LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Bonnie Youth Club upon the occasion
of holding its 5th Annual Bonnie Opening Day Parade and Ceremony on
April 12, 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, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Bonnie
Youth Club upon the occasion of holding its 5th Annual Bonnie Opening
Day Parade and Ceremony on April 12, 2014, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Bonnie Youth Club was founded in 1949 by Al Bonnie Sr.
and his two sons, Al Jr. and Joe; for the past 65 years, this fine all-
volunteer organization has been helping young children develop into
outstanding adults by imparting life-long values that prepare student-
athletes for success in the future; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the Bonnie Youth Club welcomes over 400 children
between five and 21 years of age to the Bonnie Baseball program, in
which children learn the fundamentals of baseball, while experiencing
the camaraderie and excitement of America's favorite pastime; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to helping its young players, most of whom are from
minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the Bonnie Youth
Club uses baseball as a catalyst for imparting academic, social, and
emotional skills to young people who might not otherwise be engaged; and
WHEREAS, In conjunction with Bonnie Baseball, the Bonnie Youth Club's
SUPPORT, SERVICE, AND SUCCESS, program, initiated in 1999, emphasizes
the importance of education, while assisting with high school and
college placement; and
WHEREAS, Alumni of the Bonnie Youth Club have gone on to attend top
colleges and universities, and lead successful lives, always remembering
the lessons learned through this esteemed institution; and
WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Bonnie Youth
Club has demonstrated the value of youth baseball in helping young
people become healthy, productive and responsible citizens; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Bonnie Youth Club upon the occasion of holding its 5th Annual
Bonnie Opening Day Parade and Ceremony; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bonnie Youth Club.