforts. On April 24^th, the Greek America Foundation will set up shop at Decades, LA's most respected high-end vintage store, co-owned by Garkinos. Garkinos will host a fashion fundraising reception in which 15% from all in-store purchases will be donated to Project Hope for Greece. In addition to offering his two-story mecca for high-end fashionistas on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, Garkinos will launch a special online sale of 20 items from his own personal collection (some of his most prized possessions include a remarkable collection of men’s shoes and travel bags) in which 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the fund for Greece. Garkinos has also graciously decided to donate 15% from online sales of selected items between April 24 and 26, 2013—to allow those who cannot make it to the reception, contribute to the cause. Garkinos currently co-stars on the hit Bravo TV reality docu-series Dukes of Melrose. On May 25^th, Garkinos will be in Hollywood to present Patricia Field with an award at the year’s star-studded Gabby Awards organized by the Greek America Foundation. The 72-year-old iconic red-headed designer and stylist, best known for her award-winning work on Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada, will be honored for her contribution and achievements in the world of fashion. ABOUT DECADES
Decades is the illustrious vintage and haute consignment retailer in Los Angeles, worshipped by fashionistas and collectors alike for an unparalleled collection of designer clothing and accessories dating from the 1920s to today. Known for their discerning eye, co-owners Christos Garkinos and Cameron Silver personally oversee the acquisition of an edited selection of authentic vintage treasures and future collectibles. Their impact in the fashion industry is recognizable even among those who have never walked into the boutique; their finery is seen on women across the globe in places like Dubai, Moscow and Tokyo, who regularly snatch up a couture gown or one-off necklace online at the Decades ecommerce site. Their clientele in Los Angeles is a veritable who’s who of Hollywood’s elite, which includes Julianne Moore, Selma Blair, Charlize Theron, among many others.]]> Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:06:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/project-hope-for-greece-is-dining-out-in-florida/ Meet our newest Ambassadors of Hope. Dr. Andreas G. Tzakis and his wife, Dr. Patricia... The hosts Dr. Andreas G. Tzakis was the recipient of the Science and Technology Award at the 2011 Gabby Awards organised by The Greek America Foundation. From his base at the Cleveland Clinic Florida, he is internationally-renowned for his pioneering contribution to science and organ transplantation.  His wife Dr. Patricia Carroll-Tzakis is best-known in the medical community for her research in pancreas transplantation and treatment of diabetes.   John Scurtis, the Southeast Regional Commander for Archons in the Order of Saint Andrew, is an active member in the greater Greek community with his service to the Orthodox Church. His wife, Evangeline Scurtis serves on the  National Philoptochos Board, Saint Basil Academy Board of Trustees, St. Sophia Cathedral (Miami) Parish Council member and is the past president of the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos.]]> Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:13:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/grace-for-greece/ The Greek America Foundation is proud to announce a unique collaboration with Grace Hotels, the... Click here and let the bidding begin!]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/greek-canadian-filmmakers-dedicate-dichotomous-premiere-to-support-project-hope-for-greece/ The world premiere of DICHOTOMOUS, a new short film about the rise of Greece’s right-wing... DICHOTOMOUS, a new short film about the rise of Greece’s right-wing anti-immigrant nationalist party Golden Dawn in North America, will be hosted at the De Seve Theater in Montreal on April 6. Filmmakers Philippos Balabanos and Peter James have decided to dedicate the screening to the people of Greece. The two Greek Canadians will donate a large part of the proceeds from the sale of the tickets to the Greek America Foundation’s Project Hope for Greece. They will donate $10 of every $15 admission ticket sold will be donated to Project Hope. The rest will be used to cover the cost of the screening. DICHOTOMOUS - an official selection of the 2013 Greek Film & Foto Week, a contest being organized by the Greek America Foundation in Toronto next month. Encouraged, challenged, provoked and inspired by the Greek America Foundation’s short film contest, Balabanos and James explored and exposed the rise of the Golden Dawn party in their home city of Montreal. Following the screening, they will speak to the audience and answer their questions. And there will probably be many questions considering the debate and controversy the mere news of the film had sparked in the local Greek community. Proud of their new film, Balabanos and James say they hope “it will speak to at least a few of the young minds which have been washed up into the terrifying phenomenon which is the Golden Dawn." Balabanos and James will also take the opportunity to speak about Project Hope for Greece, a nationwide fundraising effort to support a range of charities and important institutions in Greece. Their decision to support Project Hope for Greece was inspired by their belief that the artistic community can and should try to make a difference both spiritually and financially in times of need. The April 6 screening is sponsored by PHOS films, carpe noctem pictures, the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal and the Greek America Foundation. For additional details about the premiere, click here.
