The Gabby Awards—an acronym for “Greek America’s Best and Brightest”—were created to celebrate the ancient Greek ideal of excellence in the lives and work of contemporary Greek Americans.
Since their launch in Chicago in 2009, the awards have recognized distinguished leaders in business, philanthropy, public service, education, science, athletics, arts and culture. Each edition has brought the Greek American community together in a landmark setting, combining recognition with music, performance, storytelling and cultural experiences.
The Gabby Awards are also the Greek America Foundation’s premier fundraising event. Proceeds strengthen the Foundation’s charitable, educational and cultural work in North America and Greece.
Six Landmark Editions
From Chicago to Ellis Island, Hollywood, Carnegie Hall and The Plaza Hotel, each gathering has told a distinct chapter of the Greek American experience.
2025 · New York City
Goddesses in Our Midst
The Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom
The first all-women celebration of excellence in the event’s history honored 22 extraordinary women: 20 modern-day goddesses and Lifetime Achievement recipients Cat Cora and Danialle Karmanos.
Almost 400 guests experienced a five-act production that transformed the historic ballroom into a modern-day Mount Olympus through sound, light, music and theater.
2022 · New York City
Greek Summer
The Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom
More than 350 supporters gathered for the fifth Gabby Awards and a celebration of the Foundation’s first 15 years of impact. The Aegean-inspired “Greek Summer” program honored Amed Khan, Niki Leondakis and John Varvatos.
The evening brought together music, comedy and art, with a closing performance by Anna Vissi and an after-party at the Melrose Ballroom in Astoria.
2017 · New York City
A Night at Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall · After-party at The Plaza
The fourth edition opened with a tribute to immigrant ancestors and celebrated nine honorees amid musical tributes to the Andrews Sisters, Maria Callas, West Side Story and Never on Sunday.
Anna Vissi and Glykeria performed, while Andrew E. Manatos received a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by his son Mike and accompanied by video greetings from two United States presidents.
2013 · Hollywood
A Century of Greeks in Hollywood
El Capitan Theatre · Paramount Studios
The third Gabby Awards paid tribute to a century of Greek achievement in Hollywood. Lifetime honors went to Sid Ganis, Patricia Field and Kary Antholis, and the Paramount Studios after-party featured Helena Paparizou.
The weekend culminated with “Opa! A Celebration of Greece” at Disneyland, where Greek menus, performances and cultural programming carried the celebration into one of America’s most recognized destinations.
2011 · New York City
The Immigrant Journey
Ellis Island Registry Room · Pier 60
More than 1,200 guests traveled by ferry to Ellis Island for an evening grounded in the immigrant experience. Guests were welcomed at Battery Park by actors portraying Greek immigrants before crossing the harbor to the historic Registry Room.
Michael Dukakis and artist Stephen Antonakos received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Antonakos had entered the United States through Ellis Island as a six-year-old child.
2009 · Chicago
The Inaugural Gabby Awards
Merle Reskin Theatre · Chicago Hilton & Towers
The first Gabby Awards welcomed 1,250 guests from 28 states and three countries. The sold-out ceremony recognized nine recipients selected after public voting and honored Olympia Dukakis with the first Lifetime Achievement Award.
An opening montage explored the Greek diaspora with vocals by Glykeria, and the celebration continued with music and dance at the Chicago Hilton.
The Honoree Archive
Across six editions, the Gabby Awards have recognized achievement and service spanning business, public life, education, science, athletics, philanthropy and the arts.
2025 · New York City
- Maria Avgitidis Pyrgiotakis
- Elizabeth Z. Bartz
- Dr. Tammi Dice
- Angelika Dimoka
- Laura Evans Manatos
- Dr. Dena Haritos Tsamitis
- Katherine Kallinis Berman & Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne
- Despina C. Kartson
- Anthoula Katsimatides
- Dora Konomi
- Dr. Lori Kotsonis Chiampas
- Diane Kounalakis
- Evellyn Leontarakis Tsiadis
- Sofia Lingos Papaliodis
- Lena Philippou Korres
- Marianthi Sofiakis Koritsaris
- Stefanie Roumeliotes
- Aliki Theofilopoulos
- Christina Hioureas
- Lifetime Achievement: Cat Cora & Danialle Karmanos
2022 · New York City
- Humanitarian: Amed Khan
- Business: Niki Leondakis
- Fashion & Philanthropy: John Varvatos
2017 · New York City
- Business: George Strompolos
- Business: Katherine Kallinis Berman & Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne
- Philanthropy: Danialle Karmanos
- Philanthropy: Linda & Susanna Manziaris
- Education: Marie Bountrogianni
- Science & Medicine: Nitzia Logothetis
- Artistic Achievement: Glykeria
- Artistic Achievement: George Chakiris
- Lifetime Achievement: Andrew E. Manatos
2013 · Hollywood
- Business: Sophia Amoruso
- Philanthropy: John Pappajohn
- Athletics: Christina Loukas
- Education: Nicholas Economides
- Arts & Culture: Greg Yaitanes
- Performing Arts: Chris Diamantopoulos
- Science & Medicine: Dr. Peter Diamandis
- Lifetime Achievement: Sid Ganis
- Artistic Achievement: Kary Antholis
- Artistic Achievement: Patricia Field
2011 · Ellis Island
- Business: Jim Gianopulos
- Philanthropy: Peter Karmanos Jr.
- Athletics: Chris Chelios
- Education: Dr. Linda Katehi
- Arts & Culture: Constantine Maroulis
- Science & Medicine: Dr. Andreas Tzakis
- Politics: Sen. Olympia Snowe
- Lifetime Achievement: Michael Dukakis & Stephen Antonakos
2009 · Chicago
- Business & Entrepreneurism: George Sakellaris
- Arts & Culture: Harry Mark Petrakis
- Athletics: Dean Karnazes
- Education & Academia: Dr. Constantine Papadakis
- Promotion of Hellenism: Carlos Picon
- Performing Arts: Melina Kanakaredes
- Politics: Alexi Giannoulias
- Philanthropy: John Rangos
- Lifetime Achievement: Olympia Dukakis
The Gabby Awards on Film
Four moments from the Foundation’s film archive capture the scale, artistry and spirit of the Gabby Awards across four landmark editions.
More Than an Awards Ceremony
Every edition has been conceived as an immersive cultural weekend—one that honors individual achievement while building connection, sustaining memory and advancing the Foundation’s mission.
The Gabby Awards bring the Greek American story to life through music, theater, art, food and landmark places. At the same time, they raise essential support for the Foundation’s charitable, educational and cultural programs.
Stay Connected
This page preserves the enduring story of the Gabby Awards. Details for a future edition—including its program, honorees and ways to participate—will be presented separately when announced.