LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim August 22, 2010, as Rose Brucia Stranger Safety Awareness Day
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor David A. Paterson to proclaim August 22, 2010, as Rose Brucia Stran-
ger Safety Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation's goal is to spread
its message to all elementary school-aged children across New York
State; and
WHEREAS, The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation was founded by Matthew
J. Barbis when his 11-year-old cousin, Carlie Brucia was abducted and
murdered in Sarasota, Florida in 2004; the Foundation's goal is to
reduce the number of child abductions in America by educating and
empowering young minds with the knowledge necessary to avoid abduction;
and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Stranger Safety Program has been
welcomed into the community with open arms; it was through Carlie's
abduction that changed Matthew Barbis's way of life; his family's trage-
dy has prompted him to take action and help other children in America;
and
WHEREAS, Carlie Brucia's abduction was highly publicized and now
stands as a call to action for families and individuals everywhere to
stand up to child predators; and
WHEREAS, The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation derives its name from
Rose A. Brucia, Matthew Barbis's grandmother; and
WHEREAS, Utilizing puppets and simple self-defense techniques, the
foundation visits elementary schools on a regular basis and performs the
Stranger Safety Program, free of charge; the Stranger Safety Program is
a joint effort with The Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, and upon
the creation of the concept, Good Samaritan partnered with Matthew
Barbis to develop the program and introduce it into the local community;
and
WHEREAS, The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
it is a true asset to society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim August 22, 2010, as
Rose Brucia Stranger Safety Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew J. Barbis, Founder, Rose Brucia Educational Founda-
tion.