On Friday, June 3rd, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF) celebrated its 20th Anniversary Gala at the new Universal EventSpace to raise much needed funds in support of its newest major project initiative to establish a permanent Hellenic Studies Program at the University of Toronto (UofT). This program and endowment will ensure that future generations have the opportunity to study the Greek language, culture and history in perpetuity at this prestigious institution.
In the Fall of 2014, in collaboration with the Centre for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (CERES) at UofT’s Munk School of Global Affairs, a Modern Greek program was re-instituted on a three-year pilot basis to determine student demand and community support for this initiative. Since its reintroduction, and after more than a decade long absence, the program has attracted remarkable and widespread interest and is cited as one of the most popular Modern Greek programs offered at a North American University. Given the extraordinary success of the pilot program, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation negotiated to raise the necessary funds in support of a permanent program, over the next five years.
During his address to over 680 guests in attendance, HHF President John Dagonas, announced that over $2.1 million in pledges have been raised thus far and attributed the amount to an outpouring of support from the Foundation’s Board, Membership and community-at-large. Taking the lead on the fundraising effort together with Mr. Dagonas, were HHF Vice-President Mr. Steve Mirkopoulos and HHF Member, Mrs. Irene Keroglidis.
The Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals, families, organizations and associations who have pledged funds to permanently establish the Hellenic Studies Program over the course of five years.
The next scheduled fundraising event in support of Hellenic Studies at the University of Toronto is the HHF Annual Golf Classic scheduled for Wednesday, September 14th at the Carrying Place Golf & Country Club. If you or your company would like to support this initiative, sponsorship opportunities are now available. For more information, contact us at (416) 447-7107 or [email protected].
The Hellenic Heritage Foundation