A dinner of love to support the children of “ELPIDA,” with the kind participation of Elli Kokkinou, was organised by the “ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer” on Wednesday, 14 February 2019, St Valentine’s Day, at the Hilton Hotel.

“ELPIDA” is “celebrating” this day for the third consecutive year to send a strong message of love and solidarity, as all the proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing medical equipment for the “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis-ELPIDA” Children’s Oncology Unit so that the Unit can function as a Centre of Excellence, with a goal of four out every four children being completely cured.

The President of the “ELPIDA” Association and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis welcomed prominent representatives from the country’s business community, academia, medicine, art, and journalism, who, through their attendance, supported the important work of ELPIDA.

Those present included Professor and President of the IIBEAA Antonis Kounadis, the Rector of the University of Athens, Professor Thanos Dimopoulos and his spouse Dora, Idomeneas Kogchylakis and his spouse Vardianna Vardinoyannis-Kogchylakis, former President of New Democracy Ioannis Plakiotakis and his spouse Aphrodite, the President of Athens College – Psychiko College, Richard Jackson, and his spouse Ela, the Director of “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital, Manolis Papasavvas, and numerous members the hospital’s medical staff.  Also present were Riad and Rhana Zein, Tawfic and Hala Khoury, and the Association’s Messenger Sakis Rouvas, with his spouse Katia Zygouli, as well as Mrs. Eleni Menegaki along with her spouse Makis Pantzopoulos.

During the course of this unique evening, Elli Kokkinou performed her one-of-a-kind hits, enchanting the 400-or-so guests.  Elli Kokinou was accompanied by her band, while musical accompaniment to the dinner was provided by Thomas Giannakopoulos with his saxophone and dj Tourist with his musical selections.

Vicky Kaya was the evening’s emcee.

The “ELPIDA” Association sincerely thanks the evening’s major sponsors, Skouras Med and Institute of Life, as well as: Coca-Cola 3E and Campari  for providing beverages for the evening, Jeroboam for the wine that accompanied the meal, Tzortzis SA, representatives of Land Rover and Jaguar, and Pavlos Rousakis,of Pavlos the flower workshop, for the floral arrangements.

We would also like to thank the Creation, owned by Mr. Christos Liaros, and Style box for providing the equipment to decorate the hall, as well as Nikolas Faraklas for handling the event’s artwork.