Niarchos Foundation Gets Hellenic Societies' Award

On the occasion of the 185th anniversary of Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York honored the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation, an international philanthropic organization, with its Liberty Award. The award was conferred on Saturday, April 1 at the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, prior to the Greek Independence Day parade on Fifth Avenue April 2.

"We congratulate the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation for their philanthropic contributions especially to Hellenic ideals, language, culture and the Greek Orthodox faith," Nick Diamantidis, Federation president, said.

Parade Chairman Dino Rallis added, "We greatly honor the Niarchos Foundation for its worldwide philanthropic giving and Mr. Andreas Dracopoulos, one of the members of the Board of Directors, for accepting the award on behalf of the Foundation."

The Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation, an international philanthropic organization, supports charitable activities in four primary areas: arts and culture, education, health and medicine, and social welfare. The foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the world. Since its inception in 1996, the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation has provided total grant commitments of more than $241,000,000 to more than 1,100 nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.stavrosniarchosfoundation. org.

This year's Greek Independence Day parade theme honored Greeks who immigrated to America and the success of following generations. The parade consisted of over 50 floats the largest number ever. Community groups, churches, and Greeks from New York City and the tri-state area marched in what was the largest display of Hellenic heritage celebrations in years. Civic leaders Tasos Manessis, Philip Christopher and Georgia Kaloidis were parade co-chairpersons. Honored guests included the Evzones (the elite Greek Presidential Guard), members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Color Guard, members of the Greek Army Philharmonic Band, Greek and U.S. government officials including Consul General of Greece in New York Catherine Boura and Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York Martha Mavromatis, among others.

Organizers of the annual Greek Independence Day parade, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York is a not-for-profit organization comprised of nearly 200 cultural and civic associations and regional and professional organizations. The Federation's mission is to preserve and promote Hellenic culture and heritage throughout the five boroughs of New York.

After 400 years of rule by the Ottoman Empire, Greece declared its independence on March 25, 1821. The Greek Independence Day parade is held on the closest Sunday to March 25 for a dual celebration integrally connected with the Christian Feast of the Annunciation. The annual commemoration brings together thousands of Greek-American civic, religious and political organizations, representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church, American and Greek government officials along Fifth Avenue.