Orthodox Church in America recognized for 9/11 donation
On Thursday, November 15, 2007, New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) held its Annual Meeting at the Rosenthal Pavilion at the Kimmel Center, New York University. During this meeting the OCA was recognized for its generous contribution to NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable.
Much of the monies donated assist the needs of the survivors of the unnoticed victims of September 11, 2001, such as restaurant workers and housekeeping staff. Many of these victims were immigrant workers, earning wages at the poverty level. Their surviving families received no insurance compensation for their tragic loss. Other recipients are those who participated in the recovery operations six years ago and now suffer from severe illnesses due to toxic exposure at the recovery site.
Archpriest Daniel Degyansky, Rector of St John Chrysostom Church in Woodside, Queens, and a charter member of NYDIS, accepted a plaque on behalf of the Orthodox Church in America. The text of the plaque reads:
DONOR PARTNERS AWARD 2007
The Board of Directors
Of New York Disaster Interfaith Services and
The NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable Advisory Committee
Honors
ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA
For your generous contributions
That enabled the
NYC 9/11 UNMET NEEDS ROUNDTABLE
To distribute $6.8 million to 9/11 victims
Pictured are Father Daniel Degyansky with the President of the Board of Directors of NYDIS: The Rev Dr Martha R Jacobs, D Min, BCC (United Churches of Christ—National Disasters Ministries); and the Vice President of the Board of Directors: Amardeep Singh, ESQ (Sikh Coalition). Standing at the podium behind the group is Executive Director and CEO of NYDIS: Peter Gudaitis, M Div.