Fifteen years of humanitarian service in Greece, approximately 58,000 aid packages and items worth a total of $2.5 million were the focus of the Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF) anniversary dinner, on Sunday, October 11, 2026 , in Graycliff, New Jersey . Clergy, diplomats, representatives of diaspora organizations and supporters of the Foundation gathered to honor an effort that transforms the contribution of the Greek-American community into daily support for people in need.
The event was dedicated to the work of HRF and its collaboration with the AHEPA Family , with special mention to the volunteers who undertake the distribution of aid in Greece. Food, clothing, school supplies and other basic goods reach economically vulnerable families, thanks to the collaboration of donors, organizations and people who volunteer their time.
The starting point of the collaboration with AHEPA was described by Savvas Tsivikos , chairman of the event, former Supreme Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of AHEPA. As he recounted, Philippas Vogiatzoglou had invited him to a food distribution of HRF in Athens. There he got to know firsthand the needs of the people supported by the Foundation and the work of the volunteers. The experience led him to request the participation of AHEPA Greece , expanding a collaboration that continues to this day.
“Hellenism is not just something we inherit; it is something we live,” emphasized Mr. Tsivikos, linking the Greek identity with practical contributions to our fellow man.
A special highlight of the evening was the intervention of Maria Siourdi , head volunteer of the HRF office in Athens, who addressed the attendees via video. In her message, she highlighted the contribution of the volunteers of the Hellenic Voluntary Support (ELETHSY) , which represents the Foundation in Greece and supports the implementation of its humanitarian work.
Stelios Taketzis , master of ceremonies for the event, also emphasized the importance of this collective effort, describing it as the “miracle of the Greek Diaspora.” “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 event , Dr. Zenon Christodoulou , Senior Vice President of AHEPA, Anastasios Moussas , President of AHEPA Canada, and Savvas Tsivikos were awarded. Maria Siourdi was also honored, whose award was received by Prokopis Zervas . Tony Papamarkou , owner of Graycliff Fine Catering, was awarded an honorary plaque in recognition of his hospitality.
The anniversary was accompanied by new pledges of financial support . Anastasios Moussas announced a donation of $5,000 from AHEPA Canada , congratulating HRF on its work. Dr. Panos Stavrianidis announced an additional donation of $1,000 from the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey , while other attendees pledged to contribute to the continuation of the effort.
The official guests included His Eminence Archimandrite Nektarios Kottos , as a representative of His Eminence Metropolitan of New Jersey, Athenagoras, the Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Kyriakos Pogiatzis , the Consul General of Greece in New York, Petros Dorizas , and the Most Reverend Father Christos Pappas , from the Holy Church of the Ascension in Fairview. The Hellenic Federation of New Jersey was represented by its president, Dr. Panos Stavrianidis , and its general secretary, Dr. Evangelos Athanasopoulos .
The AHEPA Family was in strong attendance. In addition to the honorees, Emmanuel Konstas , former president of AHEPA Canada, Asteris Fanikos , Supreme Governor of the 3rd Region, and Philip Vogiatzoglou , former Supreme Governor of the same Region, were in attendance. Also present were George Perendesis , Governor of the 5th District, and John Evans , Deputy Governor of the 5th District. The Daughters of Penelope were represented by former Supreme President Demi Thomas and former District Governor Athena Bozerka .
The HRF Board of Directors and advisors included Philippas Vogiatzoglou, Prokopis Zervas, Dr. Efthymios Daniskas, Stephen Ferranti, Erasmia Zerva-Paschalidis, Konstantinos Paschalidis and Stelios Taketzis . The Stavros Theodorou Orchestra provided the musical accompaniment, while the young performer Fotini Kakaletris performed the National Anthems of Greece and the United States.
The Hellenic Relief Foundation , founded in 2011 in New York State as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, raises funds in the United States to purchase essential goods for economically disadvantaged people in Greece. Its work was developed at a time when the economic crisis dramatically increased the needs of many households.
According to the Foundation’s report, approximately 58,000 packages of food, clothing and school supplies have been distributed to date, with a total value of approximately $2.5 million . The assistance is provided exclusively in kind , while operating expenses in New York are covered by the members of the Board of Directors. With this report and the new commitments of its supporters, HRF continues the effort that was at the center of the anniversary evening: to secure basic goods for people in Greece who still need them.
