gabby_article

A Modern Day Landing at Ellis Island

10 | Greek America Magazine | September • October 2011

THE 2011 GABBY AWARDSTHE 2011 GABBY AWARDS

“Living their Dreams… Celebrating our Success”

June 4th, 2011

September • October 2011 | Greek America Magazine | 11

The Greek America Foundation’s second biennial Gabby Awards are now history. The event was nothing short of historic- a monumental gathering of over one thousand people from the four corners of the world including Canada, Greece, the United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland and over 35 U.S. states.

The weekend included over a dozen different events scattered throughout the New York City and New Jersey that took thousands of volunteer man-hours to plan and the involvement of hundreds of dedicated volunteers from coast to coast.

The weekend’s main event was the awards ceremony held in honor of Greek America’s Best and Brightest Stars that was held in Ellis

Island’s Registry Room. It was this very space where millions of immigrants to the United States stood in long serpentine lines,

sometimes for days on end, as they waited to pass inspection so they could enter America, the land of opportunity.

The gathering of the country’s most successful Greek Americans was symbolic and historic, bringing the chil-dren and grandchildren of Greek immigrants to the place where their ancestors took their first steps on their journey to becoming Americans.

The central theme of the weekend: Living their dreams, cel-ebrating our success. It was a weekend of tribute to those who

came before us, who paved the way for our success as a commu-nity and as individuals.

The Gabby Awards—named from the acronym “Greek America’s Best and Brightest Stars” were created by the Greek America Foundation to celebrate excellence amongst Greek Americans and share with the community all that Americans of Greek descent have contributed to their community, to their nation and to the world.

Called by many “the Greek American Oscars,” the Gabbys— have become the com-munity’s leading national gathering, attracting people from all corners of the nation. The inaugural Gabby Awards were held in Chicago in June of 2009.

A 100-plus team called the Gabby Academy selected the Gabby Award nominees. The academy deliberated via an online community that was created by the Foundation’s digital partner—Customedialabs in Philadelphia. Members were able to share articles and stories about potential nominees, before coming to final decisions and voting.

Once the nominees were made public via the GabbyAwards.com website, tens of thousands of people logged in and voted for the people they believed deserved to win. The winners were announced at the Gabby Awards.


The weekend opened with a tribute to Greek film in a historic theater in Jersey City, NJ, a short bridge away from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

The film series—organized in conjunction with several New Jersey Greek American community or-ganizations—included a fitting tribute to the great director Elia Kazan, who emigrated to this country as Elias Kazantzoglou, an Anatolian Greek from then Constantinople who would go on to become one of the greatest Hollywood directors of the 20th century.

Kary Antholis (President of HBO Miniseries) lectured on the life and legacy of the fellow Oscar-winning filmmaker and even recounted his own personal connection to the great director when Antholis was a young film student seeking advice and participation in a film Kazan was making.

The mini-film festival closed with “America Ameri-ca,” the iconic Kazan film about Greek immigrants arriving in America.

Film, Fashion & Feasts

Tribute to Greek Film

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Kary antholis and Zenon Christodoulou

elia Kazan

I’m sure you have heard it countless of times by now, but saturday night was absolutely amazing! It was an experience of great depth and celebration. you are a homeric force and we of are fortunate to have you.-SpyroS orfanoS

Kary Antholis, Oscar winning filmmaker and President of HBO Miniseries spoke about the life and legacy of Elia Kazan, a Greek immigrant who became one of the greatest film directors of the 20th century.

The weekend’s sponsors were welcomed at a swanky reception hosted at one of the most prestigious ad-dresses in the world—the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, at the Bulgari shop.

Known as one of the world’s premier luxury brands—many of the 200+ people in the room were surprised to hear that the company has its own Greek immigration story behind it.

As Gregory Pappas welcomed guests in his opening remarks, he told the story of a Greek silversmith from a village in northern Greece called Paramythia, close to Ioannina; his name—Sotirios Voulgaris. He crafted belts and accessories made of silver and fine stones for the traditional village dress worn in festivals and weddings.

Seeking a better life—like many of the ancestors of the guests in the room that night, Voulgaris and his family emigrated to Rome where he opened his first shop that bore an Italianized variation of his name: Bulgari. The rest, as they say, is history.

Incidentally, the food for the reception was prepared and donated that night by the Parthenis family of Chicago, a family whose patriarch emigrated from a village in Greece not far from that of Voulgaris’.

Peter Parthenis Sr. came from Vonitsa on the west-ern region of the Greek mainland and built a Medi-terranean food empire in North America known as

Grecian Delight Foods. Today, Parthenis’ son, Peter Jr., runs the company and the family continues to support of the Greek America Foundation.

The reception included Kanenas wines by Tsantalis, one of Greece’s top brands of wine, which has its own international success story.

Of special note: Bulgari donated a percentage of sales from the event to the Greek America Founda-tion. Also, it was the first time the company shared its space with the Greek American community.

Following the sponsor reception, many out of town guests dined at Kefi Restaurant—one of the well-known establishments created by the cutting edge chef Michael Psilakis who has given “Greek food” a new meaning on the New York City food scene.

The foundation organized—and coined for the first time—a “Meet & Eat” with the famed chef, who also signed copies of his book “How to Roast a Lamb.”


High Fashion’s Humble Greek Village Heritage

1. John aniston 2. Greg yaitanes and sheena Zadeh 3. Gabby guest, James Kordomenos and nick Gialamas 4. paula fasseas and Louie psihoyos

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Thursday, June 2, 2011

1. anthie Zairis and nora presti 2. ana and George Triliouris 3. Michael and elaine Bapis 4. Louie and Viki psihoyos, patti Lambrecht and Gabby guest 5. dean slover, alison Gramenos and Jane Monzures 6. peter fasseas and Thomas Belesis 7. angela eliopoulos, Tony Koukos, Gabby guest and Chrysovalantis Kefalas 8. alethea avra-mis, angelika Dimoka and paula fasseas 9. Gregory pappas, Thomas Belesis, George Belesis, aristos Constantinou and Makis Zouboulides 10. dena haritos Tsamitis, eleni Tsamitis and Zoe Tsamitis

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Over three hundred guests gathered at the Lori Bookstein Fine Art Gallery in the fashionable West Village to greet Stephen Antonakos, one of the Lifetime Achievement Award winners of the 2011 Gabby Awards, whose art was being featured that evening.

