LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Korean American Family Service
Center upon the occasion of celebrating its 24th Annual Benefit Gala on
May 3, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 that are devoted 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 congratu-
late the Korean American Family Service Center upon the occasion of
celebrating its 24th Annual Benefit Gala; this auspicious occasion will
be held on Friday, May 3, 2013, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by Dr. Tai Young Lee who founded the Legal Aid
Center for Women in Korea, and founded in 1989, The Korean American
Family Service Center (KAFSC) is a leading, nonprofit organization that
supports and empowers adults, youth and children to lead safe and heal-
thy lives based on dignity, compassion and mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, KAFSC is committed to preventing and ending domestic violence
and relationship abuse, and creating a violence-free society; its coun-
seling, education and advocacy programs for individuals and families in
the New York Tri-State area are provided in a culturally and linguis-
tically appropriate setting; and
WHEREAS, Since inception, KAFSC has worked tirelessly to promote heal-
thy and respectful relationships within families and among peers of all
ages; its programs include a 24-hour hotline and crisis intervention,
counseling and support services for domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, In addition, KAFSC provides advocacy and education through
community-wide workshops and public campaigns; its Hodori After School
Program for children and YCPT, a youth leadership program, are in ever-
increasing demand; all these services are provided by bilingual profes-
sionals, and without charge; and
WHEREAS, On Friday, May 3, 2013, KAFSC will host its 24th Annual Bene-
fit Gala; its theme will be "Raising Hope and Transforming Lives"; and
WHEREAS, The distinguished recipients of honor at the 2013 KAFSC Annu-
al Benefit Gala include: two Vision in Action awardees and a corporate
honoree; and
WHEREAS, The two KAFSC Vision in Action Awardees are: Queens Legal
Services and SooKyung Nam Vitale, and attorney Pamela Chen; and
WHEREAS, Queens Legal Services provides incredible legal work for
those in need and, as an attorney for QLS, SooKyung has dedicated many
years of service to promote the well-being and healthy functioning of
women, children, and families; attorney Pamela Chen is an individual who
has a long and distinguished career as a public servant, with much of
her work focusing on civil rights; and
WHEREAS, KAFSC's 2013 corporate honoree is BBCN Bank, an organization
that is the definition of corporate social responsibility, and consist-
ently works to better our communities; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Korean American
Family Service Center and its 2013 Annual Benefit Gala honorees; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Korean American Family Service Center upon the occasion
of celebrating its 24th Annual Benefit Gala; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Korean American Family Service Center, and to Queens
Legal Services, SooKyung Nam Vitale, Pamela Chen and BBCN Bank.