30 Years of “The Smile of the Child” Anniversary event in Thessaloniki

PRESS RELEASE

Thessaloniki, March 19, 2026

30 Years of “The Smile of the Child”

Anniversary event in Thessaloniki

“Smile” shines in the sky over the city in a spectacular drone show

Continuing the activities for the completion of its 30 years of action all around Greece, “The Smile of the Child” held an anniversary event at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, moderated by journalist Panagiotis Krinis. 

Representatives of state, political, institutional bodies, representatives of local government, supporters, volunteers, sponsors of the Organization were present and attended a retrospective of the wondrous and unique journey of “The Smile,” which began with 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos and reached today, having supported 2,348,859 children and having managed 5,417,310 calls to the Organization’s Help and Support Lines. Deputy Minister for Mental Health, Mr. Dimitris Vartzopoulos, also sent his greetings via video.

In a particularly emotional atmosphere, Costas Yannopoulos presented a moving retrospective, which began with his son Andreas’s childhood diary, continued with the difficulties, the challenges and the journey that “The Smile of the Child” has followed, the successes and the imprint it has left on Greek society and internationally.

Special mention was made to the Organization’s presence and action in Thessaloniki and generally in Northern Greece. “Thessaloniki was not simply another stop for ‘The Smile of the Child.’ It has been, from the beginning, a second heart of our mission. The next chapter of our presence in Northern Greece will include new initiatives and important actions. Actions that society needs. We are planning to operate a Holistic Support Center for Children, Youth and Families in the Forest of the Municipality of Oreokastro, in a wonderful building donated by the Georgiadis couple in memory of their son. We have already created a Regional Network in collaboration with and under the coordination of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region. An excellent good practice that is already being followed by other Regions throughout Greece.”

Costas Yannopoulos concluded with a promise and a huge thank you: “Today I want to say a big thank you. First to my Andreas, who is beside me in every moment of my life, who shows me the way, who guides me with his light. Thank you to all of you, the employees, volunteers, supporters, people who silently support, every day, this work. Without you, nothing would be possible. Today, with you, I renew the promise I gave Andreas, 30 years ago. For as long as I exist, for as long as we exist, “The Smile of the Child” will continue, faithful to his idea. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Next, Xenia Kourtoglou, Founder of Resilience Expert at Focus Bari A.E., presented the recent nationwide survey, which it conducted pro bono for the Organization, illuminating its imprint on citizens and families. “The findings are unique, impressive and particularly moving. The overwhelming majority of respondents feel the long-term and spectacular presence of The Smile and acknowledge its work. 74% express complete confidence in the work and effectiveness of the Organization, while it is worth noting that 16% of those surveyed stated that they themselves or someone in their surroundings have benefited in practice from the Smile, a percentage that translates into 1.5 million Greeks. In closing, please remember that the view of the Greek people is such that 63% would recommend the ‘Smile’ to people in need, to find a solution to the problem they are dealing with! This love and trust is evident in everyone’s wishes and expectations for the coming years. ‘The Smile of the Child’ has no choice. It must continue its work with the same passion, the same love, the same effectiveness, the same professionalism, everywhere, wherever there is a need, for every child!”

This was followed by a moving panel, which highlighted the human side of the Organization’s contribution through unique life stories:

• Maria Hadio, mother of 18-year-old Katerina, who is suffering from a rare disease, spoke with eyes full of tears about the support her family has received from the Pediatric Home Care program.
• Nikos Hondrogiannis, adoptive daddy of 13-year-old Nur Foti and 10-year-old Oasim Vasili, shared his heartbreaking experience of adopting the two boys who were growing up in one of the Organization’s Homes, in Kalamaria, emphasizing the respect and love his family maintain with “The Smile.”
• Penelope Arvaniti, Social Worker with the Organization since 2020, shared her experience with the battle of everyday life at one of the 15 Support Centers for Vulnerable Children, Youth and Families, representing the hundreds of employees that give their best selves.

The evening culminated with the awarding of the “Andreas Yannopoulos” Award to two personalities whose lives have been linked to Andreas and his vision.

Through a live link to the set of the Radio Arvila show, the award was given to Antonis Kanakis. The presenter, on both a personal level and through his shows, has supported the work of the Organization “The Smile of the Child” for years with respect, dignity and discretion.

Costas Yannopoulos, accompanied by Panos Sombolos, presented the award to Ms. Natela Meschisvili, mother of 11-year-old Alex, who was murdered in 2006. This tragedy led to the creation of Amber Alert Hellas, saving countless children’s lives since then. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend the event due to prior commitments.

The event concluded with the musical ensemble TRINITY ELECTRIC STRING TRIO.

In closing, Panagiotis Krinis invited the attendees to watch an impressive drone show by the company Grizzly Entertainment, which it designed and implemented it pro bono, paintng in the sky of Thessaloniki symbols and messages for the 30^th anniversary of the Organization.

“The Smile of the Child” warmly thanks the National Foundation for the Deaf and interpreters Ms. Sokolaki and Ms. Angelou, who undertook the interpretation of the event in sign language pro bono.

“The Smile of the Child” warmly thanks all of the event’s sponsors and supporters, who continue to believe and invest in Andreas’s vision.

Event sponsors:

• PAVLIDIS MARBLES – GRANITES
• NEWLIFE IVF GREECE
• SKY EXPRESS, EXCLUSIVE AIR CARRIER FOR THE “SMILE”

Event supporters:

• 360
• 3E COCA COLA
• ALPHA SOUND LIGHT AND SOUND
• BISKAS SIGNS PRINTING
• EVENTORA
• FOCUS BARI
• GEORGE SALAGIANNIS PHOTOGRAPHY
• LIVE MEDIA
• MEDITERRANEAN PALACE HOTEL
• ONOMA HOTEL - ANATOLIA HOSPITALITY
• PARK HOTEL
• PLAISIR CATERING ΑLLEGRO
• PLATEIA PARKING
• PORTO PALACE HOTEL
• QUEEN OLGA HOTEL
• NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE DEAF AND INTERPRETERS MS. SOKOLAKI AND MS. ANGELOU
• BROTHERS IN LAW RESTAURANTS
• PIZZA GRECA RESTAURANT
• ANOPOLIS RESTAURANT
• DIABASI RESTAURANT
• KTIMA GEROVASILIOU
• MIKRO KTIMA TITOS
• PANTAZIS FLORIST - FLOWERS AND PLANTS SINCE 1939

More photographic material here.

Watch the event here. 

6