LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Get
Together, an event sponsored by the South Buffalo Community Table

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 25th Anniversary of the Get Together, an event sponsored by
the South Buffalo Community Table; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Sister Mary Celeste O'Bryan,
the South Buffalo Community Table has been providing food and fellowship
to the hungry and less fortunate members of its community for 25 years;
the only soup kitchen located in South Buffalo, the organization serves
dinner to hungry people seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, During a sabbatical, Sister Mary Celeste O'Bryan volunteered
her time and energies at the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen on Main
Street in Buffalo; at the same time, she was asked to represent the
Sisters of Mercy at the South Buffalo Ecumenical Association meetings
and discovered that the organization was exploring the possibility of
starting a South Buffalo Soup Kitchen; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1983, Sister Mary Celeste O'Bryan accepted the
esteemed rank of Director of the South Buffalo Community Table (SBCT),
presently located at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church; after 33 years of
dedicated service, she will officially retire from this position in
2016; and
WHEREAS, Under her luminous leadership, the South Buffalo Community
Table, has grown to be one of South Buffalo's flagship organizations,
serving nearly 20,000 meals every year to the homeless and needy in the
area; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, the SBCT started the Get Together, a special event
meant to create great family fun and support those in need at the same
time; with the help of Neil Farrell and numerous helping hands and
volunteers, Sister Mary Celeste O'Bryan has been instrumental in making
the event a monumental success; and
WHEREAS, Many great bands, such as the Stone Bridge Band, have
graciously played at every Get Together event since its inception; and
WHEREAS, The Get Together event allows every person to have a substan-
tial role in the betterment of his or her community, no matter their
talents; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those individ-
uals and organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of
their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excel-
lence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Get Together, an event sponsored
by the South Buffalo Community Table; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Mary Celeste O'Bryan, Director, South Buffalo Communi-
ty Table.