Assembly Resolution No. 525

BY: M. of A. Heastie

COMMEMORATING the 30th Anniversary of New York
Cares, and paying special tribute to its volunteers
for their many years of hard work and dedication in
service to their community

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
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of New York Cares, and to pay special
tribute to its volunteers who, through their hard work and dedication,
have made it the largest network of volunteers in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Executive Director Gary Bagley,
last year alone, New York Cares engaged more than 64,000 caring New
Yorkers on programs at over 1,300 nonprofit and public school partners
such as: improving educational outcomes for children and adults,
meeting immediate needs of the most vulnerable populations, and
revitalizing the City's public spaces; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1987, New York Cares has organized
approximately six million hours of volunteer work, collected more than
one and a half million coats for those in need, and served nearly three
million meals to New Yorkers who would otherwise have gone hungry; and

WHEREAS, Over three decades, from granting children's winter wishes
and planting local gardens to providing free SAT tutoring for
college-bound students, the volunteers of New York Cares, from all five
boroughs of New York City, have worked together to brighten the lives of
their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and
serving can be sustained and strengthened; and

WHEREAS, In addition, volunteerism promotes family and community
solidarity; most importantly, people who volunteer their time in civic
and charitable endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations and individuals 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
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of New York Cares, and to pay special
tribute to its volunteers for their many years of hard work and
dedication in service to their community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gary Bagley, Executive Director, New York Cares.