Senate Resolution No. 5355

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Making the Impossible Possible, Inc.
upon the occasion of hosting its 7th Annual Power of
Partnerships, Scholarship and Hall of Fame Gala, on
May 27, 2018, and paying special tribute to the 2018
Hall of Fame Honorees

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
organizations 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
commend Making the Impossible Possible, Inc. (MIPO) upon the occasion of
hosting its 7th Annual Power of Partnerships, Scholarship and Hall of
Fame Gala, to be held Sunday, May 27, 2018, at the BRIC Arts Media,
Brooklyn, New York, and to pay special tribute to the 2018 Hall of Fame
Honorees; and

WHEREAS, This year's Gala will be hosted by G.K. Williams, a
SAG-AFTRA actor, voiceover artist, on air personality and live
announcer, and entertained by Jules LEGACY Dancers, a non-profit
performing arts dance company for young aspiring artists; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion recognizes the achievements of
MIPO, Inc. honorees for their contribution and commitment to the
communities they serve; the 2018 Hall of Fame Honorees include: Dr.
Isabelle Barriere, Professor, Long Island University; Maria Castaneda,
Secretary/Treasurer, 1199 SEIU; Dr. Humphrey Cookendale, Dean,
Metropolitan College of New York; Donald Etienne, DJ Esalar; Samuel
Eugene, Superintendent of Schools, North Haiti; Meishay Gattis,
Executive Director, YMCA; Ernest Michel, MD, Internist, Owner of Pure
Amanzi; David Morisset, Esq., Chairman of HABNET; Dr. Nelson Moses,
Speech Department Chair, Long Island University; Alvin C. Vanessa Ogar,
Esq., Administrative Law Judge (ALJ); Dr. Marcelin Watler, Program
Director & Training Specialist, Administration for Children's Services;
Joel Widmaier, Artist & Composer, Production Director of Radio
Metropole, President of Haiti Jazz Foundation; and Dr. Elizabeth Wilson,
Assistant Dean for Diversity & Student Life, Director Travelers Summer
Research Fellowship Program for Premedical; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2001, MIPO, Inc. is a non-profit membership
organization, promoting the quality of life of Haitian youth in the
United States and abroad through education, music, character building,
medical care, apprenticeship training, family support, and scholarships;
and

WHEREAS, With a mission to help young men and women transition into
adulthood, MIPO, Inc.'s many projects include a mentoring program,
annual school supplies distribution, and offering teacher professional
development training in schools in Haiti; and

WHEREAS, New York State is home to an active Haitian community,
particularly in Brooklyn and Queens; Haitian immigrants have emerged as
a vibrant part of the local economy as proprietors of a variety of small
businesses, including music shops, grocery stores, restaurants,
bakeries, bars, beauty and barber shops, travel agencies, and shipping
companies; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Founder/President Felina
Backer, the people of this great Empire State are well served by
organizations such as MIPO, Inc., that make supporting our youth, and
preparing the next generation of leaders its top priority; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Making the Impossible Possible, Inc. upon the occasion of
hosting its 7th Annual Power of Partnerships, Scholarship and Hall of
Fame Gala, on May 27, 2018, and to pay special tribute to the 2018 Hall
of Fame Honorees; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Felina Backer, Founder/President, Making the Impossible
Possible, Inc.