2009 Gabby Awards - The After Party

Melina Kanakaredes
(Los Angeles, CA)
Hands down the biggest night in the Greek American community's history-- or at least in my lifetime.
Jim Gianopulos
(Los Angeles, CA)
A historic moment for Greek Americans that will be remembered for a long time.
Dr. George Carayannopoulos
(Smithtown, NY)
Exactly what our community has been yearning for.
Nia Vardalos
(Los Angeles, CA)
Fabulous event, very elegant and touching.
George Bliss
(Chicago, IL)
The Gabby Awards shook this world on Friday Night!!!
Georgia Logothetis (Chicago, IL)
It was an unforgettable night.
Daskalopoulos Kostas
(Chicago, IL)
The best event ever organized from a Greek American organization! Things are finally getting upgraded.
Eve Geroulis
(Chicago, IL)
Superlative. Glamorous. Elegant. Touching. Proud. Noble. It was a remarkable event. I am honored to have been there and brimming with pride. Bravo. Bravo. Bravo.
Demae De Rocher
(Minneapolis, MN)
Greek America's pride shined on June 19, 2009, and it was a privilege to be there. Well done!
Judge Peggy Chiampas
(Chicago, IL)
It was a life-altering event. I have never been more moved or proud of who I am and where I have come from.
Andreas Akaras
(Baltimore, MD)
To commend you, to congratulate you, to say job well done are words too little to satisfy the accolades you deserve for putting on the Gabby Awards.
Alexis Fasseas
(Chicago, IL) 
It was emotional and made us all feel so proud and connected to our heritage.
Fotios Piniros
(New York, NY)
Outstanding! Beyond my wildest expectations.
Alex Costakis
(Los Angeles, CA)
The pride in our Greek American heritage as expressed by each and every award presenter and recipient was heartfelt and meaningful.

Cocktails and appetizers followed in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton, which included a station featuring Bon Appétit Magazine chef of the year Michael Psilakis from New York City, who dished out some unique appetizers, while onlookers and fans snapped photos of him. A silent auction kept people busy, bidding on items like Hollywood set visits with Melina Kanakaredes, jewelry by Konstantino and luxurious hotel packages that were donated by Starwood Hotels in Greece.

Dinner was served in various stations in the lavishly decorated International Ballroom. The décor was something “never before seen” at a Greek American event, according to so many who entered the room.

What followed was an unforgettable performance by Greece’s Golden Voice—Glykeria, and Kostas Karafotis, who kept the enthusiastic crowd on their feet all night long singing traditional Greek songs without interruption until the wee hours of the morning.

Dozens of celebrities and VIPs who attended the event mingled with the crowd and snapped photos with fans in one of the most celebratory and festive environments ever experienced by people, including a moment that captured everyone’s attention when Fox Films CEO Jim Gianopulos jumped on stage to share a zeibekiko dance with actress Melina Kanakaredes, while Glykeria serenaded them with her soulful voice.

At the end of the night, all guests were treated to a chocolate medallion and a gift bag —also known as the “swag bag” that was filled with goodies from local, national and international partners and sponsors including hotel gift certificates worth one free night at the Costa Navrino resort in Greece, a complimentary one-year subscription to Greek America Magazine, sample products from Korres Natural Products and a DVD trailer of a new film coming out called “The Making of a Saint,” to name only a few items.

After Party Photo Album

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