LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Tonner and Harris Safier upon the
occasion of their designation for special recognition by the American
Red Cross of the Mid-Hudson Valley at its 5th Annual Fire and Ice Gala
on May 2, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are greatly enriched by the compassionate commitment of individuals who
distinguish themselves in their profession and in service to their
community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robert Tonner and Harris Safier upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by the American Red Cross of the Mid-Hudson
Valley at its 5th Annual Fire and Ice Gala to be held at The Grandview
in Poughkeepsie, New York, on Friday, May 2, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Together, Robert Tonner and Harris Safier have made signif-
icant contributions to numerous local charities and serve as strong
community leaders and advocates in the Mid-Hudson Valley as part of
their humanitarian efforts in the community; and
WHEREAS, As an entrepreneur, fashion designer, sculptor, doll artist
and owner of the Tonner Doll Company, Inc., Effanbee Doll Company, Inc.
and Wilde Imagination, Robert Tonner has had a successful career receiv-
ing special recognition for his work including the honor of having a
permanent piece featured at the Louvre Museum in Paris; and
WHEREAS, Upon completion of a degree at Parsons School of Design,
Robert Tonner began his career in the garment and fashion industry, and
eventually launched his first doll company in 1991 with then business
partner, Harris Safier, which has become an internationally renowned,
multi-division company; and
WHEREAS, Robert Tonner is highly engaged in the local community, serv-
ing on the board of the Kingston Hospital Foundation and as current
President of the Kingston Uptown Business Association (KUBA), with a
full belief in the benefits of giving back through charitable giving and
engagement in countless charity fundraisers and events; and
WHEREAS, In addition to Robert Tonner's charitable efforts, he was
named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of
Commerce; and
WHEREAS, As owner of top realty firm Westwood Metes & Bounds, Harris
Safier has had a successful career in real estate and has given back to
his community throughout his career; and
WHEREAS, After earning a bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology
from the City University of New York and, subsequently, moving to the
Mid-Hudson Valley, Harris Safier became a licensed real estate broker
and founded Metes & Bounds Realty in 1978, becoming a top competitor in
the field and acquiring the already successful Westwood Realty, creating
Westwood Metes & Bounds Realty, Ltd, as it is known today where he
serves as CEO and principal broker; and
WHEREAS, Harris Safier is currently the President of the Ulster County
Board of Realtors and has served on a number of non-profit and community
boards; and
WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Westwood Metes & Bounds Realty,
led by Harris Safier, has sponsored and supported local charities across
the Mid-Hudson Valley with Harris Safier as a noted standard-bearer for
the local LGBTQ community; and

WHEREAS, Together, Robert Tonner and Harris Safier were honored with
the Friends of the Center Award at the Annual Gala for the LGBTQ Center
for their continued humanitarian works within the community; and
WHEREAS, As true assets to society, Robert Tonner and Harris Safier's
distinguished records merit the recognition and respectful tribute of
this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert Tonner and Harris Safier upon the occasion of their desig-
nation as Fire & Ice honorees by the American Red Cross; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Tonner and Harris Safier.