The reception was organized and sponsored by the American College of Greece, the Athens-based school that has intentions of building a meditation space on its campus that has been designed by the world-renowned artist. The event featured a presentation by the President of the school, Dr. David Horner, as well as others involved with the project.

Honoring an Art Legend

frIDay, June 3, 2011

Top:dr. david hornerstephen antonakosdr. sue horner

Bottom:Three finalists in stephen antonakos Tribute film contest:Dennis Latosstephen antonakosalexi papalexopoulosandriana Mitrakos

Top Left: Greek Consul Vangelis Kyriakopoulos and Cyprus Consul General Koula sophianou

Top right: Chrysanthos panas and panos Georganas

Center Left: The art of stephen antonakos

Center right: panos Georganas and Stephen antonakos

Bottom Left: Guests admire chapel model

Bottom right: naomi antonakos and nikos Georgiadis

The official weekend welcome reception for all guests was hosted by internationally acclaimed jewelry designer Konstantino, who traveled to New York City from his native Greece especially for the event.

The reception took place at the Press Lounge of the Ink48 Hotel, one of the official hotels of the weekend, owned and operated by the Kimpton chain, whose president is a proud sup-porter of the Foundation.

Of special note: Kimpton’s president, Niki Leonda-kis was instrumental in arranging a unique program which gave the Greek America Foundation $10 for every room night booked that weekend by guests at-tending the Awards and staying at either of the four Kimpton Hotels in New York City.

The event—with a stunning backdrop of the Man-hattan skyline, included specialty drinks

by Metaxa and Konstantino’s complete collection on display and sale, including jewel-encrusted cuffs like those worn by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and stunning cufflinks that adorn Sean Combs, Keith Richards and other celebs.

Of special note: Konstantino donated proceeds of the night’s jewelry sales to the Greek America Foun-dation’s philanthropic efforts.

After the reception, guests scattered to various restaurants and clubs throughout the city. At Milos, the establishment owned by Greek culinary legend Costas Spiliadis, the official welcome dinner of the Honorary Co-Chairs took place. The dinner included all of the delicacies for which it is well known, including the freshest Greek fish on this side of the Atlantic as well as mouth-watering ap-petizers and salads.

2 oz Metaxa 51 oz brown sugar simplae syrup*3/4 oz fresh lime juicesoda water2 lime wedges10 mint sprigs

Crush mint and simple syrup in a highball glass. Add Metaxa 5 , the lime juice and the lime wedges, and fill with ice. Top with soda water, swizzle and garnish with mint.*Simple syrup: combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir until it dissolves and refrigerate.

Manhattan Skyline Welcomes the World

GREEk MoJiTo

The event was beautiful, elegant, moving, loving, and something we’ll all never forget.John anD JoyCe VarVaToS


Left: Kostas MalliosKristi Mallios

right: Gabby guests

Left: nick Karambelasanastasia nicholas

right: amy MaragosKonstantinodimitris Maragos

Left: Joan CoukosJames Todd

right: roula Kakourosfrank Kakouros


George Demos, Gabby guest, Michael Bapis, eleni Saltas and pete Saltas

Melina Kanakaredes and Theo alexander

yorgos Kordakis, anthoula Katsimatides and Gabby guest

Brandon Wilson and Connie Varvitsiotis

Gabby guests enjoying the new york skyline


Taso Mikroulis, Vicki Kyriazis and Lefteris Tsironis



ana Triliouris, evangelina Triliouris and paula Cokinos

Jane Monzures interviews Konstantino

Marina Bifsha and alison Gramenos

Gregory evangelis, Teddy Kapur, sheena Zadeh and Greg yaitanes

Jane Monzures interviews Melina Kanakaredes and John Varvatos

nick Gialamas and James Kordomenos




patti Lambrecht and guests

George Bovis, anthoula Katsimatides and rae Bovis

Gabby guest and nicole psomas

Gabby guest and Lee polydor

Theane Kapur, Melina Kanakaredes and patricia evangelis


Gabby guests

Gabby guests

Gabby guest, Vasilios priskos and Michael Bapis

Vicki Kyriazis, Theo alexander and Georgia Karamitos


Maya angelou once said-people will forget what you say and they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel. That’s what you guys have accomplished so well--mak-ing us all feel connected, united, moved and proud. Bravo sas kai pali, kai eis anwtera.ConnIe VarVITSIoTIS

paul Sogotis, nick Larigakis, yanni Sianis and eva Sogotis

angelika Dimoka and paul pavlou

Gabby guests

The official welcome dinner of the Honorary Co-Chairs took place at Milos Restaurant.

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1. Kostas Mallios, Kristi Mallios, Brandon Wilson and Theo alexander 2. Gregory pappas, peter fasseas, paula fasseas, Dean Metropoulos and Georgia poulos 3. Danialle and peter Karmanos 4. peter parthenis, Kostas Mallios and Gregory pappas 5. Melina Kanakaredes and peter Constantinides 6. Milos restaurant 7. Theo alexander, sheena Zadeh, Greg yaitanes, Kostas Mallios, Gregory pappas, Kristi Mallios, Danialle and peter Karmanos

All Gabby Awards weekend guests were treated to their very own “Passport to Greek New York”, a passport-sized book-let that included special offers from an eclectic gathering of supporting retailers, cultural institutions and restaurants who opened their arms to the hundreds of out of town guests.

John Varvatos’ shops in Soho and the cutting edge Bowery neighborhood offered discounts to all Gabby passport hold-ers, as did Eleni’s cookies in Chelsea Market, and Folli Follie offered guests a free leather passport holder and a percentage off sales. Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Field welcomed Gabby passport holders at her shop in the Lower East Side and Florisity, a trendy flower and home décor shop owned by Constantine Macris that is frequented by the likes of Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey, served up a special discount to guests.