About DICHOTOMOUS: DICHOTOMOUS is the first short film to address the ever growing popularity of Greece’s ultra-nationalist Golden Dawn party in North America. The film follows Nick Dysmas (Peter James), a Greek Canadian photojournalist as he re-adjusts to life in his hometown of Montreal after a year-long assignment in Athens where he was covering the rise of Golden Dawn to power. But while he was away, the Golden Dawn had also been increasing its activities in Montreal where the group’s local leader, a character known only as The Chief (Constantine Kourtidis) and who has a dark and tragic history, has taken it upon himself to avenge the Greece of myth and legend. Through a twist of fate, Dysmas’ road converges with the local Golden Dawn leader and the two men find themselves on a path which tests their beliefs and endangers everything they hold dear. See the trailer here.]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:49:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/messinia-in-the-culinary-spotlight-at-fundraising-dinner/ Get ready to indulge your senses with the sights, sounds and the mouthwatering cuisine of... here.]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:34:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/greek-america-foundation-proudly-presents-the-spyros-p-skouras-memoirs-by-ilias-chrissochoidis/ The Greek America Foundation is proud to present the new book “Spyros P. Skouras Memoirs... here.]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/a-special-screening-for-project-hope/ Save the date! On April 21, 2013, the Ultraluxe Theater in Anaheim, California will present a... Save the date! On April 21, 2013, the Ultraluxe Theater in Anaheim, California will present a special screening of Hello Anatolia (a new film that documents the journey of a young Greek American who sets out in search of his roots and the remnants of Turkey’s Greek communities) to raise money for Project Hope for Greece. “It’s not only about raising money, but about awareness. This is what made me want to get involved,” says Thanasi Papoulias, the general manager of the Ultraluxe Theater in Anaheim, who hopes to raise more than $6,000 from ticket sales.  “I think the awareness level of what the current economic crisis has done to the people in Greece is low, and this is a great way to give it more exposure,” explains Papoulias about his decision to become the Greek America Foundation’s latest Ambassador for Hope. It’s also an opportunity to give back to Greece, says Papoulias, who is quick to stress his pride for his heritage. His mother emigrated from the village of Kapsia, near Tripoli, in the central Peloponnese. His father is a first-generation Greek American whose father had emigrated from Corinth in the early part of the century. “My decision started with my roots in being Greek, a proud Greek, and making sure everyone knows I am Greek when we first meet,” he says. “This is my opportunity to give something back and it’s an easy way to help.” While Papoulias is still working out the details, he says the April 21 event will feature a cocktail reception before the screening of Hello Anatolia, which is the first major feature film produced by the Greek America Foundation and Gregory Pappas. To attend, please click here for tickets.]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:53:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/http://www.greekamerica.org/student-programs/scholarships/mavroyannis-scholarship/ Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:39:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/ga-foundation-chairman-to-serve-as-exec-producer-on-documentary-honoring-getty-images-photographer/ The Greek America Foundation is proud to announce it will serve, along with its founder and... greekamerica.org and chrishondrosfilm.com. The trailer will be screened at Greek Night at the Movies on May 24, 2013 during the Gabby Awards weekend in Hollywood, California. 
