A historic expression of trans-Atlantic solidarity was unveiled on June 7, 2025 at the Greek America Foundation’s Gabby Awards gala when the surprise announcement that a New Jersey humanitarian was donating a house in Greece to the foundation.
Gregory C. Pappas, founder of the Greek America Foundation, announced that Gabby Awards honoree Evellyn Leontarakis Tsiadis, was donating a family home in the seaside town of Artemida, just 18 miles from Athens, gifted in memory of her late husband, Steve Tsiadis.
Rather than sell the home, which was built by Steve’s parents and had sat vacant for more than a decade, Evellyn chose to honor her husband’s legacy by donating it to the Foundation. Her wish: that the property continues to serve others, as it once served her own family.
The donation marks the beginning of a new philanthropic initiative by the Foundation that re-affirms and strengthens its commitment to Greece. A program will be developed to support young couples in need of stability and opportunity. The home will be named Xenia House— a tribute to the ancient Greek ideal of xenia, or hospitality and generosity toward strangers.
Selected couples will have the chance to live in the home rent-free for a designated period, allowing them to begin building their lives together with security and dignity.
“This extraordinary gift reflects the very essence of what the Greek America Foundation stands for— compassion, community, and the power of giving to others,” said Pappas. “Evellyn’s generosity honors not only her husband’s memory but also the legacy of his parents and offers a new beginning for countless others who will create their own stories within these walls.”
In addition to donating the property, Evellyn contributed $20,000 toward its renovation. The project is being managed on the ground in Greece by the Foundation’s longtime supporters Achilleas Voutsinas and Steven Tsaropoulos of Holodek Real Estate, who are donating their time and professional expertise to oversee the restoration of the home and bring Evellyn’s vision to life.
Further plans will be announced in the coming months to decorate Xenia House with original art and photography created and donated by members of the Greek American community. The aim is to create a warm, meaningful space that fosters not only support but connection—a home that tells a story of transatlantic solidarity.
The new initiative builds on the Greek America Foundation’s existing work in Greece, including its Greek America Corps volunteer program and Project Hope for Greece, both of which provide critical support to vulnerable communities while fostering a spirit of engagement between North America and Greece.
Taking several lines from the Greek America Foundation’s Manifesto, Gregory C. Pappas re-affirmed the significance of such programs.
“We volunteer and support not as charity, but as solidarity– An act that transforms the giver as much as the receiver. When we lift others, we elevate ourselves. When we serve vulnerable communities and people in Greece, we strengthen the very soul of Greek America.”
