LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Willie
Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Program on March 23, 2014

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 who would devote themselves 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 commem-
orate the 30th Anniversary of the Willie Hutch Jones Educational and
Sports Program, which was celebrated at its First Annual "Roast"
Fundraising Event on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Templeton Landing,
Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Program (WHJSC)
began in 1984, after Buffalo native, Willie "Hutch" Jones, completed his
professional NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers; while continuing to
play basketball in the European Pro League, he became instilled with a
strong desire to give back to his hometown; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a background in
Physical Education, Willie Jones started his own youth training program
in Buffalo, New York, to provide disadvantaged youth with better oppor-
tunities through special instruction and strong positive influences;
with the help of close friends LeRoi Johnson and Bernard Mitchell, he
turned his vision into reality by creating the Willie Hutch Jones Educa-
tional and Sports Program; and
WHEREAS, WHJSC set out to enhance the lives of young men and women of
all racial and economic backgrounds in the City of Buffalo, particularly
those from low income families; using basketball and other sports activ-
ities, it soon attracted large numbers of young people to its clinics;
and
WHEREAS, Once trust and relationships were built, WHJSC and its
members began to uplift the youth of the community through educational
programs to teach career building skills, discourage juvenile delinquen-
cy and encourage high achievement; its valuable services have always
been offered free of charge and its founders vow that this will always
continue; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed year-round program offers numerous sports clin-
ics in the summer, including Basketball, Crew, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball
and more; during the school year, it admirably offers a nationally
recognized math and science program, a competitive chess club and
foreign language instruction; furthermore, children are also able to
express themselves in the performance arts, participating in dance,
music and acting instruction; and
WHEREAS, WHJSC fully embodies its motto, "Lifting as We Climb" effec-
tively carrying out its mission to provide instruction in skill develop-
ment, academic enrichment, finance management, youth leadership and
lifetime social skills; the program's staff and volunteers, who are all
certified educators in their specific areas of expertise, mentor and
guide students to reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, WHJSC has helped over 10,000 young men and women since its
inception and is a true cornerstone of its community; it stands ready to
continue its important mission providing opportunities and enriching the
lives of young people for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the

recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Willie Hutch Jones Educational
and Sports Program; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Program, and to
its founder, Willie "Hutch" Jones.