About Greg Campbell: Greg Campbell is the best-selling author of four acclaimed nonfiction books: "The Road to Kosovo", "A Balkan Diary: Blood Diamonds, Tracing the Deadly Path of the World's Most Precious Stones"; "Flawless, Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History" (with co-author Scott Andrew Selby); and "Pot Inc., Inside Medical Marijuana, America's Most Outlaw Industry." His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The New Republic, The Economist, Salon, The Daily Beast, The Guardian, Foreign Policy, World Policy Journal, Wall Street Journal Magazine, Amnesty Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Christian Science Monitor and Lonely Planet publications. He was working on assignment for USA Today while in Libya. He is currently the Colorado Bureau Chief for The Daily Caller News Foundation and lives in Fort Collins, Colo., with his wife and son. About Daniel Junge: Daniel Junge is an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker (and two-time nominee). His first feature-length film, "Chiefs", won the Grand Jury Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival and broadcast nationally on PBS. His subsequent feature, "Iron Ladies of Liberia" premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and aired on over 50 broadcasters worldwide including PBS and the BBC. "They Killed Sister Dorothy", his third feature film, won the Audience and Grand Jury Prizes at the South by Southwest Film Festival before broadcasting on HBO and earning a 2010 Emmy nomination for Best Investigative Journalism. Junge’s film "The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short in 2010. His most recent film, "Saving Face", won the 2011 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. Junge lives in Colorado with his wife and daughter and large dog.]]> Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:34:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/project-hope-for-greece-gets-a-helping-hand-from-greece/ One of our newest Ambassadors of Hope is living in Greece - and she’s not even Greek. “I am 100%... Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:44:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/project-hope-for-greece-is-warming-up-in-new-york/ Marathon Energy Corporation, a leading New York City energy service and delivery company providing... Marathon Energy Corporation, a leading New York City energy service and delivery company providing energy and mechanical services for over 20 years, is doing a lot more than warming homes this winter. This family-owned business, co-founded by Greek American Jerry Drenis and Bobby Beys, is warming hearts near and far by giving HOPE back to the people of Greece - a country suffering its worst economic crisis since the Second World War. As one of our newest Corporate Ambassadors of Project Hope for Greece, Drenis has promised to donate $40 for every new one-year contract signed between March 5 and April 25. This is part of the company’s Marathon Cares program that is dedicated to helping those less fortunate in the community - and now across the Atlantic. Inspired by the Greek America Foundation’s unyielding determination to reach out and assist Greece-based charities, Drenis and the entire company is excited about the prospect of giving back to “our country”.]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:35:00 -0400 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/an-evening-hope-for-greece/ Nora Presti and Anthie Zairis hosted an Evening of Hope in Washington on March 1, raising more than... An Evening of Hope Nora and Anthie welcomed their guests to an Evening of Hope. Candlelight softly glowed and music gently played as their guests enjoyed cocktails and a vast array of hors d’oeuvres.  Throughout the evening, Nora and Anthie presented an informative PowerPoint which introduced Project Hope and described the deteriorating living conditions in Greece. Following Anthie's remarks, Nora spoke about why she and Anthie felt compelled to become Ambassadors of Hope.  In turn, Metropolitan Panteleimon stressed how important it is for Greek Americans to take pride in their language, culture and traditions.  The guest speaker was Constantinos Vouzakis from Greece. He spoke about his decision to extend his search for employment all the way to the United States and offered a personal account of the difficulties faced by himself and a growing number of jobless in Greece.  Gregory Pappas, the founder of the Greek America Foundation, called in from New York to thank the guests for their support. He also stressed the Greek America Foundation's promise that every penny of the money donated will go towards helping charity organizations in Greece. The success of the event was also made possible by the generous donations from various businesses (Yamas Mediterranean Grill, Yiayia’s Bakery, Giorgio’s Family Restaurant, Samos Restaurant, Stella’s Bakery, Greek Island Grill, New Athens Corner) of food and wine. Anthie and Nora also extend a special thank you to the band Orpheus for volunteering their time in support of Project Hope. ]]> Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:47:00 -0500 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/introducing-our-new-limited-edition-project-hope-for-greece-mati-charms/ The Greek America Foundation has teamed with Elena Syraka, one of Greece’s most famous and talented... Pre-order your bracelet today by clicking here!  Available for shipment in April 2013.]]> Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:49:00 -0500 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/project-hope-ambassador-maheras-tsismenakis-wants-generations-to-see-the-greece-i-saw-as-a-child/ Project Hope Ambassador Demetra Maheras-Tsismenakis says, "I want my children and my future... Project Hope Ambassador Demetra Maheras-Tsismenakis says, "I want my children and my future grandchildren to see the Greece I saw as a child."

