The Aegean Group celebrated 30 years of service
in an anniversary event and honorary awards
Athena, Monday, 11 November 2024 – In a touching event dedicated to the people who make up its "heart", the Aegean Group celebrated 30 years of uninterrupted service to the small and undeveloped islands of the Aegean. The anniversary event took place on October 10, 2024, at the emblematic "Lighthouse" of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, with the presence of more than 350 guests, including volunteers, supporters and official guests.
The event was attended and honored by, the Vice President of the Parliament, Mr. Yannis Plakiotakis, government officials, representatives of the local authorities of our islands, such as the Mayor of Lipson, Mr. Fotis Maggos, the deputy mayor of Naxos, Mr. Antonis Kovaios, o Commander of the 2nd Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Piraeus and Aegean, Mr. Christos Roilos, as well as many other officials. The event was framed with the wishes of representatives of important supporters for a number of years.
The coordination was undertaken by Journalist, Ms. Katerina Panagopoulou, while the opening speech was delivered by President of the Aegean Group, Mrs. Denise Tsimi.
In her speech, Ms. Tsimi, emphasized the dedication of all the volunteers who have been crossing the waters of the Aegean for three decades, not only with inflatable boats but also with the strength of their hearts. "The anniversary event is not just a celebration, but a tribute to all those who have contributed to the achievement of our vision - present and absent - the continuous support of the small and critical islands of the Aegean. From the first to the last volunteer, all of us together form a strong core that stands beside our islanders with selflessness and dedication. Our offering is not just a project, it is a deep commitment to the people of the islands who embrace and embrace us. Our relationship is two-way and is based on trust, solidarity and a common love for our country. Our actions are realized by the inexhaustible energy of volunteerism and the deep commitment to improving the living conditions in the island communities we support."
Honorary awards
The event had a strong element of gratitude, with the Aegean Team presenting honorary awards to companies and supporters of the event who have been helpful in its mission. In the spirit of its anniversary campaign "Waves of Love", the Aegean Group honored twelve companies, which serve the institution of giving and volunteering and consistently contribute to the support of the Aegean Group's actions.
The companies that were honored, η Motor Oil SA, Pfizer SA, Unilever SA, ELPEN SA, Bayer AE, Druckfarben Greece AE, Bright Colors AE, HOPEgenesis AMKE, Something Foundation, Mellon Technologies AE, Tsimi SA and Thomas Lianounakos, have created strong bonds of mutual trust with the Aegean Group and are, in practice, next to it in every action.
The awards were held by President, Mrs. Denise Tsimi, the General Secretary, Ms. Athina Gerolimatou and the Vice President, Mr. Sotiris Giannakakis. Ms. Tsimi specifically stated: "Your support is not only financial, it is essential. It helps us continue our work and offer more to those in need. Together we can do more."
At the same time, the founding members of the Aegean Group were honored, Mr. Manos Moschovos, Mr. Apostolos Biliris, Mr. Sakis Botonis, Mr. Petros Pourliakas, Mr. Stelios Spanos, and the first female member of the Aegean Group, Mrs. Athena Gerolimatou. Among the founding members, present were Mr. Manos Moschovos, Mr. Sakis Botonis, Mr. Stelios Spanos, and Mrs. Athena Gerolimatou, who received their honorary awards, accompanied by the first screening and presentation of the 12-minute excerpt of the anniversary documentary-dedication of the 30 Years of the Aegean Team in a broad climate of emotion and reckoning.
After the official anniversary event, a unique party followed that entertained the guests with the musical accompaniment of the band Hermaphrodite's Child. The live performance of well-known songs gave a special rhythm to the evening, offering moments of joy, dancing and inexhaustible energy that confirmed the spirit of camaraderie and enthusiasm that characterized the whole event.
An account of three decades of actions and giving
Since its inception, the Aegean Team has traveled countless nautical miles, connecting small and remote islands with medical care, educational initiatives and infrastructure projects. It stands by islanders 365 days a year, providing support and empowering local communities. This offer does not stop in the winter months, when access becomes difficult and loneliness grows. With special emphasis on educational benefits and primary care medical actions, Ms. Tsimi, Reported "Our goal is to improve living conditions in these remote parts of Greece, especially during the difficult winter months when access becomes difficult and isolation intensifies." Particular importance was given to actions that support young people, who are the hope for a vibrant and sustainable future on our islands.
In closing, Ms. Tsimi noted: "We are proud of the 30 years of continuous presence in the Aegean islands. With the inexhaustible energy of volunteering and the power of giving, we are here to continue supporting our islands, ensuring better living conditions and empowering communities. The sea may separate us, but love unites us and makes us a family."
The Aegean Team warmly thanks all the volunteers, donors and supporters who stand by it every step of the way. With the strength of these 30 years, we continue to create "Waves of Love" and look with optimism to the future, remaining true to our mission to serve the islanders with all our souls.
A future full of "Waves of Love"
With the strength of these 30 years and looking to the horizon, the Aegean Team continues to renew its commitment to more missions, projects and actions that will bring "Waves of Love" to every corner of the Aegean. Looking to the future, the Aegean Group renews its commitment to even more new actions. With our forces united, we continue to create "Waves of Love" for our small and unspoiled islands, ensuring that no one feels isolated, staying true to our mission to serve the islanders with all our souls.
Event Sponsors
The 30th anniversary event was held with the support of the companies 369 Audio Visual, VIKOS, Bright Colors , BRIX, Koumentakis & Associates Law Firm, Mellon Technologies A.E., PIXI, theAdesigners, Tsimis SA
About the Aegean Team
The Aegean Group is an urban non-profit company that for over 30 years has been offering medical services, infrastructure projects, as well as educational, cultural, environmental and social awareness activities to the small and remote islands of the Aegean. Its purpose is to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of small and remote islands.
