SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Bay Area’s esteemed Elios Charitable Foundation presented the debut of their highly successful The Hellenic Social Club benefit evening on Saturday, April 25 at the iconic Bimbo’s 365 Club, located in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach. The vibrant evening celebrating Greek heritage, philanthropy and community was hosted by international social media sensation, Greek-American actress, digital content producer, and comedian— with one million collective followers across all her platforms— Arianna Papalexopoulos.
The Elios Charitable Foundation presented the prestigious ‘Spotlight Award’ to Angeline Saris, a renowned and highly sought-after bass player, songwriter and educator, whose career credits include touring with Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Todd Rundgren and guitar virtuoso Adrian Belew on the 2022 Celebration of Bowie Tour; with Grammy Award-winning producer and drummer Narada Michael Walden; jazz-ska-reggae legend Ernest Ranglin; and the all-female Zeppelin tribute band, Zepparella. Most recently, she appeared on Carlos Santana’s new album ‘Sentient’ and joined Jerry Garcia Band’s organist Melvin Seals with the Jason Crosby Collective.
The evening’s host, Arianna Papalexopoulos was also presented with the “Spotlight Award” by San Francisco Consul General of Greece Grigorios Tassiopoulos for her popular and celebrated work both online and on stage throughout North America and abroad. Filmmaker, photographer, musician, and Arianna’s brother, Alexi Papalexopoulos, surprised her on stage as he formally introduced her and the history of the prestigious award.
The distinguished guests included George and Judy Marcus; Kenny and Angie Frangadakis; California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and husband Markos Kounalakis; Greek Consul General Grigorios Tassiopoulos and wife Kayci Bi Tassiopoulos; ‘Spotlight Awardees’, musician Angeline Saris and social media sensation Arianna Papalexopoulos; Elios Charitable Foundation Chair John Gumas and spouse, Janice Gumas; Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas; KRON TV Anchor Vicki Liviakis and Randy Fry; entertainer Renée Lubin; brothers Bobby and Dimitri Vardakastanis; Steve and Judy Padis; Byron and Stephanie Scordelis; Paul and Eve Sogotis, along with event co-chairs Frosene Phillips and Anthony Saris.
Proceeds from the evening benefit the Elios Charitable Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to sustaining and enriching Hellenic cultural life through education, the arts, and community engagement. Elios Charitable Foundation Officers are: John Gumas, President & Chair; Patrick Mockler, Vice President; John Costouros, Secretary; Michael Kasolas, Treasurer; and Caterina Vasil Peterson, Executive Director.
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