LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Damon Villnave upon the occasion
of being named a Distinguished Finalist in the 20th Annual Prudential
Spirit of Community Awards program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those
outstanding students within our communities whose volunteerism serves as
inspiration to their friends, family and peers; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and
pay tribute to the youth of today, the leaders of tomorrow, whose char-
acter and achievements exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Damon Villnave of Clay, New York, upon the occasion of being named
a Distinguished Finalist in the 20th Annual Prudential Spirit of Commu-
nity Awards program; and
WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995 by
Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of
Secondary School Principals, are designed to emphasize the importance of
service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to
the well-being of their communities; and
WHEREAS, The prestigious Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program
recognizes young people across the United States for their exemplary
volunteer activities and commitment to community; more than 100,000
volunteers have been honored at the local, state and national level
since the program's beginning; and
WHEREAS, Damon Villnave was named a top youth volunteer in New York
State for 2015, in the 20th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community
Awards, based on his strong commitment to service, personal initiative
and growth, and community impact; and
WHEREAS, Now a sixth-grader at Gillette Road Middle School, Damon
Villnave was just seven years old when he decided to directly help those
in need, after seeing a local news story about the growing homeless
population in Central New York; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Damon Villnave launched his "DJ's Gift of Warmth"
blanket drive, and in the first year alone, his drive collected more
than 280 blankets; Damon started up collection events at his school and
at his church, and he used social and mass media tools to promote his
charitable mission; and
WHEREAS, To date, Damon Villnave has collected more than 2,500 blan-
kets and $2,000 to support the Syracuse Rescue Mission; his annual "DJ's
Gift of Warmth" blanket drive has been so successful that the Syracuse
Rescue Mission has been able to donate some of the excess blankets to
other branches throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Damon Villnave also received the Youth Service Amer-
ica Award for his outstanding volunteer efforts; and
WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great meas-
ure, upon the dedication of young people like Damon Villnave, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Damon Villnave,
commending him for his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service, recognizing the value of his labors
and the promise of his future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and to congratulate the founder of "DJ's Gift of Warmth,"
Damon Villnave of Clay, New York, upon the occasion of being named a

Distinguished Finalist in the 20th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community
Awards program; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Damon Villnave.