Hellenic Bar Associatin of Illinois Honors John Manos at 2020 Virtual Scholarship Ball

John G. Manos

The Hellenic Bar Association Foundation (HBAF) honored as Hellene of the Year, John G. Manos, President of Bank Financial, philanthropist and youth advocate, who is a member of the Leadership 100 Board of Trustees,  at  its virtual Scholarship Ball on November 7.

In honor of the foundation’s 70th Anniversary, the theme of this year's Ball was Continuing the Legacy, highlighting distinguished Greek Americans who have contributed in a significant way to the preservation and advancement of Hellenism.  During the event, HBAF awarded $60,000 in total to six law school students.

Other honors included the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to United Hellenic Voters of America and Dr. Dimitrios Kyriazopoulos; the Lawyer of the Year award, given to Georgia Loukas Demeros, partner at the law firm of Thompson Coburn LLP in Chicago; and the Professional Achievement Award, given to Annie Diamantidis, luxury accessories designer.

Reflecting the ever-increasing trend of hosting virtual events due to COVID-19 measures, the virtual Scholarship Ball allowed guests to attend from the comfort and safety of their own homes, said Koula A. Fournier, HBA President.

For the past 70 years, the HBAF through its annual ball has been committed to awarding scholarships to deserving law students of Hellenic descent. Despite this year’s challenges, HBAF successfully raised enough funds to support six scholarships, highlighting the generosity of the Hellenic community.