Humanitarian Gala for Lifeline Hellas at the Hotel Grand Bretagne

Athens 29 April 2004. Last night Lifeline Hellas whose patron is HRH Crown Princess Katherine hosted a magnificent humanitarian function that was extremely well supported by so many people. The gala took place at the Grand Bretagne Hotel in the centre of Athens.

The hosts of this special night were HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and HRH Princess Katherine of Yugoslavia who welcomed many personalities of the Athens society who greatly contributed to the success of this evening. Greece has always been so good to assist the humanitarian situation in Serbia and Montenegro.

The objective of this Gala evening was to raise funds for the acquisition of medical equipment of vital importance which will contribute to the neonatal and gynecological departments of the Hospitals in Serbia and Montenegro. Sadly this area has the highest percentage of infant mortality in Europe.

The Grand Ballroom of the Grande Bretagne was beautifully decorated with spring in mind and round tables named after spring flowers. Guests were warmly welcomed by the member of the Board of Lifeline Hellas Mr. John Trikardos.

The magnificent Academic Choir “Collegium Musicum” from Belgrade interpreted famous musical pieces from Serbia and Montenegro and Greece.

After dinner, HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and HRH Princess Katherine extended greetings followed by a projection of a documentary film about the serious humanitarian situation and needs in Serbia and Montenegro. Speeches were given by Dr. John Papadatos, Director of the Intensive Care Unit of the Children Hospital in Athens “A. Kiriakou”, Vice President of the PNOE Association of Greece described his impressions from his visit to Belgrade hospitals as well as the renown Greek medical Professors S. Georgaras, K. Konstantinidis and Aris Antsaklis.

Lifeline is under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine who was appointed by the Ministry of Health of the former Federal Government of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Serbia as the Official Coordinator for the humanitarian and health needs of the country.

Among the guests who came was the special representative of Greek Orthodox Church His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos. The Ambassadors of United States of America, Belgium, Italy, Chile, Ghana and of course Serbia and Montenegro and Ambassador Mr Dusan Batakovic. The Vice Mayor of Athens Mrs. Kelly Mpourdara, the Secretary of Minister of Health Mrs. Gianna Despotopoulou and the President of ELPA Mr. Vassilis Despotopoulos.