LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz of Stepping
Stones Nursery School upon the occasion of their designation as recipi-
ents of the Love Fighter Award by Pietrosfight.org

WHEREAS, It is the practice 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 honor
Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz of Stepping Stones Nursery School upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the Love Fighter Award by
Pietrosfight.org to be celebrated at its Fight Night! Round III Pietro
vs. DMD on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the El Caribe Country Club,
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Pietrosfight.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
raising awareness and funds to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy (DMD), one of the most common and lethal childhood genetic
disorders in the world; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization was founded by Manni and Dayna Scarso
in 2012, after they learned their 3-year-old son, Pietro, was diagnosed
with DMD; Pietrosfight.org continues to promote funding for research
which will cure this deadly disease; and
WHEREAS, Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz met and became friends 16 years
ago while student teaching at PS 204; after graduating college, Rosanna
and Dawn taught for three years at PS 179, before deciding to take a
chance on opening their own nursery school; and
WHEREAS, Since founding Stepping Stones Nursery School in 2002, these
two successfully constructed several learning programs with the help of
their inspirational teachers; and
WHEREAS, Four years ago, Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz expanded their
school's programs and opened Stepping Stones-The Next Step for Preschool
Children; and
WHEREAS, Today, Rosanna Rizzo is the proud mother of two children, and
Dawn Ortiz, three children; in addition, both truly enjoy their careers,
and having the opportunity to meet the many wonderful, dedicated parents
in their community; and
WHEREAS, After meeting the Scarso family, Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz
have shown true dedication to fighting Pietro's Fight, and remain
committed to helping find a cure; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz have
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
honor Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz of Stepping Stones Nursery School
upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Love Fighter
Award by Pietrosfight.org; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rosanna Rizzo and Dawn Ortiz.