The Executive Committee of Leadership 100, meeting on Friday, June 20, 2014, unanimously approved a special gift of $1 million toward the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, to be designated as the St. Nicholas National Shrine, according to George Tsandikos, Chairman. In addition, the Executive Committee approved an appeal to Leadership 100 members to make individual gifts.

“Taken together our goal is to raise several million dollars in support of what is a truly historic undertaking by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that will commemorate the sacrifices of September 11 while making visible our Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Heritage,” said Tsandikos.

The Archdiocese has embarked upon a strategic capital development program to raise more than $35 million for the construction portion of the project, as well as for additional funding forecasted into the future to maintain and support the Shrine after construction.

The funding plan includes a complement of New York State, family and private foundations, major gift individuals, grass roots fundraising and energy and infrastructure funding that includes individuals and institutions connected with the Greek Orthodox Church, the culture and identity of the Greek American community, those for whom 9/11 was a transformational moment, those of other faiths and corporations and foundations committed to rebuilding efforts in the wake of 9/11.