Partner restaurants—a collection of New York City’s best Greek restaurants—offered complimentary welcome drinks, appetiz-ers for the table and discounts off the total check for all pass-port holders. Participating establishments included Molyvos, Kefi, and Oceana as well as Milos, which also offered guests a parting gift basket of Greek olive oil and Greek spoon sweets.

Guests also trekked to the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the priceless Greek and Byzantine collections housed in the Jaharis galleries. The museum opened its arms to hundreds of Gabby Awards guests that weekend, where the gift shop of-fered Gabby passport holders a discount off their purchases.

Many of the passport partners—including John Varvatos and the Livanos restaurants (Molyvos, Oceana and Aboccato) offered a percentage back to the Foundation for all purchases made throughout the weekend.

Passport to Greek New York


Fast-Forward to the Past

Immigrants Greet Black Tie Guests

saTurday, June 4, 2011


The big day had finally arrived. Following a day of primping, hair styling, ironing of gowns and tuxedos, guests began arriving at Battery Park, the southern most point of Manhattan, only steps away from the Financial District and Wall Street, and the location where the ferry boats for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty depart.

As the guests began arriving at the check in podiums, a surreal scene was beginning to play out around them. Over a dozen “immigrants” also assembled—huddled together, scared, carrying their suitcases and chatting amongst themselves in Greek.

There was a sailor named Taki who was escaping famine in post WWII Crete and a chocolate maker from Naoussa named Christos. There was also a young lady barely out of her teens coming to marry a man she only knew from photographs, and a starry-eyed villager from the Peloponnese whose uncle paid his passage to America.

The “immigrants” were actors—complete with props, period costumes and regional dialects of the actual people they portrayed. The icing on the cake—the theater company that provided the im-migrants studied the GabbyAwards.com website and re-created the real life stories of the ancestors of peo-ple like Nora Presti of Baltimore, Gregory Pappas of Pittsburgh, Melina Kanakaredes of Los Angeles and others, who had submitted their family tributes when the Foundation undertook this project.

It was an emotional experience for those lucky enough to catch Melina Kanakaredes’ “grandfather” offering her a piece of chocolate as guests lined up for the mandatory security check point before they boarded the boats to Ellis Island.

The boat trip to Ellis Island was a nostalgic journey for all—recounting the first views their parents and grandparents must have experienced as they sailed into New York harbor a century ago. The actors, as well, added to the charm of the experience, crying when they laid their first glimpses on Lady Liberty as the ferry boats sailed by the Statue of Liberty and scrambling to ask fellow passengers what was happening and where they should line up to present their papers.

As the boats arrived at Ellis Island, many guests openly sobbed at the experience of setting foot on the first American soil that their own parents and grandparents set foot on when they landed. Ahead, near the main building, “immigration officers” blew their whistles and directed guests towards the main building.

At the doors of the main building, musicians dressed in period costumes played music, greeting guests and serenading them inside where a lavish reception was underway with elaborate martinis, appetizers and striking décor that featured photo-graphs of early immigrants from a century earlier.

The contrast of the sight inside the Baggage Room was striking. On the walls were photographs of destitute immigrants, and scattered throughout the room were piles of dozens of original suitcases and trunks carried on the backs of thousands of immi-grants at the turn of the last century.

Filling the room were their successful descendants—corporate giants, Hollywood actors and directors, professionals and successful people from all walks of life, the majority of whom had their own family’s American stories beginning in that very room.

Following the reception—and in almost pristine (read: un-Greek) fashion, the guests made their way up a single set of steps—in a most reverent and respectful manner, as if they knew that these steps were referred to back then as the “steps to freedom,” by some, and the “steps of tears,” by others.

These were the same steps that welcomed mil-lions of immigrants into the great vaulted Registry Room, where they waited hours to be processed and examined.

The Greek actors on the ferry and on ellis Island were bril-liant and took the experience over the top! also, on sunday, the music and sounds by Trifono was one of the most amazing performances that I have ever heard. anThIe ZaIrIs

Immigrant actors greet Gabby guests

The Registry Room had been transformed into a giant 1000-seat theater, complete with a giant screen, spotlights and an impressive presentation of projected imagery and color. Through the windows, the Statue of Liberty was clearly visible on the one side and the shimmering skyline of New York City on the other.

With the dimming of the lights, a haunting music began to emanate from the speakers—a rendition of the classic Mikis Theodorakis “Song of Exile” performed by the multi-platinum group Trifono who had traveled from Greece to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Gabby Awards.

The song is known among an entire generation as the anthem of immigrants and recounts the travels of an immigrant who is journeying in foreign lands and asks the heavens to take care of his mother back in the village.

The special musical composition, developed exclu-sively for the Gabby Awards opening, was created by Nikos Kouroupakis, a member of Trifono, who together with fellow members Erofili and Dimitris Yfandis, left lasting impressions and sent chills down the spines of everyone in the room that night.

On the giant screen, a video produced by Emmy-winning television director Greg Yaitanes playedthat featured original footage and dozens of photographs of the ancestors of many people in the room who were watching the program unfold. Throughout the opening, audience members were seen pointing to the screen as they saw their family photos appearing on the screen.

Throughout the song, more actors portraying im-migrants entered the stage and performed moving monologues. Theo Alexander—fresh from his vampire role on the hit HBO show True Blood donned a 1920s outfit and played the role of an

immigrant, arriving at Ellis Island. His monologue was a letter home to his mother—a tearful account of his journey and his arrival into the “biggest room he had ever seen—so big it seemed the entire village could fit inside.”

Alexander’s monologue was taken from a real letter—uncovered during extensive research that Gregory Pappas had conducted for months, as he sought to bring the Ellis Island experience to life for the guests at the Gabby Awards.

During the monologue, he described a humiliating inspection process and horrifying waiting period, proudly proclaiming his name—Dimitrios Papadia-mantis—to the inspector. The monologue ended with the closing note to his mother—with love, Jim Pappas, your son, the American.

