LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Mark Henegan upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Neighborhood Technical
Assistance Clinic on July 1, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge those exemplary individuals whose purposeful lives
and distinguished careers have been committed to bettering the quality
of life in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Mark Henegan upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion by the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic; and
WHEREAS, Mark Henegan will be honored by the Neighborhood Technical
Assistance Clinic at its 11th Anniversary Celebration, a salute to New
York City's nonprofits and the neighborhoods they serve, to be held on
Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Steiner Studios 6, Brooklyn Navy Yard,
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Mark Henegan has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to his community and profession and
consequently has been selected to receive this most prestigious acco-
lade; and
WHEREAS, Mark Henegan arrived in the United States in 1987, and
commenced his hands-on education at top New York City restaurants
including Bayard and IL Buco; and
WHEREAS, He then spent ten years traveling across the United States,
Europe and Central America; in 1999, he along with his wife, Jenny,
opened Madiba, the first South African Restaurant in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Established in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Madiba provides the
culture and vitality of a unique South African experience through its
eclectic cuisine, authentic music, arts and crafts, and highly success-
ful catering business; and
WHEREAS, Madiba pays special homage to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and
Mark Henegan has had the distinct honor of personally serving the Mande-
la family and Archbishop Desmond TuTu; and
WHEREAS, Named as "One of the ten best restaurants in America" by
GOURMET magazine, Madiba is so successful that in 2005, Mark Henegan
added his first franchise branch of the restaurant in South Beach,
Miami, Florida; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, in 2007, Mark Henegan and his wife started a
new company called Asheville Industries; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Mark Henegan has been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless endeavors
and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Mark Henegan is an avid supporter of Ubuntu Education Fund,
Hoops 4 Hope, as well as the Harlem Boys Choir; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his efforts of in-depth magnitude, Mark
Henegan has been honored by the United Nations for bringing South Afri-
can culture to the United States; he also proudly served as the Chef for
the South African Consulate for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Jenny, and his two
sons, Skyler and Troy, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mark Henegan has displayed through-
out his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mark Henegan upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic on July 1,
2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mark Henegan.