In 2008, Leadership 100, in response to the current economic crisis and its effect on its Endowment Fund, formed the Leadership 100 Grant Fund to fund its prior grant commitments and resume future grant distributions. Headed by Charles H. Cotros, a member of the Executive Committee, the special fund was initiated with a challenge grant of $250,000 by Michael Jaharis, a Founder of Leadership 100, and raised more than $1 million from members to fund the Leadership 100 Scholarship for Excellence Program at Holy Cross School of Theology in 2009.

Stephen G. Yeonas, Chairman of Leadership 100, said the development put the organization on a steady course for the future, especially since membership has now reached 820 with events planned in 2009 to recruit more members. “The positive action of our Board will allow Leadership 100 to continue support of the National Ministries of our Greek Orthodox Church while continuing scholarships to prepare our priests, fund technology infrastructure at Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology and provide assistance to our Retired Clergy in Need through 2010,” he said.

The night before the Board meeting, Leadership 100 members and prospects, 60 in all, were hosted once again at Kellari’s Parea in the Gramercy Park section of New York City, to continue the 25th Anniversary Membership Campaign into 2009, with a goal of 50 members. Last year, a similar event helped the 2008 goal reach 50 new members. Peter J. Pappas, Membership Chairman for the Direct Archdiocesan District and co-owner of the restaurant with James, George and Peter Pantelidis, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Pappas welcomed members and prospects from throughout the New York region, as well as from the Midwest and West Coast, introducing many of the young professional Leadership 100 Partners. Also in attendance was the President of the Hellenic Medical Society, Dr. George Tsioulias.

Pappas introduced the other speakers, including Michael Bapis, Chairman of the Leadership 100 Partners Program, John A. Payiavlas and George D. Behrakis, Chairmen Emeriti, Paulette Poulos, Executive Director (Interim), and Stephen G. Yeonas, Leadership 100 Chairman. Gus Caras, Leadership 100, Vice Chairman, and Kassandra Romas, Secretary also attended.