The Theotokos Foundation’s Support Dinner was successfully held
The Theotokos Foundation, a charitable institution for the protection of children and young people with developmental disorders, held its Support Dinner for its work, titled «An Evening of Purpose», on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the Foundation’s garden in Ilion.
The event was an institutional evening dedicated to inclusion, scientific care, and the creation of equal opportunities for children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Friends, supporters, donors, partners, representatives of the State, organizations, and Local Government, representatives of the business and art world, members of the academic community, as well as active members of civil society, attended the event, despite the difficult weather conditions of the day, highlighting the broad social impact and support for the Foundation’s work, as well as the importance of collective contribution to an effort with a significant social footprint.
Among those present were the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, and the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Ms. Niki Kerameus, who delivered greetings. The main speech of the evening was given by the President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Mr. Panagis Karellas. Greetings were also delivered by Mr. Dimitrios Kokkinis, Captain H.N. and Ms. Athanasia Alonistioti, Associate Professor of Informatics and Technology at NKUA, representing the Rector Mr. Gerasimos Siasos. The event was coordinated by Journalist Ms. Matina Ventoura.
At the heart of the evening was the enduring mission of Theotokos Foundation, which, from 1954 until today, stands by children, young people, and families, constantly evolving its services and interventions. Today, the Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive Center for Neurodiversity in the country, with more than 100 specialized scientists and professionals supporting approximately 400 beneficiaries and their families daily.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, stated, among other things: “At Theotokos Foundation, our fellow citizens give from the abundance of their pockets, but also their hearts, to put social solidarity and love into practice. By changing ourselves, we become better, so that our society and Greece can become better. For this reason, Theotokos Foundation truly deserves many congratulations, as it has been present in the field of social contribution for decades in an exemplary manner.”
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Ms. Niki Kerameus, emphasized: “Theotokos Foundation is a model institution in Greece and Europe, in the field of intellectual and developmental disability. I spent many summers as a child when my grandmother Domini Sarri, then President of the Foundation, would take me with her to understand what
The President of the Board of Directors of Theotokos Foundation, Mr. Panagis Karellas, said in his speech: “We are not just asking you to support Theotokos Foundation. We are inviting you to participate in a mission. To invest in a model that demonstrably changes lives. To be fellow travelers in an effort that produces real social impact. Our commitment is one: Every donation, every euro, returns to our society as justice, as hope, as culture.”
Ms. Athanasia Alonistioti, representing the Rector of NKUA, Mr. Gerasimos Siasos, stated, among other things: “At the University of Athens, we believe that knowledge gains its greatest value when it is transformed into social contribution. Through the Memorandum of Understanding between NKUA and Theotokos Foundation, we aspire to develop joint research and educational activities, to utilize the capabilities of science and technology for the benefit of individuals with developmental disorders, and to create new prospects that will enhance their quality of life, social inclusion, and equal participation in society.”
During the event, the Foundation’s next goals were also presented, among which stand out the planned operation, in 2028, of a supported living community, which will offer people with developmental disorders a framework of safety, autonomy, and support, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding with NKUA, for the development of joint research and educational activities that will utilize science and technology for the benefit of neurodiversity, social inclusion, and the improvement of beneficiaries’ quality of life.
Also present at the event, among others, were the Secretary General of Demographic and Housing Policy of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, Mr. Konstantinos Gloumis-Atsalakis, Member of Parliament for Athens A’, Mr. Angelos Syrigos, Member of Parliament for Athens B2′ Western Sector, Ms. Maria Syrengela, Member of Parliament for Athens B2′ Western Sector, Ms. Nadia Giannakopoulou, Member of Parliament for Athens B1′ Northern Sector, Mr. Dimitris Kairidis, Press Representative of the Attica Region, Mr. Konstantinos Zompos, former MEP, Mr. Miltiadis Kyrkos, Ambassador (honorary) and President of Special Olympics Hellas, Mr. Dionysios Kodellas, National Director of Special Olympics Hellas, Ms. Artemida Vasilikopoulou, President of the Charitable Foundation “Estia Agios Nikolaos”, Ms. Giovanna Kampouri, President of the Hellenic-Ukrainian Chamber, Mr. Nikos Kostopoulos, and President of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber, Mr. Ioannis Tsamichas.
