LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Italian Board of Guardians upon the
occasion of its Annual Bishops Gala and 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration
on May 11, 2011

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the communities across New
York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of
organizations which distinguish themselves in service to their community
and it is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize milestones in
the history of such organizations; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Italian Board of Guardians upon the occasion of its Annual Bishops Gala
and 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration, to be held at Russo's on the Bay
in Howard Beach, New York on Wednesday evening, May 11, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound Band as well as renowned Tenor Christo-
pher Macchio will entertain at the Gala, greatly adding to the festive-
ness and enjoyment of this auspicious occasion; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Board of Guardians (IBG), a Bensonhurst, Brook-
lyn-based nonprofit social services agency, is an affiliate of Catholic
Charities (Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens), and a member agency of
United Way of New York City and of the Human Services Council; and
WHEREAS, The IBG was founded in 1936 by Victor L. Anfuso, an Italian
immigrant, to keep young Italian males focused on their education, to
strengthen their family bonds, and to address the emotional, educa-
tional, and social needs of the Italian-American community; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the issues and needs of the communities in
New York City have changed, as have the IBG's efforts to address those
issues and needs; and
WHEREAS, Over the past three-quarters of a century, the IBG has
evolved and has expanded its programs and services for all ages to
include home companion services, professional counseling, supplementary
educational services, entitlement information, and referral services;
and
WHEREAS, The IBG is fittingly proud to celebrate 75 years as the
second oldest Italian-American organization in New York City; preceded
only by the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), it continues to
provide high quality, low cost social services which address needs of
communities and individuals throughout the Greater New York Metropolitan
Area regardless of color, sex, creed or ethnic origin; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of President Joseph V. Curcio, with
great pleasure, the IBG is proud to showcase the organization and its
good works and to celebrate its illustrious past as it joyously looks
toward its future at its 75th Diamond Jubilee Gala; and
WHEREAS, That IBG, a small, community based charitable organization,
has withstood the economic highs and lows since its inception in 1936 is
a most commendable testament to all of its past and present board
members and supporters over the years; and
WHEREAS, Heightening the celebration and commemoration of the mile-
stone of its 75th Anniversary, the IBG has chosen this most special
occasion to announce the establishment and launching of the IBG Hall of
Fame, recognizing, initially, the achievements of prominent Italian-Am-
ericans over the course of its first 75 years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions, such as the Italian Board of Guardians, which have faithfully
served the needs of their community with diligence and compassionate
commitment to improving the quality and dignity of life in the community
are brought to our attention, 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
honor the Italian Board of Guardians, and its past and present members,
upon the occasion of its Annual Bishops Gala and 75th Diamond Jubilee
Celebration on May 11, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Italian Board of Guardians.