edited by Norma Schwartzberg

HANAC held their 51st anniversary Gala
​at the stunning Mandarin Oriental in Manhattan. During cocktail hour, guests who have supported HANAC for decades, and guests who were attending and supporting HANAC at the Gala for the first time mingled and shared in the joy of the evening. The Gala’s honorees and their families enjoyed a wonderful reception. HANAC’s dedicated Board of Directors celebrated as well, and HANAC co-founder Evangeline Douris and her devoted family also attended to honor her late husband and co-founder, George Douris, and their shared vision of service and hope that HANAC was founded on in 1972.
Jessica González-Rojas, NY State Assemblymember for the 34th District, presented Stacy Bliagos, Executive Director of HANAC, and George Mihaltses, Chairman of the HANAC Board of Directors, with a State Citation celebrating HANAC's 51st anniversary. Ms. Bliagos and Mr. Mihaltses also greeted Ken Jenkins, Westchester Deputy County Executive, Joan McDonald, Office of the County Executive, Westchester, and Blanca Lopez, Deputy Commissioner for Westchester County’s Planning Department,  after HANAC announced the launch of their latest development project, Westchester’s first LGBTQ+ friendly housing development, last year.
The evenings program kicked off with Mr. Mihaltses welcoming the Gala guests and inviting Rev. Fr. John Lardas of Archangel Michael Church to deliver the invocation. Ms. Bliagos then presented HANAC’s Volunteer of the Year award to Lilian Dellis, President of the Advisory Board at the HANAC Harmony JVL Older Adult Center, who delivered remarks reflecting on her years of service with HANAC and her excitement to continue to serve. Afterwards, Ms. Bliagos welcomed Adolfo Carrión Jr., New York City Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner, to the podium, where he introduced Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging, the recipient of HANAC’s inaugural Public Service Award. She delivered remarks as well, encouraging continued, dedicated action assisting and advocating for older adults in New York City and beyond. HANAC then presented this year’s two “Persons of the Year”, honored for invaluable contributions to New York City and the local community, and their respective roles in the development and completion of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center. Tammy Berentsen, President of the HANAC Board of Directors, introduced Theodora Diamantis, Vice President, Account Manager at Skanska USA, who thanked her colleagues and her family for their support, and HANAC for their work. George Mihaltses, Chairman of the Board, introduced Richard Browne of Sterling Project Development, who reflected on the impact of his and HANAC’s work across New York City to support communities in need.
The evening continued with a live band and dancing, including various Greek dances and traditions to celebrate HANAC’s roots in the Greek community. Additionally, one of HANAC’s successful youth programs, the HANAC Astoria Cornerstone Secret Society Dance Company, performed a dance routine to a “Thriller” mash-up with members of the JVL Older Adult Center. Finally, as is tradition every year, the Gala guests all sang and celebrated Mrs. Evangeline Douris’s birthday.
For more info about Hanac, please click HERE
​(see more images below)
Photo Credits:
Dorothy Shi