ABOUT ELPIDA
Elpida Autism Foundation (Elpida Gala) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that was established in 2014.
Raised approximately $550,000 to benefit those impacted by autism.
OUR VISION
Elpida's ultimate goal is a short term respite care facility and long term sustainable housing establishment.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our goal as a foundation is to continue to increase autism awareness and acceptance,
provide monetary support for research and development,
and to provide much needed support for programs that help young people living on the spectrum
an opportunity to discover what they do best in order to live a fulfilled life.
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Elpida started with a conversation between my wife, my cousin and I. We wanted to think of ways that we could give back to those who help people living with autism. After a while we came up with the early concept of the Elpida Gala, which has now become our main annual event where we have one grand night of speeches, entertainment, food, and fundraising, all for autism.
Since our inception in 2014, we have hosted several annual events that have raised approximately $400,000. Holland Bloorview Autism Research Centre and Integrated Services and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) are among the recipients of previous galas. This money has assisted these organizations in providing essential services to assist families and individuals living with autism of all ages.
Our growth has been incredible for a young organization as we became a charitable organization in March 2017. Every year we dream to go beyond the last, and it’s because of you, the donators, the supporters, the families, the people living with autism, that we are able to do more than dream, but achieve.
On behalf of the entire Elpida team, thank you for doing what you do to make us great and I look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Themy Koutrakos
Co-Founder and President
Themy Koutrakos
Paula Koutrakos
Nick Zarafonitis
Peter Kerasiotis
BOARD OF DIRECTORS