LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 3rd Annual Marcie Mazzola Memo-
rial 4-Mile Run/Walk on April 19, 2009

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 organizations,
events, and individuals devoted to improving the lives of the children
of the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 3rd Annual Marcie Mazzola Memorial 4-Mile Run/Walk to take
place in Huntington, New York, on Sunday, April 19, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Marcie Mazzola was a beautiful young woman with a free and
generous spirit, who laughed easily and created a sense of peace in
those around her; she was highly intuitive; her inner beauty surpassed
even her physical beauty and her compassionate and loving nature always
drew her to help others, especially children; and
WHEREAS, On July 6, 2002, shortly after her 2lst birthday, Marcie
Mazzola died tragically in an automobile accident on her way home from
work; a 1999 graduate of Commack High School, she was pursuing a degree
in business at Farmingdale State College; and
WHEREAS, Although she was only 21 at the time of her death, Marcie had
experienced many things and touched many lives; and
WHEREAS, At the time of her death, Marcie was involved in a civil law
suit against a school bus driver who sexually abused her when she was 11
years old; although the case against the perpetrator had originally
resulted in acquittal, at age 19 she hired an attorney on her own to
courageously resume the case; prior to her death, it had been expected
that the case would be won but since Marcie could no longer testify, it
would be very difficult to win; and
WHEREAS, Marcie's attorney met with her family to determine if the
suit should be continued and advised the family that Marcie had confided
in him her intention to donate her entire award to help sexually and
physically abused and at-risk children if she won the case; and
WHEREAS, Once this was known, the family had no doubt that the suit
had to continue and, coupled with the attorney's strong commitment to
Marcie, the case proceeded, and against all odds, was won; and
WHEREAS, Marcie's estate was awarded a monetary settlement and, with
her attorney's guidance and continued support, in 2003, the family
established the Marcie Mazzola Foundation as a tribute to Marcie's life
and to continue her legacy of helping children; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with Marcie's intent, the mission of the founda-
tion is to "help better the lives of abused and at-risk children, and to
build community awareness regarding the needs of children"; and
WHEREAS, Although the Marcie Mazzola Foundation was created out of
tragedy, the events and programs it has established, including the Foun-
dation's annual Butterfly Auction and Annual Marcie Mazzola Memorial
4-Mile Run/Walk, are not about mourning; they are, rather, about having
fun and remembering Marcie as the bright and spirited individual she
was; and
WHEREAS, The 3rd Annual Marcie Mazzola Memorial 4-Mile Run/Walk, the
proceeds of which will provide scholarships for underprivileged children
to attend the Huntington YMCA's 2009 Summer Camp Program, will take
place on Sunday, April 19, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The day will begin with a Kids Fun Run for children 12 years
old and younger on the grounds of the Huntington YMCA; a non-competitive
event, all participants will proudly receive t-shirts and medals; and

WHEREAS, The Marcie Mazzola Memorial 4-Mile Run/Walk attracts partic-
ipants from Long Island and from across the United States; a USATF (USA
Track & Field) sanctioned event, the run begins at the Huntington YMCA's
Main Entrance and traverses four miles of Huntington's beautiful streets
and Hecksher Park; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Huntington YMCA's Summer Camp Program, the
Education and Assistance Corporation's Suffolk County Child Advocacy
Center; Smile Train, which provides corrective surgery for children who
suffer from cleft palate and cleft lip; the Coalition Against Child
Abuse and Neglect; the New York Organ Donor Network; VIBS, the Victims
Information Bureau of Suffolk County; the Rose Brucia Educational Foun-
dation, devoted to reducing child abductions through awareness; and
Island Harvest's Kids Alliance Weekend Food-To-Go Program, which
provides healthy weekend meals for children who might otherwise go
hungry, are among the programs and services which have benefited from
the Marcie Mazzola Foundation's worthy endeavors and commitment of
service; and
WHEREAS, Much more than a four-mile walk or run, the Marcie Mazzola
Memorial 4-Mile Run/Walk is a community and life-affirming event honor-
ing Marcie Mazzola as well as a renewal of commitment to her legacy of
improving the lives of the children of the community; and
WHEREAS, Organizations such as the Marcie Mazzola Foundation which,
because of their diligence and compassionate commitment, significantly
affect and help to improve the quality of life of others, merit the
highest commendation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when people and
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and celebrated by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Marcie Mazzola's family and the Marcie Mazzola Foundation and
all those associated with it, and to commemorate the 3rd Annual Marcie
Mazzola Memorial 4-Mile Run/Walk on April 19, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Marcie Mazzola Foundation, 158 Burr Road, Commack, New
York 11727.