Meet Demetra Maheras-Tsismenakis. A Greek American born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and the mother of two young girls Mirianthi and Antonia. A writer who has worked at NBC and the History Channel, she currently serves as Vice President of Business Development at My Strategic Payroll, a payroll company she founded with her husband, Nick Tsismenakis. But this is not all. Demetra is also one of the Greek America Foundation’s most dedicated volunteers. And, as one of our newest Ambassadors for Project Hope for Greece, she will be hosting a fashion show on March 17 as well as giving back with sales in order to help us raise much-needed funds for Greece-based charities. Asked why she decided to be part of Project Hope for Greece, she underlined the word “hope”. “I really do believe in this four letter word,” she says. “It is very powerful and so many of us forget how incredibly important it is to our vocabulary. When any one of us loses hope, everything is lost.” The idea of helping Greece, a country she visits almost every summer, is at the heart of her decision. “Like many others, I am heartbroken,” she says. “Ours is a country full of history, a country full of brilliant people and wonderful places. I loved visiting Greece every year and I want my children and my future grandchildren to see the Greece I saw as a child.” Demetra is particularly sensitive about the effects of the economic crisis on Greece’s youth. “I don’t believe it is right or fair for them to be punished because of what the corrupt politicians did and the older generations did,” she says. “They want a better Greece, they want a future there and it would be a shame to have them leave and go to other countries for opportunities.” “I love that Project Hope for Greece is not only providing food and medicine, but providing opportunities to people who want to start their own business or bring companies that can provide jobs,” she adds. “Feeding people is just a temporary solution, we need to get these people working and give them HOPE for the future.” As a proud Greek American, Demetra credits her father who she says instilled in her a love of Greece from a very early age. “Well, he did drive us crazy,” she says. “But now, I’m so happy he did. He passed away suddenly during my first semester at college, but he left us his passion and love for Greece and I want to be part of rebuilding Greece to its' glory.”
 
Demetra is now passing on this “love for Greece” to her daughters. “Instead of Jump Rope for Heart [for the American Heart Foundation] this year, they are helping fundraise for Project Hope for Greece and dedicating it to both their papous,” she says. “They visited Greece for the first time last year and look forward to going there every summer. They want to help the people there and make a difference.”]]> Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:27:00 -0500 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/ambassador-of-hope-putting-smiles-on-childrens-faces/ Our newest Ambassador of Hope is putting a smile on children’s faces. The Hellenic Society of... Hellenic Society of Prometheas, a cultural non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, founded in 1978 to promote Hellenism in the United States, has just become our latest Ambassador of Hope. The Society has decided to donate at least $5,000 to the Greek children’s charity The Smile of the Child through our program called Earmarked Gift, which allows ambassadors to pledge a minimum of $5,000 to an accredited charity of their choice. The Hellenic Society of Prometheas, which is named after the titan in Greek mythology who is known for giving mankind the gift of fire, had contacted The Smile of the Child last year when its board of directors started researching various organizations in Greece in order to create a relief fund. “Among the various organizations, The Smile of the Child was one that seemed to provide a broader kind of assistance and support to children,” said Eric DeVaris, who sits on the Society’s board of directors. “Among the many segments of the Greek society that are in need of support in these difficult times, we found that children are the innocent victims of the country’s current socio-economic turmoil.  That is why last November, when Mr. Yannopoulos, president of The Smile of the Child, visited the U.S., we invited him to Washington to give a presentation to our members. This was the kickoff of our fundraising efforts." For details about their upcoming events and how to attend, please contact Eric DeVaris. ]]> Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:01:00 -0500 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/souvlaki-gr-serving-up-for-hope-for-greece-on-march-3/ Souvlaki GR will be serving up some Hope for Greece on March 3, 2013 - hope you’re hungry! Souvlaki... Souvlaki GR will be serving up some Hope for Greece on March 3, 2013 - hope you’re hungry! Souvlaki GR, a Greek restaurant in the heart of New York City’s Lower East Side that is reminiscent of Greece’s most famous  holiday island - Mykonos, is hosting a fundraising event with proceeds to benefit the Greek America Foundation’s Project Hope for Greece.

