TV & Broadway Star Marilou Henner will host the Biennial Black-Tie Dinner and National Awards Show Presented by Elios Charitable Foundation Saturday, November 9 – Palace Hotel, San Francisco.
(Photo-Arthur Kobin/Drew Altizer Photography)
This event will honor the careers and achievements of award-winning Greek American luminaries from the national entertainment industry at this year’s black-tie Hellenic Charity Ball (HCB), scheduled for Saturday, November 9 at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco. This year’s honorees include Emmy-nominated Hollywood film and television actor, animation voice star and Broadway stage veteran Chris Diamantopoulos; Hollywood’s multi-award-winning Special Makeup FX creator and Immortal Masks co-owner, George Frangadakis; and critically acclaimed Netflix Music Creative/Production Executive and Music Supervisor/Soundtrack Producer, Alexandra Patsavas. The celebratory evening will be distinguished by the inaugural George and Judy Marcus Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented to Tony Orlando, GRAMMY-nominated iconic pop/rock singer, songwriter and music executive.
Under the direction of Gala Chair Janice Gumas, the very festive evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a lavish cocktail reception followed by a multi-course dinner, awards show, auction, and dancing. The 2024 Hellenic Charity Ball, the 14th since its inception in 1997, will be hosted by New York Times best-selling prolific author, celebrated television (“Taxi”) and film actress, Golden Globe-nominee, and Broadway star, Marilu Henner. Special to the proceedings, effervescent auctioneer Liam Mayclem will tempt guests to bid on a number of exclusive luxury packages in order to show their financial support for the Elios Charitable Foundation’s notable grant recipients, especially the highly cherished Heritage Greece Program for students.
Elios Charitable Foundation President and Chair John Gumas commented, “On behalf of the Elios Charitable Foundation, it is my honor to announce the return of this year’s Hellenic Charity Ball, an evening that rallies and unifies Greek Americans while reaffirming the essence of our being Greek, our philotimo. I am very proud we can celebrate our distinguished honorees and welcome our very special guests from across the country. At this year’s Ball, we will have a signature event with the presentation of the inaugural George and Judy Marcus Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned entertainer, Tony Orlando. But of course, the evening is ultimately about raising financial support and awareness of our Hellenic beneficiaries, with a special emphasis on youth. It is the support of these programs that truly
informs our path forward as proud Greek Americans and Philhellenes.”
Tony Orlando, born Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis to a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother, is one of America’s most endearing and enduring iconic stars. Few entertainers have excelled in so many realms as Tony over the years: a top-selling recording artist, songwriter, concert headliner, network television star, Motion Picture actor, Broadway performer and author. Tony was also GM and Vice President of CBS-Music Division April-Blackwood Music from 1966-1970. He represented such songwriters as James Taylor, Laura Nyro, Blood Sweat and Tears and signed and produced Barry Manilow’s first recording while working for the legendary Clive Davis.
Tony Orlando generously agreed to a Q&A with Splash Magazines Worldwide
Can you speak to the ways in which growing up bi-cultural, a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother, shaped your interest and skills?
Tony: To have been raised by the two bicultural families of both Greek and Puerto Rican Heritages, the core values of both cultures emphasize the importance of respect for family and a strong belief in God, so in my life those two values are the cornerstone of both nationalities. So, it’s been a doubled down blessing for me.
How does it feel to be one of the honorees at this prestigious event, The HELLENIC CHARITY BALL 2024?
Tony: I can only describe this honor in a word…“Humbling”!!!
Is there a special moment in your rich and varied career that you would like to share with our Splash Magazines Worldwide readers?
Tony: In 1973, the year “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” was released and a number one hit record for me, I received a phone call from Bob Hope, who I had never met. He called to invite me to debut the song at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas to welcome home our POWS from Nam. 70,000 people came to honor and welcome home these Heroes who had been held jailed in the Hanoi Hilton for years and horribly tortured. Mr. Hope said “Tony, the opening line of your song “Yellow Ribbon” says it all…”I’m coming home, I’ve done my time.” Because of that day and after meeting our POWs, it changed my life and from that day forward, I vowed to reunion with them every year and have since that day for 51 years. I also vowed to work on behalf of our military Veterans ever since that unforgettable day in Dallas, And by doing my free performances in my theater in Branson, MO along with venues across the nation, I have been told we have raised millions of dollars for veterans and created a nation-wide awareness on behalf of veterans causes. Without question, my work on behalf of our American military veterans has meant everything to me. On March 22, 2024, I retired from touring, but only God will retire me when it comes to performing on behalf of our veterans.
Tickets for this year’s Hellenic Charity Ball on Saturday, November 9, begin at $750 pp and are available online
The Hellenic Charity Ball 2024 will be held Saturday, November 9 at the historic Palace Hotel – a Luxury Collection Hotel – San Francisco, located in the heart of the Financial District at 2 New Montgomery St.
Photos are courtesy of the Hellenic Charity Ball 2024 unless otherwise noted.
