30 YEARS OF “THE SMILE OF THE CHILD” Anniversary Event at the Athens Conservatory | 11th November 2025

30 YEARS OF “THE SMILE OF THE CHILD”

Anniversary Event at the Athens Conservatory | 11th November 2025

“The Smile of the Child” honored its 10-year-old founder, Andreas Giannopoulos, and presented the “Andreas Giannopoulos Award” to individuals who have shaped its course over the 30 years during which it has supported 2,348,859 children nationwide and handled 5,417,310 calls through the four Help and Support Lines it operates.

People who grew up within the Organization, who were supported by it and who today are forging remarkable professional and personal paths, spoke about “The Smile of the Child.” The nationwide survey conducted pro bono by Focus Bari was also presented, showing that 74% of Greeks consider “The Smile” to be the most reliable organization, and 63% would recommend it to people in need!

In the packed “Ioannis Despotopoulos” amphitheater at the Athens Conservatory, with deep emotion and gratitude, the anniversary event celebrating 30 years of nationwide contribution by “The Smile of the Child” took place on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, coordinated by journalist Ritsa Bizogli.

Representatives of state, political, and institutional bodies, local government officials, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors attended and watched a retrospective of the amazing and unique 30-year journey of “The Smile,” which began with 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos and reached the present day, having supported 2,348,859 children.

In a particularly emotional atmosphere, Costas Yannopoulos delivered a moving reflection, beginning with his son Andreas’s childhood diary and continuing through the difficult and challenging course that “The Smile of the Child” followed—its successes and its impact on Greek society and internationally. Mr. Yannopoulos concluded with a promise and a heartfelt expression of thanks:

     “Today I want to say a huge thank you. First to my Andreas, who is by my side every moment of my life, who shows me the way, who guides me with his light. A thank you to all of you—the employees, volunteers, supporters, the people who silently support this work every day. Without you, none of it would be possible. Today, with you, I renew the promise I made to Andreas 30 years ago. As long as I exist, as long as we exist, ‘The Smile of the Child’ will go on, faithful to its mission. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Next, Xenia Kourtoglou, Founder and Managing Partner of Focus Bari S.A., presented the recent nationwide survey conducted pro bono for the Organization, highlighting its impact on citizens and families:
“The findings are unique, impressive, and deeply moving. The vast majority of respondents sense the long-standing and remarkable presence of The Smile and acknowledge its work. Seventy-four percent (74%) express absolute trust in the Organization’s work and effectiveness while, notably, 16% stated that they or someone close to them have personally benefited from The Smile—equivalent to 1.5 million Greeks. Finally, please keep in mind that the view of the Greek people is such that 63% would recommend ‘The Smile’ to people in need, to help them find a solution to their problem! This love and trust are evident in their wishes and expectations for the years to come. ‘The Smile of the Child’ has no choice—it must continue its work with the same passion, love, effectiveness, and professionalism, everywhere, wherever there is need, for every child!”

A particularly touching discussion followed between Ritsa Bizogli and two young women, Anik and Maria Christina, who grew up in a home of “The Smile” and who today lead meaningful professional and personal lives, with strength and a smile! They spoke about the support, love, and care they received from the people of The Smile, the protection and support they continue to receive today, as members of this large and unique family, whom they make proud every day! The discussion concluded with Vera, childhood friend of Andreas and now an employee of the Organization, who spoke about her life and explained how Andreas and “The Smile” shaped her path both personally and professionally. As Maria Christina noted:
“It’s not just us—there are 2 million children like us. We are the proof of The Smile’s work over these 30 years.”

Costas Yannopoulos presented the Andreas Yannopoulos Award to four exceptional individuals whose lives became connected to Andreas shortly before he passed away, and who have since remained committed to the vision and the promise they gave, to support “The Smile of the Child”:

• The Andreas Yannopoulos Award to journalist Giorgos Papadakis, who supported Andreas’s wish from the very first moment and helped make it come true.
• The Andreas Yannopoulos Award to journalist and TV host Zina Koutselini, who has consistently supported “The Smile of the Child,” making Andreas’ vision come true.
• The Andreas Yannopoulos Award to Panagiotis Giannakis, a wonderful person and exceptional athlete but, above all, Andreas’s best friend, who brought beauty to his most difficult moments!
• The Andreas Yannopoulos Award to neurosurgeon Giorgos Sfakianos, a remarkable doctor who has saved thousands of children and who stood by Andreas’s side with such love and care.
• Mrs. Klelia Hatzigiannou was also honored for her long-standing and invaluable support of the Organization’s 30-year work.

A particularly important moment was the screening of a tribute to Christos Kammilatos, with Costas Yannopoulos announcing the renaming of the Organization’s Center for Health Services in his memory. Christos Kammilatos was instrumental in the journey of “The Smile,” a unique person and doctor, member of the Board, who served children tirelessly and who passed away a few months ago. As Costas Yannopoulos stated:
“The phrase ‘no one is irreplaceable’ does not apply to our Christos… no one can fill the void he left.”

The event concluded with the Spyros Lambros Children’s Choir.

Ritsa Bizogli closed the evening by expressing warm thanks to all who participated and continue to support the work of “The Smile of the Child.”

More photos can be found here.

 “The Smile of the Child” warmly thanks the event’s sponsors:

• 360
• DDB ATHENS
• DIASTASIS
• EUROINS
• EVENTORA
• FOCUS BARI
• PHOTOSHOP COMPANY
• TOPCUT MODIANO
• VIKOS
• DEIPNOSOFISTIRIO
• KTIMA KYR-GIANNI

For more information:
The Smile of the Child | Email: press@hamogelo.gr | www.hamogelo.gr