It is a great privilege for my family and I to join those individuals who have made the “Giving Pledge” to share our good fortune and the gifts bestowed upon us with those who do not enjoy a healthy, happy and safe life. All of us must recognize the component of “luck in life” as a force that allows our journey here on earth to flourish and grow, or be denied.

I was born in Greece and came to the United States at the age of ten. My sister, brother and I were the beneficiaries of hard working and dedicated parents whose toil and sacrifice enabled us to live and flourish in this country of unlimited opportunity. Their dream of making a better life for their children has been fulfilled. Realizing that I have worked hard to be blessed with my achievements, without God’s gifts to me, and the love, support and encouragement of my parents, where would I truly be?

How many children are born ill, or into circumstances that never give them even the hope, never mind the guidance, to allow them to nurture or develop their natural gifts of intelligence, health, curiosity, passion and the fulfillment of accomplishment. And, how about the young soldier who is maimed or killed to protect our way of life and enable us to pursue our potential?

The true measure of who we are and the ultimate fulfillment we can enjoy is based on how we share our gifts with the multitudes of our fellow human beings who live their lives without hope. Sharing our good fortune with others allows our legacy and purpose to become lasting and meaningful. Unconditional giving of ourselves, and what we have, reflects a nobility of spirit which reaches out and binds all of us.

My wife, Marianne, and my sons, Evan and Daren, have been an integral part of my life’s joy and success. I am proud, more about our family’s sense of goodwill, compassion and love, than of wealth building. The latter is exciting and challenging, but without the desire to help or try to make a difference in the lives of those far less fortunate, there is an emptiness of “purpose” in more wealth and material possessions. One who cannot “feel” this sense of “purpose”, will truly arrive at the end of this life’s journey quite empty.

The causes are many, but if we can work more closely together through the “Giving Pledge” and pool our incredible talents, knowledge and commitment and strive to create sustainability through education, medical research, more responsible and transparent governments, clean water, and better stewardship of our planet and natural resources, we will make a difference and be an example to future generations.

My family is proud to join the distinguished group of global leaders committed to improving our world, and pledge to share the majority of my wealth in support of this most worthy endeavor.