The Washington based, American Hellenic Institute (AHI), a non-profit organization that provides a joint program for strengthening United States relations with Greece and Cyprus and within the American Hellenic community celebrated the accomplishments of a select group of Greek American community's finest this year at its 34th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. on March 14, 2009 at a gala at the Capital Hilton (1001 16th Street NW). The black-tie event began with a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and awards ceremony.

This year's honorees included:

    * Cat Cora, acclaimed chef, philanthropist & author
    * Dr. George P. Tsetsekos, dean of the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University
    * George Pelecanos, renowned crime novelist
    * U.S.Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis of the 9th Congressional District of Florida (R)
    * John G. Rangos, Sr., philanthropist and successful businessman
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George Stephanopoulos, ABC News Chief Washington correspondent and anchor of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," emceed the event.

AHI's awards dinner is the crowning event during a weekend of activities that include a Greek Embassy dinner, hosted by Greece's Ambassador to the U.S. Alexandros Mallias and his wife which took place on March 13. Saturday's event kicked off with a breakfast and presentation by CBS News Correspondent Thalia Assuras at the Capital Hilton, followed by an Open House Reception at AHI headquarters.

Each year, AHI hosts this fundraising event to pay tribute to the accomplishments of a select group of Greek Americans and philhellenes. These individuals are recognized for their important career achievements, and for their contributions to the Greek American community and to American society at large.

Previous notable honorees have included: award winning actresses Olympia Dukakis, Melina Kanakaredes, Vice President Joseph Biden, world-renowned musician Yanni, former CIA Director George Tenet, George Stephanopoulos, Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairman James N. Gianopulos, Washington Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis, Baltimore Orioles Owner Peter Angelos and former U.S Senator Paul Sarbanes.