New York actress Anthoula Katsimatides who is known for several theatrical and film roles includ-

Tonight, There was no Processing

The Song of Exile

Moon, you’ve cast a spell on meAnd I’m walking in foreign places, My house is now orphaned, The sunsets are unbearable, Even the mountains are cryingOh Sky send a bird, To give to my mother patience

Oh sky send a bird, a swallow,To go build a nest, In the plum tree in the garden, Next to the balconyOh sky, send a bird, To give to my mother patience

To give to my mother patience, Tied to a handkerchiefWith dowry for my sister, And to the girl next doorA sweet kiss on the lips

Oh Sky send a bird, To give to my mother patience


May • June 2011 | Greek America Magazine | 0September • October 2011 | Greek America Magazine | 31

registry room of ellis Island in the early 1920’s where immigrants waited to be processedregistry room of ellis Island in the early 1920’s where immigrants waited to be processed

ing the recent Ang Lee film “Taking Woodstock” performed the second monologue.

She played the part of a “picture bride,” who landed in the United States with only a photograph of a man who would be her husband, arranged by family members on both sides of the Atlantic.

In the early 1900s this type of matchmaking was commonplace as hundreds of brides from through-out Greece—many in their teens, were herded onto transatlantic ships bound for America, which had filled up in previous years with single men seeking better fortunes.

From the beginning, the organizers at the Greek America Foundation—attempted to make the Gabby Awards more than just an event and sought to develop a complete emotional experience for the guests—many of whom had heard their parents’ Ellis Island stories, but who had never before been to Ellis Island.

“Seeing my grandfather on the screen while that beautiful song was playing brought him to us and brought us back to him. This was a purely magical, almost spiritual experience that we will cherish forever,” noted Nancy Stratakis in an email to the Foundation following the event.

The opening song culminated with an emotional fi-nale with Glykeria, one of the biggest selling female recording artists in Greek music.

Leah Michalos—working for the Foundation as a volunteer and bringing her theatrical directorial skills to the Ellis Island stage, directed the opening, as well as the entire awards show that was about to unfold. Michalos, whose family traveled from Canton, Ohio to assist with the event, worked in memory and honor of her great grandparents, who walked through the registry room a century earlier as immigrants.


audience at ellis Island Laura evans Manatos

Trifono and Glykeria perform

Louie psihoyos sid Ganis

“My name is Kalliope....Me lene Kalliope.....my grandmother’s name.

Giagia mou....pou eime? Where have I come? I have traveled from the island of Rodos on the King Alexander. I was among so many women and yet I was alone. We all arrived from so far away to become brides. Brides....Marriage for us is about having a family.They say that love is not important. Tradition is everything.

I am my father’s daughter. I have a duty to him and his reputation. My actions must not harm the reputations of my unwed sisters and cousins. The family name must remain golden. Kalitera na sou vgi to mati para to onoma. In my village, it is the oldest who carries the weight of the other females on her shoulders. Whether they are good enough to marry depends on me and my behavior. Will I ever see them again?

Will I ever see my village again? Thee mou, please make America beautiful too. Will it resemble Greece? Will I be able to grow vasiliko in NYC? So it smells like home? Will I hear the sound of church bells ringing on Sunday mornings? Will there be a blue ocean? Greek people die without blue.

I must find Dimitri. I must marry Dimitri. Are you Dimitri? What do they call him here in America? I know nothing about this man. Tipota. All I have is his picture. I know his work and his address but I do not know him. Will he be kind and gentle? Patient? He asked for a Greek woman who doesn’t complain much. I don’t. Then eime mourmoura.

How will I lay down next to him? A stranger in my bed. Will this be love? Although they tell me love is blind and cannot be trusted.

He has a mustache and wears a suit. They all do. He does not stand out. My heart cannot see him.

I know my destiny.I am my father’s daughter.I will make him proud.

- ANTHOULA KATSIMATIDES

“Agapiti mou mama—Eftasa pitelous stin Ameriki.

My dear mother. I have reached America. Your dream for me is a reality. We ar-rived after 30 difficult days at sea. We slept in a single giant room, as long as the eye could see, one bed after another. We were one giant mass of humanity. Occasionally, I dreamed of you, my father… the village. But most often, it was America I dreamed of.

On the final day of the journey, I knew we had arrived because I heard people screaming—America! America! There is America. We have arrived in America!

We were not allowed on the upper decks because these were reserved for first class passengers. But the ship’s crew could not hold back so many people pushing their way to get their first view of America.

I made my way up the steps—As the light hit my eyes for the first time in almost a month, there she was—larger than life—a stunning lady greeting us as we entered the harbor of New York City.

They called her Lady Liberty and she carried a torch that would guide all of us on our journey to the new world.

We were loaded like cattle onto an island called Ellis. After leaving our baggage downstairs, we walked up the steps and into a great room—a room larger than anything I had ever seen before—it was so big our entire village could fit inside.

Once inside the large room, I waited in a long line until it was my turn.

I heard many people crying, pleading to enter. One by one, it was soon my turn after many hours’ wait. Name, he asked me—PAPADIAMANTIS, DIMI-TRIOS, I told him.

After a few short minutes and an inspection of my eyes and my ears, a few pokes in my belly and a look at my hair for lice, a very serious gentleman stamped my papers and proclaimed—Welcome to America! Welcome, Jim Papas.

I will write you again, mama.With love, your son, JIM PAPPAS… the American.”

- THEO ALExANDER

Actors Theo Alexander and Anthoula Katsimatides portrayed immigrants during the Awards show. Anthoula, a picture pride and Theo, a new arrival who was reciting the words from a letter he wrote to his mother.

What followed was an Oscars-quality awards show, hosted by Fox News anchors Laura Manatos from Washington DC and Anna Davlantes from Chicago, complete with comedy, raw emotion, excitingly funny personal stories and tear-jerking acceptance speeches.

In their openings, Davlantes and Manatos both recounted their own connections to Ellis Island and shared historic facts about the space which welcomed over 12 million new Americans from all corners of the earth, including over a million Greeks between the late 1800s and the mid 1950s when it closed.

