Senate Resolution No. 1507

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

HONORING Wisdom Farm upon the occasion of its
designation as Organization of the Year by the
Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated on
March 19, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those outstanding organizations whose commitment, dedication and
service contribute significantly to the vitality and well-being of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Wisdom Farm upon the occasion of its designation as Organization of the
Year by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 53rd
Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Samuel's Grande Manor
in Williamsville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Wisdom Farm is a not-for-profit organization located in
Clarence Center, New York, founded by Karen Arrison and her late
husband, and is devoted to fostering environments and experiences that
promote healing and a return to wellness for both animals and
individuals; and

WHEREAS, Wisdom Farm is an interactive and integrative wellness farm
whose mission centers on the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care
of horses, and the use of those horses in equine facilitated learning
experiences designed to support returning veterans coping with
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as others who may benefit
from such therapeutic programs; and

WHEREAS, Through innovative and compassionate programming, Wisdom
Farm offers equine facilitated workshops, Family Healing Days, Wise
Warriors Yoga at the Pond, the Heroes Harvest Veterans Garden Project,
the Stable Fists Shadow Boxing Program, and an annual Veterans Day
Family Day Celebration, in addition to a Young Readers Program serving
children of all ages and abilities; and

WHEREAS, Through strategic fundraising and community support, Wisdom
Farm has ensured that all programs are provided at no cost to veterans,
their families, and caregivers, thereby removing barriers to access and
reinforcing its deep commitment to service; and

WHEREAS, Each animal resident of Wisdom Farm has been rescued,
retired, or rehomed to the farm, where they receive compassionate care
and play an integral role in the healing journeys of those they serve;
and

WHEREAS, The vision and leadership of Karen Arrison has been central
to the success of Wisdom Farm; she is a longtime resident of Clarence
Center, New York, and currently serves as President of the Clement and
Karen Arrison Legacy Foundation, as well as the Clement and Karen
Arrison Family Charitable Foundation, and is President of Karen Fick
Design, Inc., a position she has held for 35 years; and


WHEREAS, Karen Arrison has demonstrated an enduring commitment to
cultural preservation, philanthropy, and civic leadership, serving on
numerous boards including Buffalo Toronto Public Media, the Buffalo
Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation, Kleinhans Music Hall, The
Preservation League of New York State, SASI, and The American Holistic
Veterinary Medical Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she and her late husband were honored with the
Preservation Buffalo Niagara Award for Restoration and the Red Jacket
Award, and are patrons of the Stradivari Society of Chicago, reflecting
a lifetime dedication to preservation, arts, and community enrichment;
and

WHEREAS, The Clarence Chamber of Commerce's recognition of Wisdom
Farm as Organization of the Year is a fitting tribute to an organization
whose compassion, innovation, and service have strengthened the Clarence
community and enriched the lives of countless individuals and families;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Wisdom Farm upon the occasion of its designation as Organization
of the Year by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on March 19, 2026; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Karen Arrison, Wisdom Farm.