The Elios Charitable Foundation honored prominent Greek Americans who have significantly contributed to the entertainment industry at the Hellenic Charity Ball in San Francisco last Saturday.
The prestigious biennial black-tie event attracted 350 guests from across the Bay Area and nation to The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. The elegant benefit evening – that overflowed with unabashedly Hellenic pride and joy – was hailed “a big success” by Elios President & Chair John Gumas.
Elios Greek American honorees in entertainment
This year’s honorees included Emmy-nominated Hollywood film and television actor, animation voice star and Broadway stage veteran Chris Diamantopoulos; Hollywood’s multi-award-winning Special Makeup FX creator and Immortal Masks co-owner, George Frangadakis; and critically acclaimed Netflix Music Creative/Production Executive and Music Supervisor/Soundtrack Producer, Alexandra Patsavas.
The celebratory evening was distinguished by the presentation of the inaugural George and Judy Marcus Lifetime Achievement Award to Tony Orlando, the famed GRAMMY-nominated iconic pop/rock singer, songwriter and music executive, who is of Greek-Cretan and Puerto Rican heritage.
Launching the festivities, Orlando surprised the assembled guests with a performance of his most popular song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” enthusiastically proclaiming, “Tonight, we are among greatness and I am humbled to my core with this award … I’ve never felt so proud of my Greek ancestry.”
The evening’s festivities were guided by popular television (“Taxi”) and Broadway star Marilu Henner, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the award show and dinner, welcoming everyone to what she described as a “big Greek family reunion.”
Distinguished Greek American guests
Joining the 2024 Honorees were many distinguished guests including: California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Markos Kounalakis; Greek Consul General Grigorios Tassiopoulos and Kayci Tassiopoulos; George and Judy Marcus; Theadora Vriheas; Dr. Kenneth and Angie Frangadakis; Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas; John and Janice Gumas; Patrick and Vanessa Mockler; Sid and Nancy Ganis; Jim and Ann Gianopulos; Helene Alexopoulos; Ariana Savalas; brothers Bobby and Dimitri Vardakastanis; Judy and Steve Padis; Byron Scordelis; Angelo and Sofia Tsakopoulos; Andy Mastorakis; and Vicki Liviakis and Randy Fry.
Celebrity auctioneer Liam Mayclem led the black-tie dinner guests through a lively auction of luxury travel and premier dining opportunities all in support of the Elios Charitable Foundation’s beneficiaries including the popular Elios Scholars/Heritage Greece program for youth.
Bishop Spyridon of Amastris led the Invocation. Lively dance entertainment was provided by favorite Greek music group, Mythos Band with special guest, Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, performer Paul Psarras, followed by Big Crush, the high-spirited pop/rock band; earlier during the cocktail reception, guests were treated to the musical sounds of DJ G-Stav.
The Elios Foundation
Through its grants, and sponsored projects and programs, the Elios Foundation strives to position itself as a leader in the community and to make a positive impact in the lives of Greek Americans and Philhellenes.
Through the Hellenic Charity Ball and other events, the Foundation celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of those individuals who best exemplify our Hellenic spirit and values, and who have advanced Hellenic causes.
Elios Society members support the Elios Charitable Foundation through the Hellenic Charity Ball and other philanthropic endeavors.