The show was complete with additional entertain-ment, including a duet by Emanuel Ayvas and

George Psomas, two professional entertainers, whose grandparents walked through the very room they were singing in, performing a song they wrote called “Journeys.”

Historic symbolism was also prevalent from the beginning of the guests’ journey, to the very podium used on stage (an actual inspection podium from the Ellis Island Immigration Museum), as well as historical videos that were played throughout the program.

The awards, themselves, added yet another layer of symbolism and sophistication to an event already described by many as unique in Greek America. De-signed by Greek artisan Konstantino, the statuette was a combination of silver and other fine metals with Pentelic marble—from the same quarry as the marble of the Parthenon—to create a timeless award that represented the best of Greece with the best of American strength and excellence for an award to be cherished by all winners.

Two Lifetime Achievement Awards were handed out during the course of the night—the first was awarded to former Massachusetts Governor and one-time Presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, who received a passionate introduction by his first cousin, the Oscar winning actor Olympia Dukakis.

The former governor spoke with passion about his parents, both of whom walked through the very room he was standing in receiving his own award, and shared the inspiration for his continued involve-

ment in public service and his desire to impart upon young Greek Americans the love for public service.

The second Lifetime Achievement Award was another emotional experience, as the recipient, modern artist Stephen Antonakos, actually came through Ellis Island as a child in the early 1930s, walking through that very room as an immigrant along with his family. Antonakos was introduced by Helen Evans, one of the world’s foremost art histo-rians and curator of Byzantine Art at the Metropoli-tan Museum of Art, who spoke of his significance as an artist on the world.

As a further example of the Greek America Founda-tion’s unique programming and dedication to sup-porting young talent in the community, a student short film competition was organized to feature the life and legacy of Stephen Antonakos and his art. In total, more than a dozen entries were received—some from filmmakers as young as sixteen years old. The winning film, by Dennis Latos of New York, was shown as a tribute prior to Antonakos’ receiving his award.

Joining Dennis in the room were fellow student filmmakers Andriana Mitrakos of Chicago and Alex Papalexopoulos of San Francisco, both of whom submitted films to the competition and were amongst the three finalists. All three of their films were previewed during a reception honoring An-tonakos and hosted Friday evening by the American College of Greece.

The Greek Oscars

A Night to Remember


Gabby award statuette designed by Konstantino


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1. emmanuel ayvas and George psomas 2. olympia Dukakis and Michael Dukakis 3. stephen antonakos 4. Constantine Maroulis via satellite 5. Senator olympia Snowe 6. anna Davlantes and Laura Manatos

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1. helen alexander 2. George Logothetis 3. Trifono 4. Laura evans Manatos and anna Davlantes 5. Gabby guests enjoying the program 6. Jim Gianopulos


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1. performers on stage 2. Linda Katehi 3. Gabby audience 4. George Bovis 5. amy and dimitris Maragos 6. aleco haralambides and eva and paul Sogotis


“What made me Greek wasn’t just the DNA. It was the love and compassion that the community showed me, and helped connect me with other humans, and ultimately with other species. That to me is what being is Greek is about—the service to others,” Psihoyos said in his remarks.

Co-presenters and Honorary Co-Chairs of the event John Varvatos and Melina Kanakaredes brought a dose of Hollywood and high fashion to the stage. They were introduced while overhead, images of their grandparents from the early 1920s and 1930s played, including a ship’s manifest that carried the name “John Varvatos”, the designer’s grandfather and namesake who arrived in America through Ellis Island onboard the SS Evgenia from Patras on September 26, 1912.

Both presenters spoke of their dedication to the Greek America Foundation’s goals and expressed their overwhelming pride being in the room—the very room their grandparents walked through.

Melina recalled the surreal experience when “her grandfather” approached her offered her a piece of chocolate.

Varvatos and Kanakaredes presented the Gabby Award in Performing Arts to former American Idol fi-nalist and Tony-nominated actor and singer Constan-tine Maroulis, who accepted via a pre-recorded video. He was unable to attend the event because his current show “Rock of Ages” is on a sold out nationwide tour following tremendous success on Broadway.

Dr. David Horner, president of the American Col-lege of Greece, presented the Education award to Dr. Linda Katehi, Chancellor of the University of California Davis, who runs one of the largest research institutions of higher learning in the world and has introduced a number of reforms and innovations.

President Horner’s presentation brought an ad-ditional sense of symbolism to an already symbolic program. The school—celebrating it’s 135th an-niversary— was founded by Boston missionaries who themselves left American shores at a time when thousands of Greek immigrants were beginning to arrive. The college is also the institution where the Greek America Foundation’s scholarship recipients spend their semesters abroad.

In Katehi’s tearful acceptance, which many con-sidered to be the most moving part of the evening, she noted that in most cases, when an immigrant left, someone was left behind. “In my case, it was my mother,” the Greek native noted as shivers went down the spines of most of the audience.

Fashion visionary and Oscar-nominated costume designer Patricia Field spoke of her Greek and Armenian immigrant grandparents and playfully announced the nominees for “Best Dressed” to the amusement of the audience, correcting herself by adding “oops, wrong awards”.

The stylist, known for her work in “Sex and the City” and other hit films and projects, presented the Arts and Culture award to Louie Psihoyos, the filmmaker who won an Oscar last year for his documentary “The Cove.” But before doing so, she charmed the audience with her joking introduction in Greek—“I

had wanted to speak in Greek tonight because I enjoy it, but it would be better for me, and for you, if I stick to English.”

Psihoyos, whose father passed away when he was eight years old noted in his acceptance speech that he felt orphaned then—and the Greek community took him in, allowing him to feel welcomed and part of the world.

“What made me Greek wasn’t just the DNA. It was the love and compassion that the community showed me, and helped connect me with other humans, and ultimately with other species. That to me is what be-ing is Greek is about—the service to others,” Psihoyos said in his remarks.

