The Greek America Foundation for Education transformed the elegant James Burden Mansion in New York City into a festive Greek mardi gras celebration on March 5. The sold-out, 2016 Blue Ball was billed as a Venetian-style masquerade and casino night.
Guests from all over the U.S. and Canada came dressed to the nines in masks and costumes to support Kivotos Tou Kosmou (translated as “ark of the world”), a non-profit organization that supports at-risk children in Greece.
As reported in the Pappas Post, the extravaganza included food by the Michelin two-star (2015) Periyali restaurant in Manhattan, with libations provided by Nerai Restaurant, Thalia wine from Crete via Toronto’s Kolonaki Group, and desserts created by Georgetown Cupcake’s sister-owners Katherine and Sophie Kallinis.
In addition to casino games for prizes, the evening also included a silent auction of Greek-inspired items, hotel packages, artwork, and high-quality Greek olive oil, among many others. Guests also left with gift bags filled with a host of Greek items, including a tin of Costa Navarino extra virgin olive oil.
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