The co-owner of Souvlaki GR, Tina Plagos, says she learned about Project Hope on Facebook and needed very little convincing to join this nationwide initiative to raise money for accredited non-profit charity organizations currently working  in Greece. “I became familiar with Project Hope for Greece through Facebook and through friends who are friends with Greg Pappas [founder of the Greek America Foundation],” says Plagos. “I am very excited about raising money for Project Hope and look forward to working with Greg Pappas and his team.” The March 3, 2013 (2pm to 5pm) Project Hope fundraising event at Souvlaki GR will be co-hosted by New York-based Greek American lawyer Christopher A. Tsarnas. Tickets ($100 per person) include light appetizers, wine, dancing and lots of fun - Greek style. Purchase your tickets here. ]]> Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:42:00 -0500 http://www.greekamerica.org/gffw/newsarticle/hello-anatolia-officially-selected-for-thessaloniki-docmarket-festival/ Hello Anatolia has been OFFICIALLY SELECTED to take part in the Thessaloniki DocMarket this March... Hello Anatolia has been OFFICIALLY SELECTED to take part in the Thessaloniki DocMarket this March 17-23 in Thessaloniki, Greece! Hello Anatolia, the brand-new documentary film follows the life of Valantis Stamelos, a Greek-American who moves to the city of his ancestors; Izmir, Turkey.  There, he starts a new life while connecting with the remnants of the Greek community in Anatolia in order to search for his family's past while building bridges between two communities.  The film was shot on location in Izmir and Istanbul, and features exclusive interviews with several of Turkey's Greek community as well as legendary singer, Glykeria.  The film is directed by Chrysovalantis Stamelos and Executive Produced by Greek America Foundation and Gregory Pappas, and is now in submissions to major international film festivals. Hello Anatolia is the first major feature film from Crescent Street Films, LLC, as well as Greek America Foundation.
More on DocMarket 2013: The DocMarket of the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival will beheld March 17-23, 2013.  Images of the 21st Century is an inseparable and invaluable part of the Festival, is hosting buyers and films from the Balkans and has now become established as a locus where filmmakers from all over the world meet with representatives of TV channels (mostly European, but also American and Asian).  With each passing year attendance has increased, proving that Thessaloniki has secured its place as a crossroad for worldwide cultural and commercial transactions. The Market’s primary goal is, of course, to sell the rights of documentaries for airing by TV channels, but that doesn’t mean that distribution to film theaters or screenings at other Festivals are not an option. But since documentary film distribution is, generally speaking, limited, and because another chief purpose of the Festival’s is to communicate with its audience, the Market functions mainly as a bridge, connecting the cinematic product which is the documentary to the powerful medium of television.Thus, the Market is rendered especially crucial in terms of the dissemination of the genre. And, obviously, the support and promotion of Greek documentaries to nearby or faraway destinations is number one on our list of priorities. It is the hope of DocMarket that, this year, even more documentaries will find their way to a television or cinema screen and will succeed in touching the audience that seeks them out.]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:34:00 -0500