2013-J755
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Cathleen Laporte upon the occasion of
establishing the foundation Athletes for Haiti
WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality
of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-
worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Cathleen Laporte upon the occasion of establishing the foundation
Athletes for Haiti; and
WHEREAS, In creating Athletes for Haiti, Cathleen Laporte mobilized
professional athletes, sports teams, and corporations to support educa-
tion, sports and art initiatives to benefit the youth of Haiti, who
suffered greatly in the 2010 earthquake; and
WHEREAS, The overall objective of Athletes for Haiti is to raise
awareness about the plight of Haitian and Haitian American children in
Haiti, and for American athletes to raise funds to benefit such youth
through mentoring programs, sports initiatives and academic scholar-
ships; and
WHEREAS, New York honors those individuals who give of their time to
serve the needs of our community, and the communities that are tightly
linked to our great state through immigration, and ties of commerce,
affinity, and charitable works; and
WHEREAS, Cathleen Laporte previously founded one of New York's most
unique philanthropic organizations, Athletes for Charity, in which she
focused her energy and that of others toward serving the most vulnerable
children; many were those suffering with HIV/AIDS, caught in the foster
care system or growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, In identifying the needs of young people, Cathleen Laporte
uses her exceptional communication skills, interpersonal relationships,
intelligence and leadership skills to provide positive reinforcement and
mentorship to disadvantaged American youth; and
WHEREAS, Cathleen Laporte has displayed impressive dedication to work-
ing for the benefit of others both in America, and in her project to
benefit the children of Haiti, and is therefore a valued asset to socie-
ty and the Haitian community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Cathleen Laporte upon the occasion of establishing the foundation
Athletes for Haiti, and for her dedication to helping New York's most
vulnerable children as well as the children of Haiti; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Cathleen Laporte.