The Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF) celebrated fifteen years of humanitarian service with an anniversary dinner held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Graycliff in New Jersey. Clergy, diplomats, Greek-American community leaders and supporters gathered to recognize the Foundation’s work and honor the AHEPA Family’s contribution to helping people in need in Greece.
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Since its founding, HRF has provided food, clothing and other basic necessities to families and individuals facing financial hardship, with the support of the Greek-American community and its partners.
Event Chairman Savas Tsivicos, Past Supreme President and Vice Chair of AHEPA’s Board of Trustees, recalled how the partnership between the two organizations began. Philippas Vogis-Vogiatzoglou had invited him to participate in an HRF food distribution in Athens, where he witnessed firsthand the volunteers’ work and the needs of those they serve. Moved by the experience, he asked AHEPA Hellas to join the effort. That collaboration continues to provide substantial assistance through food, clothing and other essential items. “Hellenism is not only something we inherit; it is something we live by,” Mr. Tsivicos said.
Maria Siourdi, Head Volunteer of HRF’s Athens office, addressed the gathering through a video message, highlighting the dedication of the volunteers of Elliniki Ethelontiki Symparastasi (ΕΛΕΘΣΥ), the organization that represents HRF in Greece.
Master of Ceremonies Stelios Taketzis spoke about what he described as the “miracle of the omogeneia,” emphasizing the impact of cooperation across Greek diaspora organizations. “It is the synergy of our organizations,” he said. “When we work together, the result is greater than the sum of our individual efforts.”
During the evening, awards were presented to Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, Supreme Vice President of the Order of AHEPA; Anastasios Moussas, President of AHEPA Canada; and Savas Tsivicos. Maria Siourdi was also honored for her volunteer service, with Prokopis Zervas accepting the award on her behalf. Tony Papamarkou, owner of Graycliff Fine Catering, received a plaque of appreciation for his hospitality.
The celebration also brought new commitments of financial support. Anastasios Moussas congratulated HRF on its work and pledged $5,000 on behalf of AHEPA Canada, while Dr. Panos Stavrianidis pledged $1,000 on behalf of the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey. Many other guests also expressed their commitment to supporting the Foundation’s mission.
Among the distinguished guests were the Very Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Cottros, representing His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey; Kyriakos Pogiatzis, Consul General of Cyprus in New York; Petros Dorizas, Consul of Greece in New York; and Rev. Fr. Christos Pappas of Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Fairview, New Jersey. The Hellenic Federation of New Jersey was represented by its President, Dr. Panos Stavrianidis, and Secretary, Dr. Evangelos Athanasopoulos.
In addition to the honorees, representatives of the AHEPA Family included Emmanuel Constas, Past President of AHEPA Canada; Asteris Fanikos, Supreme Governor of Region 3, covering New York, New Jersey and Delaware; and Philippas Vogis-Vogiatzoglou, Past Supreme Governor of the same region. Also attending were George Perentesis, Governor of District 5; John Evans, Lieutenant Governor of District 5; Demi Thomas, Past Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope; and Athena Bozerka, Past District Governor of the Daughters of Penelope.
Representing HRF’s Board and advisors were Philippas Vogis-Vogiatzoglou, Prokopis Zervas, Dr. Efthymios Daniskas, Stephen Ferranti, Erasmia Zervas-Paschalides, Konstantinos Paschalides and Stelios Taketzis.
The Stavros Theodorou Orchestra provided live music, while young vocalist Foteini Kakaletri performed the Greek and American national anthems. The anniversary gathering offered an opportunity to recognize fifteen years of service and reaffirm the commitment of HRF and its supporters to helping those in need.
Founded in 2011 in the State of New York, the Hellenic Relief Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds in the United States to purchase food and other basic necessities for people facing financial hardship in Greece, where needs rose sharply during the economic crisis. To date, approximately 58,000 packages containing food, clothing and school supplies, with a total value of around $2.5 million, have been distributed. All assistance is provided in kind, with no cash distributed to recipients. The Foundation’s operating expenses in New York are covered by its board members. More information is available at www.hellenicrelief.org
