LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Neil's Wheels upon the occasion of its
designation for special recognition for ongoing efforts to raise the
awareness of and alleviate hunger and homelessness on Long Island

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 commend
Neil's Wheels upon the occasion of its designation for special recogni-
tion for ongoing efforts to raise the awareness of and alleviate hunger
and homelessness on Long Island; and
WHEREAS, Neil's Wheels was established in 1999 to help students feel
comfortable and safe when discussing any problem, including alcoholism,
drug addiction and mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Named after former Manhasset High School star lacrosse play-
er, Neil Barber, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1995, Neil's
Wheels has been extraordinarily active in the community; based on Neil's
own battle with mental illness and subsequent homelessness, the organ-
ization focuses on feeding the homeless on Long Island; and
WHEREAS, Among its myriad activities, Neil's Wheels has promoted a
successful Manhasset Middle School dance which collected 821 cans of
food for homeless dinners and ecumenical food pantries on Long Island;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Neil's Wheels has achieved success in its spon-
sorship of events to raise food for the homeless and hungry at St.
Peter's School Halloween dances in Port Washington, New York, as well as
with student community projects and Boy and Girl Scout outreach
programs; and
WHEREAS, The New York Islanders professional hockey team has desig-
nated Neil's Wheels as the beneficiary for donations of food at its game
to be held on March 26, 2011, at the Nassau Coliseum; each fan at the
game is encouraged to bring one can of food as the admittance fee; it is
estimated that 18,000 cans of food for the homeless will be donated as a
result of this initiative; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments as Neil's Wheels,
which serve to bring people together for the united purpose of actively
pursuing improvements in their communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Neil's Wheels upon the occasion of its designation for special
recognition for ongoing efforts to raise the awareness of and alleviate
homelessness and hunger on Long Island; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Neil's Wheels.