LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the "B" Bridges Exchange Program and
its members for their outstanding work with the students of Xaverian
High School in Brooklyn, New York

WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serv-
ing can be sustained and strengthened; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
the dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals from across
the State of New York who volunteer their time and energies in service
to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the "B" Bridges Exchange Program and its members for their outstanding
work with the students of Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, New York;
and
WHEREAS, The "B" Bridges Exchange Program is a volunteer group
consisting of close to 500 people who have traveled back and forth
between New York City and Inuyama, Japan, with the mission of fostering
good works and inter-cultural education; and
WHEREAS, This unique program has brought Japanese teachers and educa-
tion study groups to Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, and has sponsored
charity events in both New York City and Inuyama; and
WHEREAS, The "B" Bridges Exchange Program's first event in Inuyama
featured a concert by the Xaverian Jazz Band; this event raised money to
benefit foreign residents who had lost their jobs; and
WHEREAS, Following the 2011 tsunami, the "B" Bridges Exchange Program
and Xaverian High School held fundraising events in both New York and
Japan to benefit those whose lives were affected by the disaster; and
WHEREAS, The next year, these two community-minded groups joined
together again in fundraising efforts to help residents of New York City
after Hurricane Sandy; and
WHEREAS, A tremendous experience for all involved, the "B" Bridges
Exchange Program has demonstrated the value of cultural transmission and
community service; and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism promotes family and community solidarity; most
importantly, people who volunteer their time in civic and charitable
endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; the members of the
"B" Bridges Exchange Program and the students of Xaverian High School
are such volunteers; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the "B" Bridges Exchange Program and its members for their
outstanding work with the students of Xaverian High School in Brooklyn,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the members of the "B" Bridges Exchange Program and the
students of Xaverian High School.