John Aniston—known to most people in the room as Victor Kiriakis, the character he’s played on the daytime soap opera “Days of Our Lives” for the past quarter of a century — presented the politics award to U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. During his presentation, he spoke about his own family name, which was Anastasakis, and how it was cut when his father arrived in America. “If you were a Papadopou-los when you arrived at Ellis Island you had a 50-50 chance of leaving as a Pappas or a Poulos.”

Cat Cora—the celebrity chef known for fusing her Greek and Southern culinary heritage—played a dual role this year. In addition to presenting the Athletics award to hockey great Chris Chelios, she was the chef

patricia field

oh, what a night! We had the greatest time...all night long! sId GanIs

1. Trifono and Glykeria 2. phillip Constantinides and patricia field 3. Gregory pappas 4. nicholas Karacostas

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in charge of the meal at the after party—the results of which are still circulating throughout the airwaves of Twitter and Facebook… “Best pastitsio ever at the Gabby Awards” someone tweeted that night… Someone else posted a photo of Cat’s famed “Kota Kapama” and wrote on Facebook: “Sorry mom, Cat’s is better.”

In another emotional part of the night, which really brought the actual space into perspective, Helen Alexander—known in Chicago circles as a longtime advocate for all things Greek through her work with the United Hellenic American Congress and the National Hellenic Museum — presented the Promo-tion of Hellenism Award to AHEPA via its national president Nick Karacostas.

Karacostas spoke on behalf of the tens of thousands of members of the 80+-year-old historic organization, whose mission began as helping Greeks become bet-ter Americans, evolving today into one of the nation’s premier preservers of Greek culture in America.

Helen was a six-year-old girl when she emigrated with her own family—escapees from post-war North-ern Epirus (Albanian territory). She recounted her story of traveling to America on a boat called “Hellas” and landing at Ellis Island. During her presentation, images of her family’s 1949 arrival were projected on the screen. By many accounts, Helen’s presenta-tion was also one of the emotional high points of the evening.

On a night filled with Hollywood legends, another individual who fits that description perfectly was also present to share his own Greek immigrant story—this one with a Jewish twist. Sid Ganis—the producer of dozens of films and past president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (yes, the folks who put on the Academy Awards) recounted his own family’s journey from Ioannina in Northern Greece. Ganis presented the Science and Medicine Award to Dr. Andreas Tzakis from Miami, the world-renowned

transplant surgeon whose groundbreaking work has saved thousands of lives. Proving that life imitates art (and vice versa), Wall Street businessman Tommy Belesis, Chief Executive Officer of John Thomas Financial, presented the Business & Entrepreneurship award to Fox Films CEO Jim Gianopulos. Belesis played a cameo role in the hit film “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”—a film that was distributed by Fox Films.

In one of the more memorable moments of the evening, during his acceptance speech, Gianopulos reminded the girl waving the “time’s up” card in the front row that this wasn’t “Oscar time, it was Greek time” and that he would speak as long as he liked. To the approval of the audience’s applause and laughter, Gianopulos went on to tell the emotional tear-filled story of his grandfather—a busboy who saved his money and taught his family valuable lessons. (use call out quote)

Finally, the evening closed with the presentation of the Philanthropy Award to Detroit businessman Peter Karmanos, known equally for his business success as founder of the computer giant Compuware and

The Stage Transformation

5:30pm, ellis Island closes to the general public 5:31pm, Workers begin transformation 7:00pm, Lights and other heavy equipment surround the balcony

It was very moving but also inspiring. What our ances-tors did, give strength and power to us. SofIana fyrIou

Trifono performs opening song

1. fLaura evans Manatos and anna Davlantes 2. symbolism at ellis Island 3. Trifono and Glykeria 4. John Varvatos and Melina Kanakaredes 5. olympia Dukakis introduces her cousin Michael Dukakis

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7:25pm, final sound and light checks 7:40, Guests begin filling the registry room for the start of the program

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1. Jim Gianopulos 2. patricia field, Konstantino, Gregory pappas and Billy Candiloros 3. Manos and Maria sifakis 4. peter Constantinides and Melina Kanakaredes 5. historic imagery 6. historic imagery

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DID you KnoW:

Branding & Identity of the Gabby Awards Logo

The logo that represents the Gabby Awards is a sophisticated symbol that represents the Greek

heritage of the Gabby Awards. The logo consists of 3 main elements:

Ionic columns, which are recognized internationally as Greek symbols of stability,

architecture and culture.

A variation of the Saffron Crocus flower, which was common in the art of the Minoan people

of early Greek civilization. This flower appeared in various frescoes found in excavations in

Santorini and Crete.

A combination of the columns and the flowers, which complete the unified circle, or kyklos, which has been a symbolic element of Greek

culture for centuries.

Together all the above elements unite to create a sophisticated, Byzantine-like motif that will be

used to represent The Gabby Awards

owner of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, as much for his support of many philanthropic endeavors including a cancer center named after his late wife to which he has donated millions of dollars.

During his presentation of the philanthropy award, Gregory Pappas, the founder of the Greek America Foundation, spoke of his own dedication to the cause and his reasons for starting the orga-nization. He mentioned his own inspirations—people like John Rangos of Pittsburgh (Pappas’ hometown) who won the 2009 Gabby Award in Philanthropy. (insert Gregory Pappas Rangos quote around here as call out or side bar)

Prior to the presentation of the final award, Gregory Pappas, the founder of the Greek America Foundation presented several new initiatives that the organization would undertake, including the announcement of a $200,000 endowed scholar-ship spearheaded by the family of Baltimore busi-nessman and philanthropist Nicholas Tsakalos. The endowment will provide an annual scholar-ship—in perpetuity—for a student to attend a semester in Greece in the name of the Tsakalos family.

Additionally, an internship program was an-nounced that will be launched in conjunction

with the Libra Group, a global conglomerate of companies in various spaces including shipping, renewable energy, hospitality and aviation. The company’s CEO, George Logothetis, who recently moved to the United States from London, intro-duced the program.

