To most effectively administer the Fund, contributions are being dispersed in consultation with contributors and other industry organizations sponsoring similar efforts, and guided by the Building Foundation’s Board of Governors.
“The inspiration for this fund was the overwhelming desire expressed by many of our colleagues, particularly Alan Traugott of Flack & Kurtz, to help those in our industry who have been harmed by this brutal attack,” said Building Congress Chairman Jeffrey M. Levy,
President and COO of EMCOR Group, Inc. “With this vehicle, we hope to galvanize the industry’s support and bring some relief to those who have most accutely felt the impact of this horrible event.”

“One of the primary goals of the Building Foundation has always been to assist New York City and its residents through philanthropic activities that take advantage of the expertise of our members,” said New York Building Foundation Chairman John F. Hennessy III, Chairman and CEO of Syska & Hennessy, Inc. “Now, we are faced with an unimaginable tragedy that requires more than our professional skills. It requires our empathy, our compassion, and our support of the families of our friends in the industry and beyond whose jobs may have cost them their lives.” Mr. Hennessy noted that the first contribution to the Fund in the amount of $10,000 was pledged, on his firm’s behalf, by Leevi Kiil, Chairman & CEO of HLW International LLP.

Contributions collected from more than 150 donors have raised $200,000 to date. In addition to underwriting gifts presented at the Building Congress Remembrance and Recognition Dinner on October 25 (see article starting on page 1), the Fund is also awarding gifts to the families of the more than 50 employees from Building Congress member firms that were lost in the attack. These include, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, P.C., the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (non-uniformed workers), Structure-Tone, Inc., and Washington Infrastructure Services, Inc. The Fund will also underwrite a worksite memorial for these firms.
The New York Building Foundation was formed in 1998 to promote the long-term growth and well being of the industry through a program of research, educational and philanthropic activities. The Foundation’s World Trade Center Memorial Fund continues to accept donations.

Checks should be made payable to

NYBF World Trade Center Memorial Fund

and mailed to:

New York Building Foundation
c/o New York Building Congress,
44 West 28th Street, 12th floor, New York, New York, 10001.

For more information, contact Richard T. Anderson, President, at (212) 481-9230.