Assembly Resolution No. 528

BY: M. of A. Conrad

COMMENDING Educators Totally Committed upon the
occasion of hosting its 35th Annual Jerry Starr
Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut from February 4-5, 2022

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 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
commend Educators Totally Committed upon the occasion of hosting its
35th Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut; and

WHEREAS, This yearly event will be held at the Hoover Complex in
Tonawanda, New York, beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022,
and ending the next morning at 6 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, The SleepOut is organized by Educators Totally Committed
(E.T.C.), a group of retired Ken-Ton School District teachers dedicated
to inspiring students to help those in need, and is named in honor of
one of its founders, the late Jerry Starr, who was always known for
putting others before himself; and

WHEREAS, Those students from grades Kindergarten through 12th,
teachers and staff who choose to "sleep out" will spend the night
outside in refrigerator boxes to raise funds through pledges and
awareness about the struggles faced by the homeless and the importance
of helping those in need in our community; and

WHEREAS, All donations will stay in the Ken-Ton community and go to
two homegrown Ken-Ton organizations that serve the needs of families:
Ken-Ton Closet, which provides new and gently used clothing and everyday
necessities for hundreds of Ken-Ton children and families, at its site
in the former Jefferson Elementary building; and Family Support Center,
which provides individual and family counseling, connections to local
mental health service providers, and transportation to appointments
(also addresses food insecurity through its on-site food pantry) for
hundreds of Ken-Ton School District families, at the former Longfellow
School behind Kenmore Middle School; and

WHEREAS, Individuals can also support the SleepOut through monetary,
food, personal care items, new/gently used clothing and small furniture
donations; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1988, the Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton
Schools' SleepOut has raised over $1 million dollars along with
donations of food, clothes and small furniture items for families in
need in the Western New York region; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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 Educators Totally Committed upon the occasion of hosting its
35th Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut, and to wish it great
success in all its philanthropic endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Educators Totally Committed.