In his remarks, which moved many in the audi-ence, Logothetis jokingly noted that his immigra-tion story to the United States was not as signifi-cant as the stories heard tonight. “I arrived via a British Airways jumbo jet,” he explained. “But we moved here because we realized that America was still the land of opportunity.” (possible call out quote)

The Foundation also introduced its new brand and logo for the first time, featured in a presenta-tion by Manos Sifakis, CEO of Customedialabs, the exclusive digital and marketing partner of the Greek America Foundation, a major sponsor of the 2011 Gabby Awards and creator of the award-wining gabbyawards.com website.

The ceremony closed the way the awards in Chicago two years earlier opened—with Glykeria singing “Diaspora,” a song about immigrants who left Greece, dispersing to all corners of the earth. Above her on the giant screen, images of Ellis Island immigrants were projected.

Departing guests were treated to a special parting gift as they left the Gabby Awards after party. A specially made gift bag, mod-eled after a vintage suitcase like those carried by immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, was given to everyone. The suitcases were filled with gifts from sponsors and friends of the foundation including a Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer t-shirt, samples of cosmetics from Mana Products, a DVD of the Elia Kazan classic film “America America” donated by Twentieth Century Fox Films and a bottle of a new specialty drink named Ouzon soda. Additional products included fragrance samples by John Varvatos, a notebook provided by our favorite Greek-inspired blog “Goddess of the Hunt” and a bottle of olive oil donated by Artisanal Kitchen. But perhaps the best gift—a coupon worth a free night at any of Starwood Hotels beauti-ful properties in Greece, including resorts in Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens.

The Gabby Gift Bag

1. James Kordomenos, nick Gialamas, Tom sianis and yanni sianis 2. Louie and Viki psihoyos 3. Gabby guest, Katina Tsarnas, Gabby guest and Christopher Tsarnas 4. Gabby guest, renia Zervos and Georgia Zervos 5. Consul Vangelis Kyriakopoulos and Consul General Koula sophianou 6. Gregory and patricia evangelis and Teddy and Theane Kapur 7. George stephanopoulos, ageleke Zapis, John aniston and Lee Zapis

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1. despina Kreatsoulas 2. nancy and sid Ganis 3. Gregory pappas and Dean Metropoulos 4. rep. John Sarbanes and Laura and Mike Manatos 5. Chrysanthos panas, nikos Kakavoulis and Meletis Koropoulis 6. stefanie and John Costouros 7. The papalexopoulos family 8. Manthy and Lou hiotis and Gabby guests

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After the emotional ceremony, guests were trans-ported by boat to Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers for an exciting after party that lasted into the early morn-ing hours with music and entertainment provided by Glykeria and her complete orchestra who had traveled from Greece exclusively for the event.

Special note: As at the previous Gabby Awards in Chicago, Glykeria, the legendary Greek singer—one of the biggest selling female singers of all time—do-nated her voice for the cause.

The party’s menu featured a delectable menu designed by Cat Cora and a dessert bar featuring cupcakes by Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMon-tagne from Georgetown Cupcakes in Washington DC who are also the subjects of the popular TLC show “DC Cupcakes.” (insert side bar of Cat Cora menu around here, or close to the food photos)

Additional goodies on the dessert table included chocolates by Chocolat Moderne, a New York boutique chocolatier, that were infused with Greek flavors like Kalamata olives and Aegean sea salt, and cookies by Eleni’s NYC—cookie maker to the stars.

Special note: Georgetown Cupcake, Elenis NYC and Chocolat Moderne generously donated all of the desserts that made up the “big, fat Greek dessert bar”.

The bars were flowing with Metaxa specialty drinks like Metaxa Mojitos and other thirst-quenching de-lights. (Insert Metaxa recipe here and cute logo or graphic from Metaxa images) Scattered throughout the bar area overlooking the Hudson River and an amazing summer skyline was a silent auction—the likes of which have never before been organized in the Greek American world.

Over 100 items—all donated by generous spon-sors and supporters including Super Bowl tickets donated by the Spanos family of San Diego and deluxe vacation packages to Greece that included flights by Gabby Awards sponsors Delta Airlines, hotels by Starwood and domestic air by Olympic Airlines. Other packages included gift sets with Greek products like Korres and Arkessia, handbags and other accessories by Annie Handbags and M. Andonia and jewelry by Konstantino, Folli Follie, and Sophia Forero.

At the end of the night as guests were leaving, they were treated to a symbolic gift —a vintage suitcase filled with gifts from sponsors and friends of the

Foundation, including a DVD of the Elia Kazan film “America America” donated by Jim Gianopulos and Twentieth Century Fox Films, olive oil from Artisanal Kitchen as well as other tasty Greek products, and a certificate valued at a free night at any Starwood Hotel in Greece, compliments of the popular hotel chain.

Guests also received a copy of the book “Tribute” that was published exclusively for the 2011 Gabby Awards and was packed with dozens of stories and hundreds of photos of immigrants—honoring those who came before us so that we may celebrate the success today, on this very special night.

After Every Great Awards Show, There Must be a Great After Party

Greek Chopped Country Salad, HoriatikiRoasted Eggplant & Garlic with Herbs & TomatoesDolmas with Baby Fennel, Rice and Truffle AvgolemonoPastitsioGreek Fishermen Stew with Ouzo ButterCinnamon-Stewed Chicken, Kota Kapama Basque-Rubbed Grilled Leg of Lamb (carving station) with Feta-Chimichurri Herbed Orzo with Asiago CheeseRolled Pistachio BaklavaMini Chocolate Budino with Fresh Berries & ChantillyC

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1. Melina Kanakaredes and Jim Gianopulos 2. peter and paula fasseas 3. anna davlantes and david Gamperi 4. pete Saltas, John Saltas and eleni saltas 5. George Bovis, peter Verros, George hlepas and peter parthenis, Jr. 6. Manthy hiotis and George hlepas 7. Mike and Laura Manatos 8. John Varvatos and Gregory pappas 9. peter and Tina Verros 10. Viki and Louie psihoyos 11. Theo alexander and anthoula Katsimatides

