by guest contributor Christine Warnke
Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan
Legendary “Sister Sledge” singer Kathy Sledge rocked the New York Marriott Marquis at the 23rd National Hellenic Times Fund GALA in New York City under the banner of “WE ARE ‘ONE GREEK FAMILY’ – I GOT ALL MY SISTERS WITH ME.”
Featured performer Kathy Sledge of “Sister Sledge”
No one sat during the band performances which followed the awards ceremonies where three honorees took to the stage and were heralded by last year’s New York Mayoral Republican candidate, CEO of The Red Apple Group and philanthropist, John Catsimatidis.
John Catsimatidis
During John’s inspiring speech, he proudly noted some of the country’s prominent Greek Americans and named them including “CIA Director George Tenet, actor John Aniston, former Senators Paul Sarbanes and Olympia Snowe and Presidential candidate Michael Dukakis.”
Margo Catsimatidis dances with Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
John’s wife, Margo Catsimatidis, conceived of giving back to young people by raising funds to bestow upon a community of well-deserving Greek American students. All told, more than two million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to many hard-working students over the years.
Andrea John Catsimatidis-Cox and Christopher Nixon Cox
This annual honor also becomes “the party not to be missed,” as quoted in previous instances by John and Margo’s daughter Andrea, now married to President Richard Nixon’s grandson, Christopher Cox.
Artistic Achievement Awardee, Mario Frangoulis
One of this year’s professional honorees, internationally known vocalist Mario Frangoulis, brought the house down with two classical songs. A graduate of Julliard School of Music, he is no stranger to New York and Broadway. Trained by opera icon, Marilyn Horne, Frangoulis attributed his success in life to the two women who raised him. African born, but of Greek descent, Frangoulis began his career winning global music awards.
Greek pop singer Valantis
The other two honorees (George Venizelos and Michael Psaros)– both well known in their respective fields of public service and finance —know the true meaning of life by determination and learning the value of love (philotemo), the Greek word for human caring and spirit.
The ballroom at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square in New York City
There was no shortage of hope and family togetherness as so many people took to the dance floor until the wee hours of a New York City morning.
