SOUTHAMPTON, NY – The fifth annual Blue Dream Gala for charity of the Kimisis Church of the Hamptons attracted more than 430 Greek-Americans and their friends on August 29 to an event that has set the standard for great parties for good causes in the New York Metropolitan Area.
Co-pastors Father Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Father Constantine Lazarakis, respectively welcomed the guests and offered the invocation.
Refugees International (RI), represented by Michel Gabauda, its president, and Amani Global Works (AGW) were this year’s honorees and fundraising beneficiaries. Dr. Jacques’ Sebisaho, the founder and his wife and coworker, Mimy, received AGW’s award and addressed the guests, as did Gabauda.
Actor Matt Dillon, a member of the boards of both organizations and the event’s Honorary Chair, and Fox News anchor Rosanna Scotto, Master of Ceremonies, greeted the guests and introduced the honorees. Scotto also conveyed warmest regards from her colleagues Ernie Anastos and Nick Gregory.
The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring fellowship and networking in the Muses Cultural Center and the surrounding grounds. The dinner was held inside a huge billowing tent nearby that evoked a night on a Greek isle.
At previous Blue Dreams the magic worked by noted event planner Angela Giannopoulos had an exotic dimension. This spirit of this year’s gathering was one of simple Mediterranean elegance as live greenery flowed from the canopies that graced many of the dinner tables and the shadows of tree branches were projected onto the surface of the tent.
The soft, white wooden floor added to the warmth and was a magnet for dancers who enjoyed the Greek music performed live by Milos International and lead singer Sophia and the non-Greek music presented by DJ Sava.
The army of dedicated volunteers were led by event chairs Olga Palladino, Karen Mehiel, Maria Samuels, and Giannopoulos, with her usual special touches added by Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos.
Fr. Karloutsos departed from the program to acknowledge the tragic shootings of journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward, praised Scotto and her colleagues for their work and the sacrifices they make “seeking truth in the darkest places.”
The Central Philosophy of AGW is “to Care, Cure and Make Whole by providing healthcare to one of the most impoverished and forgotten areas of Africa, Idjwi Island. AGW works to provide accessible healthcare to all residents of Idjwi by focusing on maternal healthcare, child healthcare, and malnutrition, as well as other factors that contribute directly to the region’s health crises such as education, agriculture, and transportation.”
RI is a leading advocacy organization which campaigns for lifesaving assistance and protection for refugees and people who have been displaced by conflict, persecution or natural disasters.
Dillon spoke about how he became involved with both organizations – “You must meet my friend Jacques” Palladino urged – and how meaningful they are to him. Of Palladino he said “she is shy, but we wouldn’t be here today without Olga,” who first dreamed the Blue Dream.
Gabauda provided an overview of the international refugee crisis, but just as the numbers began to feel overwhelming – tens of millions uprooted by war mixed in with tens of millions more seeking to escape poverty – he impressed many with a philosophy of targeted advocacy.
By bringing the plight of specific groups to the attention of UN and U.S. policymakers, better responses come about which are not just drops in a bucket – the lives of entire communities can be dramatically changed.
He emphasized that the financial support from the guests allows RI to operate independently of governments, lending more credibility to its advocacy work.
Dr. Sebisaho thanked all those present and noted that many of the major benefactors were introduced to him by Palladino and her husband Mark Palladino, and how deeply he appreciated the way he and his wife were embraced like family, but he overflowed with pride and appreciation when he spoke of how the support they have received enabled the previously marginalized people of Idjwi to receive medical treatment in beds like those in New York’s top hospital and that he is no longer the only doctor there. He was thrilled to announced that that the children are now connected to the internet.
Mimy added expression of appreciation for what their benefactors have helped them create, “giving life and joy to a forgotten place.”
Palladino brought the speaking program to a touching close when she said “when I look out at this place I am absolutely amazed. This event was spawned by an impromptu conversation amongst some women at a church event and I never imagined it would become the event that it is.”
She continued “It is such a success because of so many, one is my dear friend Matt Dillon, a person always willing to help a person in need… and Rosanna Scotto, who graciously gave her time yet again to help makes this event great.”
Palladino said “this is truly God’s work” and thanked all the guests and volunteers and offered special thanks to her co-chairs Mehiel and Giannopoulos and last but not least – eliciting a burst of applause – “to my parents Father Alex and Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos, my brother in law Father Constantine and my sister Anastasia.”
Matt Dillon, who is Irish Catholic, told TNH about growing up with Greek friends in Westchester, so he blends right in at Blue Dream – though he regrets he does not dance Greek.
Among the dignitaries were Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus on Capitol Hill and N.Y. State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.
The dinner was overseen by celebrity chef Maria Loi and among the highly-desired prizes, which included fine jewelry and fashion, was a dinner for 10 in the winner’s, to be catered by Loi.
Attorney George Zapantis and Dr. Andy Adamidis, directors in charge of the Young Professionals of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce were present. Zapantis told TNH “I can’t believe how many people showed up – I am impressed by the number of young people – to support the incredible causes and the parish.”
The post Blue Dream Charity Gala in Hamptons an Unforgettable Evening – UPDATED appeared first on The National Herald.