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1. Gabby guest, ana Triliouris and Katina Cokinos 2. Jim Gianopulos and peter pappas 3. eleni Tsokanos 4. Lea Soupata-Zervoulias and sotirios Zervoulias 5. Katerina petrakis, Maria petrakis and elena petrakis 6. Glykeria 7. The after party 8. paula fasseas, Gabby guest, Susanna negovan and alexis fasseas 9. Gabby guest and Tommy Belesis 10. Gabby guests 11. renia Zervos, Georgia Zervos and Chrysovalantis Kefalas

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1. Guests dancing at after party 2. Katina and Christopher Tsarnas with Theo alexander 3. dena haritos Tsamitis and eleni Tsamitis 4. Katina Tsarnas and Tina Livanos 5. Juanita De La Torre and Michael Galanakis 6. The after party 7. amy and dimitris Maragos 8. Makis and roula Zouboulides 9. The after party 10. paula Cokinos, ana Triliouris and Stephan Cokinos 11. Tina Verros and Julia haziminas

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Sunday morning… The day after. Nothing better than a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa made with fresh orange juice. The Livanos family was quick to oblige as guests poured into Molyvos, the chic Manhattan eatery that bears the name of the village on the island of Mytilene from which the family’s patriarch hails. The restaurant’s co-owner and award-winning chef Jim Botsacos was also on hand to greet guests at the official closing weekend brunch and sign copies of his best selling cookbook “The New Greek Cuisine.”

The weekend closed with a concert featuring Trifono, the platinum-selling group from Greece who opened the awards ceremony the night before. The concert featured songs from Greece’s rich musical heritage, warmly received by the hundreds of people who at-tended.

The concert included a special appearance by Lina Orfanos, a New Jersey native and accomplished singer

who has performed throughout the world. The tick-ets to the concert were included in everyone’s Gabby Awards weekend ticket package.

Before the weekend had come to an end, dozens upon dozens of emails had flooded the Foundation’s email inbox and Facebook and Twitter were a buzz with post after post of praise, citing unforgettable experi-ences and emotional discoveries.

History was made all over again at Ellis Island as the most successful Greek Americans in the nation gath-ered to pay tribute to their parents and grandparents, coming full circle on June 4th by returning to the place where it all began.

Proceeds from the weekend event will benefit the Greek America Foundation’s Hellenic Legacy Endowment Fund for study abroad scholarships to Greece, as well as other philanthropic endeavors.

Musical Journey: Fitting Finale to the Big Apple Weekend

dimitris yfantis nikos Kouroupakis and erofili

I’ve been to the Grammys, the american Music awards, the rock & roll hall of fame Inductions, etc. and the Gab-bys was as good, if not better than all of them.Lee ZapIS



May • June 2011 | Greek America Magazine | 0

Guests enjoying sunday brunch and Molyvos restaurant

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“Superlative is the only word which can express the majesty of the Gabbys. Perfectly calibrated, flawlessly choreographed and powerfully resonant, every touchstone was beautiful. I hope you are positively glowing.

For me, the emotional power of those young actors on board our boats to Ellis Island was the absolute highlight of the weekend. The resonance of remembrance was positively palpable. I remain indebted to you on a deep personal level. I attach the photo of me at the wall where I found my mother’s name. I was moved to tears all evening. I want you to know that there is a tribe of Vorio Epirotans in Chicago who spent an entire evening breathlessly listening to our New York stories. With tears and laughter and in hushed, exquisite tones, my mother relived the drama of her crossing with her children and grandchildren last night. It was one of the most meaningful moments of my life as her daughter. So I thank you most ardently for your courage and vision in crafting this homage to our ancestry.

Words alone cannot adequately capture the essence of our experience, so I lean on Pericles. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

You’ve left an indelible mark of honor and pride on all Greeks, of all tribes, all across America. Mε ευγνωμοσύνη και υπερηφάνεια, σας ευχαριστούμε

The Geroulis Tribe


Jane Monzures interviews John aniston

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emanuel ayvas and George psomas

Jane Monzures interviews stephen antonakos

Chrysanthos panas

Taso Mikroulis

John and Joyce Varvatos

olympia Dukakis and Michael Dukakis

Jane Monzures interviews Theo alexander

Cat Cora and Melina Kanakaredes

Thomas Belesis

Greg yaitanes and sheena Zadeh

nikos Kouroupakis, erofili and dimitris yfantis

Melina Kanakaredes in a Tadashi shoji dress

Jane Monzures in an elene Cassis dress Tina Livanos in a Valentino dress, Guiseppe Zanotti shoes and a Livanou handbag

danialle Karmanos in a green skirt and a black top

Sofiana fyriou in a Max Mara dress

Tina Verros in a Grecian style one-shoulder dress

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John and Joyce Varvatos in John Varvatos Greg yaitanes in a Mona atelier tux and Sheena Zadeh in an alice&olivia dress

Mike Manatos in a Jack Victor tux and Laura Manatos in a Laundry dress and stuart Weitzman shoes

alison Gramenos in a Luca dress and Jimmy Choo shoes and dean slover in a d&G tux

Kirk Karabelas with a custom-made Darzi tux and foula Connie Gavrilis in a david Meister dress

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Thomas Belesis Chrysanthos panas in a Dior tux and prada shoes

Billy Candiloros in a Calvin Klein vintage and a Versace tie/with patricia field

emanuel ayvas in a hugo Boss tux and George psomas in a Versace Collection tuxand Dunhill London bow-tie

Taso Mikroulis in a Venturi uomo bow-tie and Guy Laroche shoes

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Theo alexander

dr. david horner

Gabby guest Brandon Wilson

Gregory pappas Taso Mikroulis

dr. andreas G. Tzakis Mike Manatos

George psomas


The Gabby Awards in the International Media


as a Greek Canadian I had no real emotional attach-ment to ellis Island, both sets of my grandparents traveled to Montreal in the1950s, but during the awards and watching the images on screen, I was filled with much emotion. hearing the speakers talk about their families early beginnings was quite captivating and I felt the presence of sentiment in the registry room that night.peTer apoSToLopouLoS

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