Chicago is about to make history. On March 7, John Koudounis, President and CEO of Chicagoland based Calamos Investments, will host the largest benefit concert ever held by people of Greek heritage living outside of Greece.
A Historic Night at an Iconic Venue of Chicago
The sold-out event at the United Center is expected to draw over 13,000 people of Greek heritage from around the world, headlined by Konstantinos Argiros — Greece’s biggest-selling and most-streamed recording artist — with a majority of the ticket sales going directly to The Hellenic Initiative (THI), a global nonprofit investing in Greece’s humanitarian and economic future.
“Chicago has always been home to one of the most vibrant Greek communities in the world,” said event host John S. Koudounis, President and CEO of Chicago-based Calamos Investments and Vice Chairman of The Hellenic Initiative. “On March 7, we are bringing that community together — along with thousands more from across the country and around the world — for a night that will go down in history for a great cause.”
The evening begins with a black-tie gala dinner at 6:00 PM, followed by the Konstantinos Argiros concert at 8:00 PM. The show, produced by Dream Hospitality Group, kicks off with opening act Antigoni, followed by Konstantinos Argiros headlining.
John P. Calamos Sr. to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
During the gala, John P. Calamos Sr., founder of Calamos Investments and one of the most prominent Greek-Americans in the financial world, will be honored with the Hellenic Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award bestowed by The Hellenic Initiative (THI) will be presented beneath the iconic Michael Jordan statue in recognition of Calamos’ decades of leadership and devotion to the Greek community.
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) in a non-profit entity that unites Greeks around the world through philanthropy. Since its founding, THI has deployed $10.5 million through 246 grants for humanitarian aid and $13.5 million through 112 grants for economic development, entrepreneurship, and job creation in Greece.
