CHICAGO, IL – On Saturday, September 26, the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago hosted its annual Gala dinner, where 600 guests came together for an evening celebrating Greek history, heritage, and community.
Each year, this Gala brings people together to support and showcase the Museum’s work. This year’s celebration in particular, highlighted the richness of Greek heritage while bringing together people of different generations and cultures and inviting them to share their experiences and perspectives and discover the connections that unite them.
With the formal proceedings commencing from 6 PM, the dinner and annual auction took place at 7 PM, and the highlight of the evening – a special performance by the talented Greek singer, Giorgos Tsalikis, took place just before 10 PM.
The Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investments Officer of Calamos Investments, John P. Calamos Sr. (Photo: Tori Soper Photography)
In an interview with The National Herald, the Executive Director of the National Hellenic Museum, Marianne Kountoures expressed how the evening saw a wonderful turnout which left members of the Museum feeling especially grateful not simply for seeing more than 500 guests in the room, but for the “tremendous enthusiasm and generosity they showed for the Museum and its mission.”
She noted that the annual Gala is “the Museum’s largest fundraiser, supporting relevant exhibitions and programs, the preservation of oral histories, and our work to create a vibrant public square where people of all generations and cultures engage with Greek history and discover the connections that bind us together.”
Kountoures then reflected on some of the highlights of the evening.
“It was exciting to introduce our new contemporary art exhibition – ‘The Odyssey Reimagined’,
featuring artists working across painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and sound,” she told TNH.
Members of the National Hellenic Museum, as well as dignitaries, elected officials, media, artists, and cultural and philanthropic leaders attended the Gala. (Photo: Tori Soper Photography)
“The exhibition is the epitome of what we do at the Museum – bringing the past into conversation with the present as today’s artists interpret a nearly 3,000-year-old epic, just as each generation has brought its own time and perspective to the story. The Odyssey Reimagined is generously sponsored by the John P. Calamos Foundation and the Christ M. Dalmares Family.”
Reflecting on the event, the Museum’s Executive Director shared how she felt about having Giorgos Tsalikis in attendance and seeing him perform.
“Giorgos Tsalikis is a dynamic performer whose warmth, spirit, and extraordinary connection with the audience brought the heart and joy of Greek culture to the evening,” she expressed.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Karras and John and Martha Cannis, whose generous sponsorship brought his performance to the Gala.”
Touching on what it meant to feature a guest performer at such a significant event for the Museum, Kountoures noted – “Greek music carries the emotions, experiences, and warmth of the Greek people through its soulful lyrics, melodies, and sound.”
“When we share that music, we share something deeply rooted in our heritage that has the power to draw people in, move them, and bring them together,” she said.
The event welcomed 600 guests in a celebration of Greek culture and community. (Photo: Tori Soper Photography)
As well as having a major Greek singer in attendance who wowed crowds with his unique blend of sounds and catchy songs, there were also many friends, supporters, and museum partners from across Chicagoland and the nation who attended the Gala, which further represented a “wonderful cross-section of the community.”
Kountoures added that dignitaries, elected officials, members of the media, artists, and cultural and philanthropic leaders were also in attendance.
During the evening reception, Demitrios ‘Jim’ Logothetis, the Vice Chairman of the National Hellenic Museum also shared a few words noting how the event was all about celebrating Greek heritage – “but it is also about the future.”
“I want to thank our generous benefactors and sponsors, our leadership and staff, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this evening possible. And, of course, all of you for being here. Your presence matters. Your support matters. And what we do together matters,” Logothetis said in his speech.
“Our parents and grandparents came to America with very little. Many arrived believing someday they would return to Greece, Cyprus, or Asia Minor. But life took them in another direction. And when they realized that America would become their home, they made a remarkable decision – They built. They built churches, schools, businesses, and communities to preserve their faith, language, culture, and values they carried across the ocean.”
The evening also saw guests participate in an auction (Photo: Tori Soper Photography)
“They understood something important – that if they did not build it, there was no guarantee it would exist for the next generation. That was their gift and legacy to us. And now, that responsibility is ours.”
He then explained how the National Hellenic Museum connects generations and cultures, preserves Greek stories, and provides children with a place to discover where they came from, “and decide where they will take that heritage next.”
“But this bridge can only be built when people decide to make it happen. So tonight, I have a challenge for you – If you have never been involved with the Museum, get involved, if you can volunteer, volunteer, if you have a talent, share it, if you can mentor a young person, mentor them, if you can introduce your children or grandchildren to our history, do it,” Logothetis said. said.
The National Hellenic Museum Gala took place at Hilton Chicago on September 26, 2026 and featured a cocktail reception, dinner, program, live entertainment, and dancing. (Photo: Tori Soper Photography)
“And if you are in a position to give, give generously. Do this because we are building something that will outlive us. We are building a bridge from our past to our future, making sure the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents were not in vain, and we are giving the next generation a connection to who they are.”
Kountoures further noted how she and her team were “enormously grateful” to everyone who believed in the Museum, its mission, and is helping build its future.
“Their generosity allows us to preserve Greek history and heritage, share it in meaningful ways today, and ensure it continues to inspire and connect generations to come,” she expressed.
