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The developer of the proposed mosque and cultural center near Ground Zero began fund raising for the controversial project Friday, collecting $10,000 in pledges following a well-attended prayer service at the downtown site.
"We've established a not-for-profit entity as of this week and as of now we are able to start fund raising and start collecting money on behalf of the project," said Sharif El-Gamal, head of SoHo Properties, following Friday's service.
The abrupt fund-raising effort followed religious services Friday and came at the end of a muddled event that drew a media mob, police officers and sign-wielding protesters and supporters to the site.
Mr. El-Gamal pleaded with the worshipers leaving the Park51 center for funds for the $100 million project. "Who's going to be the first person that's going to pledge 5,000 dollars? Don't be shy," he intoned. Invoking Muslims' holy fasting month of Ramadan, he added, "This is the month of giving."