LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James Halpin upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2015 Friend of Mercy Award by Mercy Home
for Children

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenry; and
WHEREAS, James Halpin has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
James Halpin upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2015 Friend of Mercy Award by Mercy Home for Children to be celebrated
at its Annual Partners in Mercy Luncheon on Sunday, April 19, 2015, at
Russo's on the Bay, Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mercy Home for Children, located in Brooklyn, New York, was
founded in 1862, by the Sisters of Mercy, and is a non-profit social
service agency specializing in residential and supportive programs for
persons with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Mercy Home for Children
assures the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabili-
ties through the recognition of each person's inherent dignity and abso-
lute right to a life filled with learning and love; and
WHEREAS, James Halpin is being presented with this illustrious award
in recognition of his outstanding commitment, generosity and dedication
to the mission of Mercy Home for Children; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Bronx, James Halpin graduated from St.
Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a degree in both
Business Management and Finance; and
WHEREAS, James Halpin began his career in computer systems management
with ABM; in 1997, he established Platinum Maintenance, a firm special-
izing in stone and wood maintenance and restoration; today, the company
is one of the leading service companies in New York; and
WHEREAS, A firm believer in raising awareness of the needs of the less
fortunate, currently James Halpin holds numerous positions at several
organizations, including a member of the Board of Trustees at Cademon
School and a member of the National Board for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association, Vice Chair of the Florina Rusi Marke Breast Cancer Founda-
tion, and Regional Chair for NIAF; and
WHEREAS, In addition, James Halpin serves on the Boards of the Hamil-
ton Madison House, Race Against MS, the New York Chinese Opera Society,
and is the Event Founder of St. Angela's Elementary School in the Bronx,
as well as the co-Head of the Diabetes Research Institute Empire Ball
Steering Committee; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, James Halpin has been a vital member of the
Mercy Home Development Committee for 10 years, and is currently serving
on the Executive Committee for the Sporting Clay's Event; and
WHEREAS, James Halpin is the proud father of two children, James and
Kayla, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; 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
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James Halpin upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2015 Friend of Mercy Award by Mercy Home for Children; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Halpin.