Assembly Resolution No. 312

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

COMMEMORATING the 140th Anniversary of the
American Red Cross on May 21, 2021

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
organizations, and their employees and volunteers, 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
commemorate the 140th Anniversary of the American Red Cross on Friday,
May 21, 2021; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated with a blood
drive at Proctor's Theater in Schenectady, New York, on Thursday, May
20, 2021; and

WHEREAS, The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and
chartered by the United States Congress in 1905, is one of our nation's
oldest and most recognized humanitarian organizations; and

WHEREAS, For 140 years its generous donors, volunteers, partners and
employees, have shared a mission of preventing and relieving suffering,
here at home and around the world, through disaster relief, support of
America's military families, life-saving blood, international services,
as well as health and safety services; and

WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is always there in times of need,
aspiring to turn compassion into action so that all people affected by
disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter
and hope; our communities are ready and prepared for disasters; everyone
in our country has access to safe, life-saving blood and blood products;
all members of our armed services and their families find support and
comfort whenever needed; and in an emergency, there are always trained
individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives;
and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of President and CEO
Gail J. McGovern, this vital organization continues to uphold its
pledge: "We Are The American Red Cross - Sleeves Up. Hearts Open. All
In."; each hour of every day, approximately 1,000 people receive help
from the American Red Cross; every two seconds, someone in the U.S.
needs blood; each day, nearly 13,000 people receive life-saving Red
Cross training; and volunteers comprise more than 90 percent of its
workforce; and

WHEREAS, The success of the American Red Cross is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its expert staff and dedicated volunteers,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and
the community it serves; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 140th Anniversary of the American Red Cross on May 21,
2021; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gail J. McGovern, President and CEO, the American Red
Cross.